Government is complicated.
That's why we're working to help bring you more information on how your current government works and empower you to choose your future government. You will find interesting articles and information about this topic below. Let us know what more you'd like to see and send us your questions today!
Frequently Asked Questions
How would becoming a city impact my taxes?
If we do nothing, your taxes will continue to be determined by decisions made by the county with little community representation. If you are annexed into Beaverton, you will pay their tax rate. A feasibility study will provide us with the data to determine what is reasonable to financially support own city, the cost to annex to Beaverton and the cost to sign up for more County Service Districts. See the cost comparison matrix for what we currently pay compared to Hillsboro and Beaverton residents.
Do we have to pay for the roads?
Yes, but we pay for the roads today, however we don't have a mayor or council person to help with prioritizing our projects or discovering new financial tools or grants.
Will we lose our School District?
No. School districts cross city boundaries. Your children will remain in their current school(s) which will still be governed by their current school districts. However, if we're a city you have city staff and/or electeds to help influence the need for a new high school North of 26. We're busting at the seams already, N. Bethany is projected to bring over 10,000 new residents, but there is no plan for a new high school North of 26.
Who will provide us Park Services?
Tualatin Hills Park and Recreation will continue to provide park services to all areas north of Hwy 26 that are within their special service district.
Don't we belong to Portland?
No. Though you may have a Portland address, Portland has no legal obligation or other interest to service this area. For more information on this topic see our Trends and Milestones page.
Don't we belong to Beaverton?
Some areas have already been annexed (see the light-green shaded areas in this map). Though most of these are businesses that provide higher tax revenues to Beaverton, a few neighborhoods and the John Quincy home have been annexed. Over 95% of the area within Cedar Mill to Rock Creek is in unincorporated Washington County. We don't belong to any city, nor do we have any city/local legal representation.
Will we have to have our own Police Services?
No. Many cities contract police services and we can continue to use our excellent service providers, the Enhanced Sheriff Patrol. As we see it, we have 3 options: 1) Remain with ESPD and don't increase services, 2) Remain with ESPD and contract for additional service levels, or 3) decide to create our own police force. The latter is not desirable due to efficiencies of scale we already receive with ESPD.
Why would we want to change what we have today?
Whether we proactively change and become the community of our choice or we wait for the region's leaders and neighboring city leaders to pass through their vision for our community, change will happen. We have an opportunity to make a choice: wait for someone to shape our community for us or determine our own future.
How can I get involved?
We always need volunteers. Any skill you have to share is appreciated! One of our biggest goals is to find ways to reach out to citizens within our various communities to present information about A City By Choice. Can you refer us to or sponsor a presentation to an HOA, athletic group, professional assoc, PTO, mom’s group, etc or write an article for the newspaper? Money donations are always gratefully accepted as we are a non-profit, volunteer based organization. Sign up today!!
If we do nothing, your taxes will continue to be determined by decisions made by the county with little community representation. If you are annexed into Beaverton, you will pay their tax rate. A feasibility study will provide us with the data to determine what is reasonable to financially support own city, the cost to annex to Beaverton and the cost to sign up for more County Service Districts. See the cost comparison matrix for what we currently pay compared to Hillsboro and Beaverton residents.
Do we have to pay for the roads?
Yes, but we pay for the roads today, however we don't have a mayor or council person to help with prioritizing our projects or discovering new financial tools or grants.
Will we lose our School District?
No. School districts cross city boundaries. Your children will remain in their current school(s) which will still be governed by their current school districts. However, if we're a city you have city staff and/or electeds to help influence the need for a new high school North of 26. We're busting at the seams already, N. Bethany is projected to bring over 10,000 new residents, but there is no plan for a new high school North of 26.
Who will provide us Park Services?
Tualatin Hills Park and Recreation will continue to provide park services to all areas north of Hwy 26 that are within their special service district.
Don't we belong to Portland?
No. Though you may have a Portland address, Portland has no legal obligation or other interest to service this area. For more information on this topic see our Trends and Milestones page.
Don't we belong to Beaverton?
Some areas have already been annexed (see the light-green shaded areas in this map). Though most of these are businesses that provide higher tax revenues to Beaverton, a few neighborhoods and the John Quincy home have been annexed. Over 95% of the area within Cedar Mill to Rock Creek is in unincorporated Washington County. We don't belong to any city, nor do we have any city/local legal representation.
Will we have to have our own Police Services?
No. Many cities contract police services and we can continue to use our excellent service providers, the Enhanced Sheriff Patrol. As we see it, we have 3 options: 1) Remain with ESPD and don't increase services, 2) Remain with ESPD and contract for additional service levels, or 3) decide to create our own police force. The latter is not desirable due to efficiencies of scale we already receive with ESPD.
Why would we want to change what we have today?
Whether we proactively change and become the community of our choice or we wait for the region's leaders and neighboring city leaders to pass through their vision for our community, change will happen. We have an opportunity to make a choice: wait for someone to shape our community for us or determine our own future.
How can I get involved?
We always need volunteers. Any skill you have to share is appreciated! One of our biggest goals is to find ways to reach out to citizens within our various communities to present information about A City By Choice. Can you refer us to or sponsor a presentation to an HOA, athletic group, professional assoc, PTO, mom’s group, etc or write an article for the newspaper? Money donations are always gratefully accepted as we are a non-profit, volunteer based organization. Sign up today!!
