Frank Lonergan looks to serve a second term as Woodburn mayor

Frank Lonergan is running unopposed for a second term as Woodburn’s mayor.

Woodburn’s mayoral term limit is two years, so Lonergan, who has been the mayor since 2022, is now seeking reelection.

Lonergan has lived in Woodburn since he was a kid. He raised his son, Shawn, in Woodburn with his wife, Cheryl, a retired educator who taught correctional education for 30 years at Chemeketa Community College.

Before his time as mayor, Lonergan had been involved in local politics in Woodburn for over 40 years, serving as a member of the park board, planning commission, urban renewal board, budget committee, and city council president.

“My grandfather and uncle were state legislators, and they began to show me at a young age what giving back to the area can do and how having a voice might make a difference,” Lonergan said.

Lonergan has a long track record in public service. As a member of the parks board he helped acquire the land for Centennial Park. Lonergan also worked on the urban growth boundary expansion for years, which was approved by the state in January 2016, adding 619 acres to the city.

In the electionfor his second term as mayor, Lonergan is looking ahead to more issues he wants to tackle and initiatives to bring to Woodburn.

Regarding growth in Woodburn, Lonergan listed the in-progress Amazon facility as one of the most significant new developments for the city.

“I think it’s great for Woodburn. I’m really happy they’re here because they definitely will help the economy. It’s good to have industrial growth in the community,” Lonergan said.

Additionally, traffic and homelessness are two other matters Lonergan wants to better address in a second term as mayor. Lonergan looks to expand affordable housing development in Woodburn in hopes of helping curb homelessness in the community.

Lonergan is also aware that one of the biggest things on voters’ minds is the $40 million community center bond , which, if passed, would allocate funds to building a new Woodburn community space that would feature a warm water pool, exercise facilities, and event space.

“I’m hoping it’s going to pass, and I do think it’s going to pass,” Lonergan said. “I think our people realize that this will improve the livability of our community. And, it’s not so much for us, but for the next generation and the one after that.”

Looking ahead, Lonergan is excited for the opportunity to potentially serve two more years as Woodburn’s mayor.

“I just feel honored to be part of Woodburn. It’s a blessing that we have such good people that volunteer to work throughout the city and the community,” Lonergan said.

Election Day is Nov. 5.