Washington County Mayors Back Pam Treece for Critical County Chair Role
WASHINGTON COUNTY, OR – The mayors of Beaverton and Hillsboro, the two largest cities in Washington County, have united in a forceful endorsement of Pam Treece for county chair, emphasizing the urgent need for leadership that can tackle the county’s biggest challenges now.
In a joint statement published this Monday afternoon, Lacey Beaty (Beaverton) and Beach Pace (Hillsboro) declared the upcoming May election for county chair as “critical to the future of our communities.” Their call makes Treece the focal point of efforts to address problems that span beyond local governments, like affordable housing shortages, homelessness, transportation bottlenecks, public safety concerns, and job creation.
Collaboration is Key as Washington County Faces Growing Crisis
“Most challenges we face today don’t fit neatly into packages that can be solved by local governments alone,” the mayors stressed, highlighting the urgent demand for coordinated regional action. They credited Treece’s proven ability to bring diverse stakeholders together as essential in this moment of “growing need and tight budgets.”
Treece’s track record on the county commission has seen tangible results. She played a central role in the creation of thousands of affordable homes, including The Opal—a flagship LGBTQIA+ friendly affordable housing project in Cedar Mill. Beyond new development, Treece is also spearheading efforts to preserve existing affordable housing, protecting residents and county investments alike.
“Affordable housing requires collaboration,” the mayors noted, pointing to Treece’s success in partnering with a local church and nonprofit housing providers to deliver new homes. This multi-sector cooperation underscores her unique capacity to unite community and government resources.
Health and Economic Solutions Under Treece’s Leadership
Another central achievement highlighted is Treece’s championing of the Center for Addictions Triage and Treatment (CATT), which opened just last year. This center provides critical behavioral health and substance use disorder services through a holistic model including on-site housing and medical support. According to local leaders, Treece helped secure essential funding and drove regional and statewide momentum for the center.
The mayors also underscored the urgency of economic recovery as job markets face uncertainty. Treece’s background as executive director of the Westside Economic Alliance—where she unified businesses, unions, and governments—demonstrates her capacity to foster new opportunities for working families. During the pandemic, she led initiatives to open recovery centers and offered vital support to small businesses at risk of closing.
Broad Support Reflects High Stakes of May Election
The endorsement comes at a pivotal moment. With local governments sometimes at odds, Beaty and Pace emphasized that the public demands leadership focused on results, not conflict. They are confident that as county chair, Treece’s pragmatic, cooperative style will overcome political divisions and drive impactful progress.
Her support extends across the county, backed by 11 Washington County mayors from cities such as Sherwood, Tualatin, Forest Grove, and Cornelius, as well as a host of other county leaders. This widespread endorsement reflects a shared belief in the critical nature of this election for the region’s future.
Next Steps: Voters Decide Washington County’s Path Forward
The mayors’ call to action makes clear the stakes for residents this May. Washington County voters will have the opportunity to elect a chair who can harness collaboration, sustain affordable housing, expand critical health services, and strengthen the local economy amid ongoing challenges.
Treece’s leadership is presented as the decisive factor in whether the county moves toward a thriving future or struggles with escalating crises. This election is more than a local contest; it is a referendum on how Washington County will meet its urgent social and economic needs today.
Washington County’s experience holds lessons for communities nationwide facing similar struggles. As Montana leaders and citizens watch regional elections across the country, this race underscores the importance of electing officials with proven collaborative strength and concrete results.
Lacey Beaty, Beaverton Mayor: “Pam Treece leads with purpose and open engagement to find common ground and real solutions.”
Beach Pace, Hillsboro Mayor: “We face growing needs and tight budgets but Pam is the partner we must have to find the path forward.”
Washington County voters must decide soon who will lead their community through these complex challenges and ensure economic and social stability now and into the future.
