Mayor's report: Lots of activity under way in The Dalles

Don Williams, who has a blog, “Beerchaser.org, came to town to tour and write up the brew pub attractions locally. The Guard Readiness Center opened and the old Armory came down. Oregon’s Business Council, the Association of Oregon Counties Veteran Committee and the League of Cities all visited our town to find out what is happening.

Both city and county officials held budget meetings for 2014-15, met to discuss road repair and financing, and spent a full day with a corporate site locater to learn what new companies want and need from our community.

Summer will be very busy. We will be putting the final organizational efforts together for Cycle Oregon in September, participating in a new Fourth of July celebration, enjoying Jammin’ July and the Fort Dalles Rodeo. We all need to turn out and support these events. If you can volunteer, call the city or Chamber and let them know.

The Chamber of Commerce is in the process of hiring a new events coordinator to specialize in responding to tourist needs and community activities.

The Port will be hiring an economic development specialist and the City is considering whether to hire an economic development consultant to create a core team, with the Port, the City Manager and myself, to recruit and bring new business to town and to help established businesses get better.

The Planning Department is presenting new recommendations to the city council on infill requirements and financing of roads. In addition, we will be discussing whether to join the county on a road district, working with the Gorge Commission on regional solutions and preparing rules for marijuana dispensaries.

In May I was appointed by the Governor to serve on the Regional Solutions Advisory Executive Committee. This will put me in closer contact with state efforts to resolve regional problems.

Steve Lawrence is the mayor of The Dalles.