Here’s to doing the hard thing, Let’s do them together

#MessageFromTheMayor

Well, February is here, and the pandemic persists. It’s easy to become discouraged by all that seems to be going wrong around us. I regularly receive messages from community members who are concerned about the rise in homelessness, the negative impacts of climate change on our community, and questions surrounding police activity and accountability. I want you to know that I hear you, and I see these issues as well.

The challenges facing our community are complex and layered. Solutions are not easy, but there are a few helpful things we can start with: empathy, compassion, understanding, and respect. When we seek to understand the complexities of the issue and listen deeply to the lived experiences of those most impacted; when we lead with respect in our verbal and nonverbal communication; when we consider what it might be like in someone else’s shoes and let that lead to compassion—then we have a foundation from which we can work together toward sustainable solutions.

I’m not saying it will be easy—it won’t. But we can do hard things. We’ve been doing hard things ever since this pandemic started, and really for longer than that. Addressing some of the most significant challenges facing our community will be difficult, but we can help lighten the load by committing to kindness, perseverance, and caring for our neighbors. I’m here to listen, and you can reach me at lbeaty@BeavertonOregon.gov or (503) 526-2345. Here’s to doing hard things together in 2022!

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