Building the Future: Leadership Updates, Climate Action, and Community Progress  

This month, we’re sharing important updates on Beaverton’s leadership and long-term fiscal sustainability. You’ll also get a first look at our annual accomplishments, learn about the newly adopted Beaverton Climate Action Plan, and find out how to identify official city employees when they’re out in the community. Plus, the State of the City recap is now available, and we invite you to join us for the next Belonging Speaker Series as we continue fostering a welcoming, connected Beaverton.

City Manager's Message: Jenny Haruyama Departing for New Opportunity

Serving as Beaverton’s City Manager for nearly five years has been one of the most meaningful chapters of my life. This city is more than the place where I’ve worked — it is my home, my community, and the place where I have witnessed the very best of what public service can be. It is impossible to fully express how much this experience, and all of you, have meant to me.

When I look back on these years, I don’t just see projects or policies; I see people. I see your dedication, creativity, courage, and heart. We have weathered challenges that tested us — from implementing a charter change, transitioning to a new form of government, to navigating staffing changes and budget reductions — and we did so with integrity, resilience, and a shared commitment to doing what’s right for our community.

More important, we celebrated transformative achievements that will shape Beaverton for generations to come: the opening of the Patricia Reser Center for the Arts, the continued vitality of our downtown, groundbreaking affordable housing investments through the metro housing bond and strategic use of urban renewal, and the creation of our first homeless shelter — approached with compassion and a thoughtful integration of the arts. We built critical water infrastructure to prepare for the future, improved citywide technology to elevate service delivery, and continued to keep Beaverton one of the safest cities in the region, if not the state.

None of this happened by accident. It happened because of who you are. It happened because, at your core, you care deeply about people, community, and the work we do. I have never been prouder to serve alongside a team so grounded in purpose and heart.

Leaving is truly bittersweet. I am excited to accept the role of Eugene’s City Manager, yet it is hard to step away from a city—and an organization—I love so deeply. Beaverton has shaped me in ways I will carry for the rest of my life. This community and each of you have left a lasting imprint that I will never forget.

Thank you for your trust, your grace, partnership, and belief in what we could accomplish together. Thank you for the laughter, the honest conversations, the long days, the hard decisions, and the countless moments of teamwork that turned challenges into progress.  A wise person once reminded me that you are indeed lucky when you have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.

Beaverton will always be home. And I will always hold this chapter with profound gratitude.

With heartfelt appreciation,
Jenny

Upcoming Meetings

City Council and Beaverton Urban Redevelopment Agency Meetings

Tuesday, Mar. 17: 5:30 p.m. Beaverton Urban Redevelopment Agency, 6 p.m. City Council

Neighborhood Association Committee Meetings

Tuesday, Mar. 17: 7 p.m. Sexton Mountain and Neighbors Southwest

Wednesday, Mar. 18: 7 p.m. West Beaverton

Thursday, Mar. 19: 6:30 p.m. Vose, 7 p.m. West Slope, 7 p.m. South Beaverton, 7 p.m. Greenway

Boards And Commissions Meetings

Monday, Mar. 16: 6:30 p.m. Beaverton Committee for Community Involvement

Wednesday, Mar. 18: 6:30 p.m. Planning Commission

Events and meetings listed are subject to change. 

Find Meeting Information

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City Council Recommends Interim City Manager and Explores City Services Fee

At the Mar. 3 City Council meeting, a Council subcommittee recommended that Assistant City Manager Elizabeth Coffey serve as interim city manager and oversee day-to-day city operations until a permanent replacement is appointed. Follow-up action is planned for the Tuesday, Mar. 17 Council meeting.

Interim City Manager appointment comes after announcement that existing City Manager Jenny Haruyama will depart Wednesday, Apr. 1 to become City Manager of Eugene. During her tenure, the city recognized amazing achievements—from the Patricia Reser Center for the Arts and downtown revitalization to affordable housing, water infrastructure, a new homeless shelter, and strong community safety.

