Our Town: Camping Ordinance | Passport | City Budget | Summer Events

#BeavertonCityNews

Council Adopts Camping Ordinance

The City Council has approved an updated ordinance outlining where and when people experiencing homelessness can camp within city limits on public property and in the public right-of-way. The changes include allowing camping between the hours of 9 p.m. and 7:30 a.m. when no other shelter is available and with requirements for distances to places like schools and freeway entrances, as well as regulations for obstruction, intoxicants, and litter.

Beaverton, along with other cities and counties across the state, must update camping ordinances to comply with House Bill 3115, which was adopted by the Oregon State Legislature in 2021 and outlines time, place, and manner requirements that must be defined by Saturday, Jul. 1. In parallel with these code changes, the city will also continue exploring additional homelessness services. The city recognizes that these amendments are likely to require adjustments and updates over time. Like other local jurisdictions, the city is committed to learning and improving its approach as new conditions arise.

Learn about HB 3115, resources for people experiencing homelessness, and find a toolkit for business owners at www.BeavertonOregon.gov/BeavertonHomelessnessResponse.

Need a Passport? Walk-ins Welcome Starting Jul. 11

Interested in traveling to another country? Do you have a passport? Do you know what the requirements are or where to get one?

Visit www.BeavertonOregon.gov/Passports for a list of document, identification, photo, and cost requirements.

I have everything I need. Where can I apply?

Visit www.BeavertonOregon.gov/Passports to book an appointment at City Hall, 12725 SW Millikan Way.

I don’t want to book an appointment. What are my options?

Starting Tuesday, Jul. 11, just walk in! The first 20 applicants will be able to walk into City Hall and have their passport processed. Weekly walk-in times will be from 8:30 a.m. to noon Tuesdays through Thursdays. Weekly appointment days will be Mondays and Fridays.

How can I learn more?

Visit www.BeavertonOregon.gov/Passports.

City Council Adopts $465 Million Budget, Maintains Essential Community Services and Programs

The City Council adopted a balanced $465 million operating and capital budget for fiscal year 2023-24 to maintain core services and advance city priorities — public safety, emergency management, infrastructure improvements, environmental and equity initiatives, and library programs are among the investments for the community.

Projects like the city’s first year-round shelter for people experiencing homelessness, the Downtown Loop, affordable housing developments, street maintenance, tree canopy preservation, bookmobile services, and a multicultural needs assessment are included.

The FY 2023-24 budget is effective Saturday, Jul. 1.

The budget addresses a $10 million general fund shortfall, $1 million library fund deficit, and immediate steps toward long-term fiscal sustainability.

The approved budget includes a combination of workforce reductions of primarily vacant and some filled positions; modest adjustments to citywide fees, such as business license fee increases; and changes to the city’s property tax rate from $4.23 to the maximum of $4.62 per $1,000 of assessed valuation. This maximum tax rate was approved by voters in 1996.

In addition, operations at the Murray Scholls branch library will reduce from seven to five days each week with changes to services and programs. The new hours, yet to be determined, will begin Friday, Sep. 1. Current hours and most services at the Main Library will continue to welcome patrons from all our neighborhoods.

Ultimately, the approved budget reflects a commitment to long-term fiscal responsibility and changes to approaches since the change to a Council-Manager form of government where the city’s day-to-day functions are overseen by a City Manager with the City Council as the governing body.

Learn more at www.BeavertonOregon.gov/Budget.

City Of Beaverton Presents 2023 Community Events

Events in JULY

July 4th Concert and Celebration Tuesday, Jul. 4 | 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Veterans Memorial Park. Summer afternoon of fun and music. Partner event with THPRD.
Ten Tiny Dances® Saturday, Jul. 8 | 5 p.m. | The Round. Ten performative works confined to a 4’ x 4’ stage.
9th Annual Beaverton Night Market Saturday, Jul. 22 | 5-10 p.m. | The Round. An evening of cultural sharing through food, arts, crafts, and performance.

Events in AUGUST

National Night Out Tuesday, Aug. 1 | 5:30-7:30 p.m. Cedar Hills Park. Celebrating a night out against crime with friends and neighbors.
9th Annual Beaverton Night Market Saturday, Aug. 12 | 5-10 p.m. | The Round An evening of cultural sharing through food, arts, crafts, and performance.
Flicks by the Fountain Friday, Aug. 25 | 6:30-10:30 p.m. Beaverton City Park. Activities begin at 6:30 p.m., movie begins at dusk.

Events in SEPTEMBER

Welcoming Week Friday, Sep. 8 through Sunday, Sep. 17 Varying Locations. Bringing together immigrant and U.S.-born community members.
Beaverton Half Marathon Saturday, Sep. 9 | 8 a.m. to noon | Beginning at Portland Running Company. Adventure through scenic roads and trails throughout Beaverton.
Sam Day 5K (City-supported event). Saturday, Sep. 16 | 8:30 a.m. | NW Greenbrier Parkway. 5K & Kids Run hosted by the Sam Day Foundation.
Beaverton Sun Run (City-supported event). Saturday, Sep. 23 | 7 a.m. | SW 5th Street from SW Griffith Drive to SW Menlo Drive. 5K and 10K family event hosted by the Rotary Club of Beaverton.
Beaverton Celebration Parade (City-supported event).Saturday, Sep. 23 | 10 a.m. to noon | SW 5th Street from SW Griffith Drive to SW Menlo Drive. A day of festive floats, marching bands, community groups, local businesses, and more.