While many conversations about Oregon focus on the struggles of its largest cities, one suburban community is quietly telling a very different story.
Beaverton, just outside Portland, has been steadily building momentum—and according to Mayor Lacey Beaty, that success didn’t come from luck or shortcuts.
It came from years of intentional planning, steady leadership, and showing up for residents and businesses alike.
Leadership Rooted in Planning, Not Secrets
Lacey Beaty, Beaverton’s youngest mayor and its first woman to hold the role, says people often assume there’s some hidden formula behind the city’s progress.
In reality, she insists the answer is far more straightforward. Growth, in her words, comes from “hard work and planning.”
When the city wanted more dining options, it didn’t wait for chance—it drafted a restaurant strategy.
When leaders envisioned a performing arts center, they committed to the idea for over a decade until it became reality.
Each improvement followed the same pattern: define the goal, make a plan, and stick with it.
Safety, Clean Streets, and Business-Friendly Policies
Beaty credits Beaverton’s strong reputation to how the city responds to its community.
She describes the city as clean, safe, and proactive when problems arise.
That approach, she says, has helped Beaverton contribute to Oregon’s recent ranking as the 11th fastest-growing state, alongside other thriving cities like Tigard, Happy Valley, and Bend.
A major part of that success comes from collaboration with businesses—both global brands and small local shops.
Beaverton is home to corporate giants like Nike, Columbia Sportswear, and Reser’s Fine Foods, which the mayor describes as some of the city’s most valuable partners.
A Cultural Hub That Changed Local Life
One of Beaverton’s most visible achievements is the Patricia Reer Center for the Arts.
Named in honor of Pat Reer, whose vision and generosity jump-started fundraising efforts, the center has transformed the city’s cultural scene.
Before it opened, residents often had to travel into Portland to attend performances.
Now, Beaverton hosts artists locally in what Beaty calls the cultural heart of Washington County.
The venue has also had ripple effects—drawing families downtown, supporting nearby restaurants, and creating a welcoming space for residents of all ages.
Corporate Partnerships That Go Beyond Business
The city’s relationship with Nike has extended well beyond economics.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Beaverton partnered with the company to host one of the largest privately run vaccination sites in Oregon—and even the country.
Beaty notes that many employees of Beaverton-based companies actually live in the city, which makes maintaining a healthy business climate even more important.
From multinational corporations to neighborhood “mom and pop” shops, she says every business plays a role in the community’s ecosystem.
Addressing Homelessness With Dignity
Like many cities across Oregon, Beaverton has not escaped the challenges of homelessness.
Statewide data shows thousands of people experiencing housing insecurity, with a majority lacking shelter.
Still, Beaty believes how a city responds matters just as much as the numbers.
Beaverton became the first city in Washington County to open a year-round shelter, offering around 60 beds.
According to the mayor, the shelter has a strong record of helping people transition into permanent housing.
The city has also assigned a small bike patrol team to its downtown area, with officers trained to engage people respectfully and humanely.
A Strong Economy and Low Office Vacancies
Economically, Beaverton continues to outperform national trends.
The city’s office vacancy rate sits at about 8 percent—nearly half the national average.
Beaty says businesses are drawn not only by the local economy but also by the sense of safety and the hands-on support the city provides.
She describes Beaverton’s approach as “concierge-level service,” designed to help companies settle in smoothly and feel confident about staying long-term.
Moving Fast on Housing—Without Cutting Corners
Housing development is another major priority.
Beaty says the city works quickly on projects that matter, balancing speed with responsibility.
While state leaders are pushing for more housing, Beaverton also insists on meeting safety codes and community standards.
The mayor believes the city has found a workable middle ground—moving efficiently while still protecting residents’ interests.
Standing Firm Against Federal Immigration Actions
Despite Beaverton’s economic success, Beaty has been outspoken about concerns over Immigration and Customs Enforcement activity in the area.
As Oregon’s first sanctuary city during President Trump’s first term, Beaverton has seen protests and a high number of ICE-related arrests.
Beaty argues these actions undermine public safety rather than improve it, especially in a city known for its diversity.
She also worries that federal enforcement tactics damage the trust local leaders and police have worked hard to rebuild since the killing of George Floyd.
Pushing Back Through Collective Action
To counter federal pressure, Beaty says Beaverton has been working alongside other cities on bystander training and anti-authoritarianism initiatives.
She also raised the possibility of cities joining forces to challenge the federal government legally—something many municipalities lack the resources to do alone.
Her stance, she says, is rooted in the idea of local control.
Beaverton, she insists, will continue fighting for its residents and resisting what she views as federal overreach.
Building a City Worth Being Proud Of
For Beaty, this work is deeply personal.
She’s raising her daughters in Beaverton and says that fact motivates her every day.
Her goal is simple: to leave them a city they can be proud to call home.
As Beaverton keeps growing and refining its approach, the mayor’s message remains consistent—success doesn’t happen overnight, but with planning, partnership, and persistence, it’s absolutely possible.
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