Appointing an interim city manager is an important step in ensuring stability during this period of change. It provides continuity in leadership, supports staff in advancing key initiatives, and helps maintain seamless service delivery to the community.

This approach also gives the council the time and space needed to conduct a thoughtful and thorough recruitment process for the permanent role.

We also want to provide an update on next steps as we continue to explore revenue options to support long-term fiscal sustainability.

Council was presented with several potential fee scenarios, each aimed at strengthening our financial outlook while maintaining essential service levels.

Learn More From the Tuesday, Mar. 3 Council Meeting

Your City, Your Progress: A Sneak Peek at Our Annual Accomplishments 

We’ve accomplished a lot together this past year, and it all reflects our shared commitment to making Beaverton stronger, safer, and more welcoming.

Here are just a few highlights:

• We kicked off the Cooper Mountain Community Plan, paving the way for 5,000 new homes plus parks and trails, while continuing downtown redevelopment with affordable and mixed-income housing.
• Our specialty court was named a national model! We also celebrated B-SOBR graduates with a community mural and secured nearly $160K in grants to strengthen recovery and justice programs.
• From expanding photo radar and upgrading signals to advancing big projects like the Downtown Loop and Allen Boulevard design, we’re making it easier – and safer – to get around.
• We funded 12 neighborhood projects, planted 400+ trees, improved water quality sites, and installed 5,000 advanced water meters that save millions of gallons every year.
• We implemented $9 million in cost savings, secured more county funding, passed the library levy, and celebrated the Main Library’s 25th anniversary—15 million visitors and counting!

Check Out the Report in the Next Your City

A Commitment to Sustainability: Beaverton Climate Action Plan Updated 

We’re excited to share that the Beaverton Climate Action Plan update is complete!

In February, the City Council adopted the Beaverton Climate Action Plan: 2035 to provide a clear, measurable path forward to reduce emissions and strengthen the community’s resilience to climate change over the next decade.

This update reflects the city’s commitment to climate action, factors in climate impacts, and incorporates community priorities and feedback gathered through engagement with partners and residents.

Sustainability is a core value in Beaverton, guiding how we grow and care for our community. From conserving water and improving walkability to planting trees and expanding recycling, we’re taking meaningful steps toward a greener future.

Over the past year, we’ve learned a lot about the community’s sustainability priorities, and we’re working to turn these values into action.

Learn More About Our Sustainability Efforts

Your City at Work: Know How to Identify a City Employee

City employees keep Beaverton running smoothly, and we want you to feel confident knowing when someone is a legitimate city worker.

Here's what to know: 

• Most city work happens in public spaces or near your water meter at the curb — not inside your home.
• From time to time, a city employee may knock on your door or leave a door hanger to let you know about work in your area.
• City staff or contractors will only enter your home or business if you’ve requested it, scheduled an inspection, or arranged a visit in advance.
• Employees also wear clearly marked clothing or safety gear with the City of Beaverton logo and drive marked vehicles, including Police, Code Enforcement, Public Works, and other staff.
• City employees will never demand payment on the spot or ask for personal details.
• If you get a suspicious call or text, don’t click links or share information—if you’re unsure, call the City of Beaverton at 503-526-2222. If you feel unsafe or threatened by someone on your private property, call 911.

Learn More About How to Identify a City Worker

State of the City Recap Available   

Thank you to everyone who joined us for an evening of connection, reflection, and celebration at this year’s State of the City address. Mayor Beaty shared exciting updates on our progress and the big plans ahead, as we honored incredible individuals and organizations making a difference in our city.

Check out the State of the City Recording

Join Us for the Next Belonging Speaker Series Event   

Take part in conversations that celebrate identity, culture, and connection—right here in Beaverton. The next event will focus on neighborhood connections and how communities can build resilience, safety, and belonging through relationships. We hope to see you on Wednesday, Apr. 8, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Beaverton City Library Main

Learn About the Series and Equity Initiatives

Neighborhood Corner

Celebrating Decades of Service: Meet West Slope's Kent Slack

For more than three decades, Kent Slack has been a dedicated volunteer in the West Slope community. From the moment he stepped forward, he never stepped back.

