October in Beaverton: My priorities remain steady

October in Beaverton: My priorities remain steady

Fall is a wonderful time to experience Beaverton. The air is cooler, school is back in session, and our parks, libraries, local businesses, and gathering places take on a different kind of energy. It is also a season that reminds us how important it is to stay connected as our routines change and the days grow shorter.

There are many simple ways to take part in our community this fall. Visit a locally owned restaurant or shop, attend a neighborhood or cultural event, explore a new corner of the library, or enjoy one of our parks and trails. Check in with a neighbor who may need an extra hand. Small actions like these strengthen the relationships that make Beaverton feel like home.

Those connections are especially important as we work through some difficult issues together. Over the past month, the City Council and City leadership have had serious conversations about Beaverton’s budget and the possibility of further reductions.

A city budget is more than a spreadsheet. It affects the services residents rely on and the employees who provide them. Beaverton faces a long-term structural challenge because the cost of delivering services continues to rise faster than the revenue available to support them. Addressing that challenge will require lasting changes, not temporary fixes.

My priorities remain steady: protecting core services, considering affordability for residents, supporting City employees, and being transparent about the choices and tradeoffs ahead. You deserve honest information and meaningful opportunities to be part of the conversation.

Even during difficult seasons, there is so much to appreciate about Beaverton. Our strength comes from people who care about this community and one another. As we move through the fall, I hope you will find a way to connect, participate, and enjoy something our city has to offer.

—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.