City seeks vision for future in Forest Grove Forward 2040 community survey

Have a vision of what you’d like Forest Grove to look like over the next 20 years?

You now have the chance to speak your mind as the city asks residents to weigh in on “Forest Grove Forward 2040,” a comprehensive visioning project that “will guide the city’s development and growth well into the future.”

From now until Sept. 30, the city is hosting an online survey for those who live, work, play, learn and visit Forest Grove, a city that has grown by almost 25% more residents over the last decade. Estimates show the city of more than 26,000 residents is expected to grow to 33,600 by 2045.

“The Forest Grove 2040 visioning plan is of the utmost importance to the city of Forest Grove. It will become the long-term strategic planning document, guiding city goals, objectives, and budgets. Community participation is vital in accurately defining the city’s vision. Please complete the survey to share your hopes and dreams for the city of Forest Grove,” Mayor Malynda Wenzl said in a statement.

Key areas of focus will include the local economy, housing, transportation, infrastructure, health and wellness, and arts and culture.

Those involved with overseeing the Forest Grove Forward 2040 project include the Forest Grove City Council, a steering committee and city staff. City leaders began the visioning process in April, and the council is expected to adopt the project's plans in April 2025.

The city intends to seek extensive community engagement including both in-person and digital comments regarding the visioning process with an opportunity to give input at community events and a variety of workshops throughout the summer.

This fall, community members can participate in vision labs, a process that will allow participants to “dive deeper into specific topic areas identified as community priorities.”

Those wanting more information should visit forestgrove-or.gov/fgf2040 or contact Stephanie Fleischer, communications and programs manager for the city of Forest Grove at sfleischer@forestgrove-or.gov.