He served on the West Slope Neighborhood Association Committee board for about 25 years before becoming chair in October. One of the accomplishments he is most proud of is working with Tualatin Hills Park and Recreation District to bring a new park to his neighborhood. The project took many years of persistence, but today the park is 95 percent complete and, in Kent’s words, “beautiful.”

The three words Kent would use to describe himself are dependable, friendly, and flexible, qualities that show up in everything he does. Outside of his volunteer work, Kent enjoys an active and well-rounded life. He teaches tennis, exercises regularly, works on landscaping projects, and unwinds with books and movies. He’s also a fan of classic films, a fun fact that not many people know about him.

Whether he’s building community through the Neighborhood Association Committee or helping shape local amenities, Kent’s long-standing commitment has made a lasting impact on West Slope and the broader Beaverton community.

News You Can Use

Discover What's Possible for Your Downtown Property  

Downtown business owners: Do you want help reimagining your space? Are you thinking about renovating your building? Do your HVAC, roof, or other building systems need some attention? You’re invited to explore the possibilities for your property or tenant space — just like Canard did!

Get ready to apply: The Spring 2026 application window opens Monday, Mar. 16.

Attend one of two Building Improvement Program information sessions to learn more. A virtual session will be from 2-3 p.m. on Monday, Mar. 23, and an in-person session will be from 6:30-7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Mar. 26, at City Hall.

Learn More About the Building Improvement Program

Spring Into Safer Cleaning and Reduce Toxins

Spring is the perfect time to refresh your home while reducing exposure to harmful chemicals. When tackling spring cleaning, consider green alternatives, such as vinegar, baking soda, and castile soap, instead of conventional cleaners that may contain harsh chemicals. 

Before making the switch to homemade or store-bought “green cleaners,” make sure to use up what you already have at home. When you are ready to buy, look for trusted labels like EPA Safer Choice, Green Seal, or ECOLOGO and avoid products with Warning, Danger, or Poison on the label.  

Our favorite all-purpose green cleaner recipe: 

Combine: 

• 1/2 cup white distilled vinegar 
• 1 teaspoon liquid soap 
• 1 1/2 cups of warm water 
• A few drops of essential oils for scent (optional) 

Shake to blend, and it’s ready to use on counters, sinks, and other surfaces.

Learn More About Making Safer Cleaners

Dispose of Hazardous Waste Safely

Cleaners aren’t the only things in our homes that can be toxic. Household hazardous products like paints, solvents, and pesticides shouldn’t go in your trash or down the drain. Metro Central collects household hazardous waste year-round. You can also find neighborhood collection events near you in the spring and fall.

Find Upcoming Hazardous Waste Collection Events

From Our Friends at TriMet: Big Changes in TriMet's New Service Proposals

TriMet is planning major changes to transit service starting in August.

The transit agency shared its updated service proposals on Tuesday, Mar. 11, informed by public feedback on an earlier set of proposals that were published in January.

One significant update from the January proposals is that TriMet will combine Line 58 with Line 19, as Line 19-Glisan/Canyon Rd. The combined line will provide service between the Beaverton and Gateway transit centers.

Learn More About the Service Cuts

The TriMet Board of Directors is now considering these proposed changes. You can provide comments through email to boardtestimony@trimet.org or at a TriMet Board meeting. A special listening session on the service proposals will be held at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, Mar.18. The TriMet Board holds its regular business meeting on Wednesday, Mar. 25. The Board is expected to vote to adopt the proposals on Wednesday, Apr. 22.

Cost increases from inflation, a drop in revenue, and insufficient funding to sustain service levels are driving an ongoing gap between TriMet’s expenses and resources.TriMet began resizing the agency to reduce spending in 2025, a process that will continue in 2026 and 2027. To balance its budget, TriMet also needs to reduce and consolidate service. Additional service changes will be needed in August 2027.

Thanks for spending a little time with us this month! We’ll be back next month with more updates and news you can use.