Washington County Leaders Urge Vote for Pam Treece to Lead Amid Crisis
Washington County’s two largest city mayors, Lacey Beaty of Beaverton and Beach Pace of Hillsboro, are sounding alarms with an urgent call for voters to elect Pam Treece as their next county chair this May. They warn the region faces mounting challenges in housing, public safety, job creation, and family support — problems that demand immediate, coordinated leadership at the county level.
Treece’s proven record of collaboration across local governments and community organizations, the mayors say, makes her the key figure who can unite diverse stakeholders to deliver tangible results during a time of tight budgets and growing needs.
Critical Vote Amid Housing and Economic Struggles
During her tenure on the county commission, Treece spearheaded efforts to create thousands of new affordable homes, including The Opal, an LGBTQIA+ friendly affordable housing complex in Cedar Mill. She is also leading initiatives to preserve the county’s existing affordable housing stock, protecting vital investments and keeping families in their homes.
“Housing, homelessness, transportation, public safety, and job creation require partnerships across governments and community groups,” wrote the mayors in a joint opinion published recently. They cite Treece’s role working between the county, local churches, and nonprofit providers as evidence of her ability to build bridges and deliver results.
Treece also championed the Center for Addictions Triage and Treatment (CATT), which launched last year to provide critical services for behavioral health and substance use disorders. The center employs a wraparound approach combining on-site housing and medical care designed to get residents back on track. According to Beaty and Pace, Treece’s work securing funds and building regional and statewide support was instrumental to the center’s success.
Leading Economic Recovery and Job Creation
The mayors emphasize that as their communities face economic uncertainty, Treece’s background as executive director of the Westside Economic Alliance shows her capacity for strengthening the local economy through collaboration with businesses, unions, and government agencies.
During the pandemic, Treece also led efforts to open recovery centers that helped small businesses stay afloat while providing resources for vulnerable residents. This combination of economic and social support makes her the preferred choice to guide Washington County’s future.
Wide Mayoral Support Highlights Election Stakes
Mayor Beaty and Mayor Pace stress the unusual scale of support backing Treece’s candidacy — she carries endorsements from 11 Washington County mayors across the region, from Sherwood and Tualatin to Forest Grove and Cornelius. This coalition underscores the high stakes of the May 2026 election.
“Pam has done exactly what the public expects—overcome differences and get results for our communities,” said the mayors.
This election represents a decisive moment for Washington County residents who are grappling with crisis-level housing shortages, rising public safety concerns, and an urgent need for stable, well-paying jobs.
With local budgets strained and pressures mounting, electing a leader who can build consensus is critical not just for Oregon’s Washington County but offers lessons for communities across the U.S. confronting similar challenges.
Voters are urged to cast their ballots for Pam Treece this May to ensure Washington County has the leadership needed to support working families and foster a thriving, resilient community.
