What are Lake Oswego’s goals for 2024?

Following a goal-setting retreat in late January, the Lake Oswego City Council finalized its goals for 2024 during a meeting Tuesday, Feb. 20.

The goals involve completing existing projects, starting new ones and planning for the future.

New projects on the docket

One of the primary new initiatives the city plans to conduct is developing a community center on the westside of town to include meeting spaces, public services and, possibly, library services. Mayor Joe Buck told the Review earlier this month the council would prefer to build a new library rather than renovate the current one on Fourth Street.

Further, the city plans to conduct a long-term review of its finances, adopt a funding strategy for partially funded park projects (like Rassekh Park), begin a process for rebuilding the South Shore Fire Station, adopt the Parks Plan 2040 and develop strategies to help residents and businesses to increase energy efficiency. Urban renewal will also be a big topic this year as the city plans to potentially increase investment in Lake Grove and develop a plan for the Foothills area.

Finishing old projects

The city will also work to complete a couple projects that have stalled due to complications. Lake Oswego recently ended its partnership with EPCOR for a project to replace its wastewater treatment plant and will collaborate with the city of Portland to move forward with another company. Meanwhile, the effort to build a new hotel and mixed-use center in downtown — known as the North Anchor project — has also stalled as partner Urban Development + Partners works to complete financing. The city hopes for that project to break ground this year.

Next, the city strives to organize the opening of its new Lake Oswego Recreation and Aquatic Center on Stafford Road as well as its revamped municipal golf course. The city broke ground on LORAC in March and construction is ongoing.

Further, the city wants to continue DEI efforts, such as formalizing a translation and interpretation policy and discussing a potential new event to welcome new residents to the city in collaboration with the Lake Oswego School District. Completing more new sidewalks and pathways is another priority, as are planning initiatives like the housing production strategy and the Urban Community Forest Plan.

The city also explained its vision for the future in its goal document.

“In 2040, Lake Oswego is a safe and welcoming community where people and families at all stages of life, backgrounds and abilities thrive. Our incomparable quality of life is founded on outstanding municipal services; destination dining and shopping districts; innovative businesses; premier schools; varied housing options; our spectacular setting along Oswego Lake and the Willamette River; a deep connection to a beautiful and healthy natural environment; arts culture and educational opportunities; and exceptionally engaged people,” it reads.