• CWS ethics investigation
• Sunset Town Center boundary defined by proposed ordinance
• 2025 State of the County

CWS ethics investigation

The Oregon Government Ethics Commission voted in September to look into the controversy over whether travel on the part of four Washington County Commissioners violated state ethics laws. Specifically, the Commission is trying to determine the legality of earning airline miles while traveling on county-paid flights, and tacking personal travel onto county-related trips.

The trips in question were taken in relation to Clean Water Services (CWS)—its Board of Directors is made up of the five commissioners. Commissioners Fai, Willey, Treece, and Chair Harrington all traveled at various times to conferences and other events related to CWS. Commissioner Jason Snider joined the Board of County Commissioners (BCC) in January and has not traveled on behalf of the agency.

What’s not clear is whether there was sufficient guidance provided to the CWS board. Both of the activities in question are apparently allowed by county rules for BCC members. An article in The Oregonian/OregonLive provides more details. The investigation is expected to take up to six months. It is in addition to an investigation into former CWS CEO Tanaguchi-Dennis.

Sunset Town Center boundary defined by proposed ordinance

Regional planning agency Metro’s 2040 Growth Concept Map identified the area around the Sunset Transit Center as a Town Center, but until now, the county had not adopted specific boundaries. Requirements from both Oregon and Metro now make it necessary to define them.

Draft Ordinance 908 is being proposed by Washington County Land Use and Transportation (LUT) for consideration by the BCC on November 18, following an October 1 Planning Commission meeting.

While adoption of boundaries is not expected to affect properties inside or outside of the boundaries, it may make these areas eligible or more competitive for grant funding for road improvements or future planning efforts.

In addition to defining the boundaries of Sunset Town Center, the ordinance also adopts boundaries for the Raleigh Hills TC and changes them for the Washington Square Regional Center.

Read the FAQ section of this page for more details.

2025 State of the County

Thursday, October 9, 6 pm, Public Services Building Auditorium, 155 N First Avenue, Hillsboro

BCC Chair Kathryn Harrington will reflect on the challenges and successes of the past year as well as the County’s priorities moving forward. We are not sure if she will take questions from the audience. This event is free to attend, and no RSVP is necessary. All are welcome!