It’s time to look ahead, January always feels like a reset

The holidays are behind us, the lights come down, and the days can feel long and gray. But it is also a time to look ahead, and in Beaverton, there is plenty to look forward to in 2026.

We are welcoming Pulitzer Prize–winning author Tracy Kidder to The Reser as part of this year’s One Book, One Beaverton program. We are also breaking ground on Meadowlark, a new senior affordable housing community on Fifth Street across from the library. The building will include a Head Start preschool on the ground floor, creating a unique opportunity for generations to connect. I am especially excited about this project, as it represents our city’s commitment to inclusion and belonging, and creates spaces for older adults to stay in Beaverton.

We are shaping our Climate Action Plan and continuing to attract new businesses and investment to Beaverton, all while keeping our focus on ensuring this city remains a welcoming place for everyone.

I hope you will make plans to join me on March 2 for our annual State of the City. It is one of my favorite nights of the year, a chance to celebrate the people who keep this city running. Our staff show up every day with creativity, care, and commitment to public service. Even as we have made some difficult budget decisions, their dedication has not wavered.

Like many cities across Oregon, we are navigating real financial challenges. Our City Manager and her team are working hard to sustain services and protect what residents value most. In the months ahead, the Council and I will continue to publicly discuss how to make our city’s finances more sustainable through careful stewardship, new revenue options, and partnerships with our community.

Together, we will continue to build a Beaverton that works for everyone — a city that is resilient, welcoming, and ready for the future.

—Lacey

Lacey Beaty was re-elected Mayor of Beaverton in 2024. Prior to serving as Mayor, she served for six years on the Beaverton City Council.