Happy New Year, Beaverton! Be kind, what have we got to lose?

#MessageFromTheMayor

One year ago, I encouraged us to think about what we were learning through the pandemic and how that might shape the way forward. The world has changed so much in just 12 months.

Many of us are making resolutions once again. Here’s mine: embrace kindness. I want to encourage you to bring this into your resolutions, goals, or intentions for 2023.

It didn’t start during the pandemic, but the deep polarization and division in our country and the world have gotten worse. Our public discourse is increasingly uncivil, and our elected leaders are experiencing more threats than ever. There is plenty of room for disagreement and in fact, that’s how we learn and grow.

We have different ideas, different beliefs, and different favorite ice cream flavors. These are not the things that define us, and they shouldn’t divide us either. When the pandemic threw things into the spin cycle, we came together here in Beaverton to adapt to the changing environment. We established new businesses, supported old ones, opened new spaces to care for our community’s most vulnerable, and created new areas to gather. Together, we renewed our city.

It wasn’t easy or without conflict, but we’ve taken big strides as a community. Next up, let’s be intentional with kindness. My daughter is watching me and learning from me.  And many of you have little ones watching you. Let’s set the bar high for them. Be kind. What have we got to lose?

Enjoy the year!

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