2023-2024 City Council
Work Plan Update
On December 3, the current and incoming City Council members met in a special meeting to revisit long-term goals and consider new projects to be undertaken by the City. Council received input from the public through online and paper surveys which assisted them in the planning process.
During the work session, City Manager Abigail Elder identified ongoing and potential new projects. Council members also had the opportunity to recommend projects, and then Council members voted on their priorities using a ranked voting system. Considering the City’s limited resources available to accomplish projects, Council members were able to cast a set number of prioritized votes. Elder is designing the Work Plan based on Council Member priorities.
What is a Council Work Plan?:
The City of Hood River’s 2023-2024 Work Plan identifies the highest priority projects for the next two years. City Council goals represent long-term outcomes for the community, and the Council Work Plan lists specific projects and actions to advance those goals. A Work Plan is an effective way to focus attention and resources on the right priorities.
2023 City Council goals are:
- Equitable and diverse housing inventory
- An equitable and inclusive community/Informed community
- Efficient and safe transportation system for walkers, bikers, transit riders, and drivers
- Well-maintained and safe community
- Environmentally sustainable and resilient community
- Adequate parks and open space
The projects that Council members most heavily supported to advance these goals are Zoning Code Improvement to clean up and clarify confusing parts of the Development Code; the formation of a Westside Urban Renewal District as a tool for advancing the Transportation System Plan, Affordable Housing Strategy, and Multi-Jurisdictional Parks Master Plan; next steps on the Heights Streetscape Plan; and advancing racial and social equity.
The 2023-2024 City Council Work Plan is expected to be completed and ready for adoption in February. Interested community members can watch all or part of the special meeting video on the City of Hood River YouTube channel, which begins with an informative introduction by regional experts in city government. Search City of Hood River on YouTube or find the link on the meetings page at cityofhoodriver.gov
2023 brings new City Councilors and Mayor
The City of Hood River’s newly elected mayor and city councilors took their oaths of office at the first City Council meeting of 2023 on January 9th. Oaths for Mayor Paul Blackburn, and councilors Grant Polson, Doug Stepina, and Tim Counihan, were administered by Municipal Court Judge Ruben Cleaveland as they began their new terms.
Tim Counihan
Paul Blackburn
Grant Polson
Doug Stepina
Counihan was reelected to his second term on council. Mayor Blackburn served as a council member from 2004-2008, and later Mayor from 2015-2019. He moved from the area temporarily and was elected Mayor again in November. Councilors Polson and Stepina join sitting council members Mark Zanmiller, Megan Saunders and Gladys Rivera.
Hood River’s City Council is comprised of six council members who are elected to four-year terms, and the Mayor, elected every two years. Council meetings are scheduled every second and fourth Monday of each month at 6:00 pm at City Hall.
Details about upcoming and past meetings are available on the City website, including council meetings videos: cityofhoodriver.gov/administration/meetings.
For more information on Hood River’s City Council: cityofhoodriver.gov/administration/city-council.