This is the State of the City Address that will be presented at the March 3rd, 2025 Dallas City Council Meeting.
Esteemed residents of Dallas, Oregon,
It is with great pride and enthusiasm that I am before you to deliver this year's State of the City address. Our community is on a path of growth and improvement, and I am pleased to share with you the significant projects and initiatives currently underway.
Police Station and Bond Project
One of the foremost items on our agenda is the new Police Station and Bond project. This crucial initiative will be presented on the May ballot, and I urge all citizens to participate in the voting process and vote for its approval. The proposed police station is designed to enhance our law enforcement capabilities, ensuring that our officers have the resources and space they need to keep our community safe and secure.
Signalization of Levens and Ellendale
In our commitment to improving infrastructure and traffic management, we are excited to announce the signalization of the intersection at Levens and Ellendale. This project is planned for completion during the upcoming summer school break. The new traffic signals will greatly enhance safety and efficiency at this busy intersection, benefiting both drivers and pedestrians.
LaCreole Node Project
We are also proud to announce that we will be completing the LaCreole node project, a significant milestone in our efforts to foster commercial development. This new zoning will create opportunities for businesses to flourish, attract new investments, and generate jobs for our community. The LaCreole node will serve as a catalyst for economic growth, reinforcing Dallas as an attractive location for commerce.
New Dam Project
Water is a vital resource for any growing community, and we are continuing our efforts on the new dam below the current reservoir. This project is essential for ensuring a stable water supply, supporting both residential and business growth in the years to come. The new dam will provide the capacity needed to meet the demands of our expanding population and thriving local businesses.
John Barnard Park
John C. Barnard Park is scheduled to be completed this fall on the corner of Academy Street and Fir Villa Road. This 2-acre park will include a basketball court, play areas, a pollinator garden, and walking paths. This park is designed to be ADA accessible and will be one of few in our region for all to play. The City was awarded a Land and Water Conservation grant for construction, which is a federal pass-through grant administered by the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department. It will reimburse 50% of expenses. Dallas was also awarded a Moda Assist grant from Moda Health and the Portland Trailblazers in the amount of $35,000 to contribute to the cost of accessible play equipment. Additionally, the Polk Soil and Water Conservation District will be providing the plants and the labor for establishing the pollinator garden. We are excited to get this project completed and provide an all ability play area for the community.
Mill Site Redevelopment
Our Economic Development Team continues to work with the property owner and other economic development partners to market the Mill Site and plan for its future development. The City's partnership with ODOT through their Transportation and Growth Management program is nearing completion. It will provide a vision for the site in the future. We will continue to market the site to businesses looking to relocate to Dallas.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the City of Dallas is poised for a future of promise and prosperity. Each of these projects reflects our commitment to enhancing the quality of life for all our residents. I encourage everyone to stay informed and engaged as we work together to build a stronger, more vibrant, Dallas.
Thank you for listening and may we all move forward with determination and unity.
Sincerely,
Rich Slack
Mayor of Dallas, Oregon