Feeling Grateful: Reflecting over the past year

#MessageFromTheMayor

Like many of you, I’m reflecting on the past year and all that I’m grateful for. This time last year, I had just been voted in as your new mayor, and looked forward to doing great things in, with, and for our community. Even in the midst of the pandemic and a shift in government, I’m thankful for what we’ve accomplished. We hit the ground running in January, working with state representatives, senators, and regional partners to move toward equitable recovery.

In February, there was a lack of clear communication and expectations about the COVID-19 vaccine, from who was eligible to where to get one. We convened a COVID-19 Summit, bringing together regional leaders to address these issues. Within two weeks, we piloted the first mass vaccination POD in Washington County, right on the Nike campus. This impressively efficient public-private partnership went on to distribute nearly 50,000 life-saving doses. Over the summer, I shared with you about additional ARPA funding that we helped funnel into Beaverton, focused on childcare, homeless services, affordable housing, behavioral health court implementation, and support for emerging nonprofits and the arts.

Even as we have work ahead of us, I want to pause in gratitude for the significant strides we have made toward recovery. Please keep wearing your mask, safely distancing, and get vaccinated if you’re able. I wake up every day excited to get to work. Thank you for choosing me to be your mayor.

Lacey Beaty was elected Beaverton’s Mayor in 2020. Prior to serving as Mayor, she served for six years on Beaverton City Council.