Message from the Mayor
I like the saying, “If you don’t change direction, you may end up where you’re heading.” With this in mind, I participated alongside my fellow council members in a weekend retreat to focus on our progress regarding long-range goals and their continued relevance.
It came as no surprise that housing prices in the City remain a significant concern for Council. This was also a top concern for the community as highlighted in the results of our council priorities survey and we will continue our commitment to this topic. On a positive note, I am looking forward to the ground-breaking of our Housing Authority project on Rand Road, Mariposa Village, anticipated for this spring. Interestingly, four of us on the Council rent our homes, which I believe this provides valuable insight into this important conversation.
Our focus on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, as well as on sustainability, also received resounding affirmation, and our work in these areas will continue. Of note on this topic, I am grateful fort the generous public service of Gladys Rivera, now our senior member of the Council. And I am proud of the progress we’ve made on our inline hydropower renewable energy project, and the successful launch of our first Spanish-language Hood River 101 course.
We adjusted certain project goals and declared others accomplished, which was quite satisfying. In early 2025, we will formalize the new set of goals and objectives for the next two years of work, which will be available on the City’s website. You can currently check out the previous 2023-2024 Work Plan here: cityofhoodriver.gov/administration/city-council/hood-river-city-council-goals.
Of course, this long-term work must be balanced with day-to-day functions and services such as police and fire, snow plowing, permitting, and much more. I am grateful to the City staff for their dedication, skill and professionalism.
Onward! Adelante! Mayor Paul
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