A brief update about what inspired me to become Mayor and my experience as a guest on the Official Podcast of Dallas, Oregon. Where I talk about the State of the City.

https://www.dallasfoodbank.com/

In this episode I talk about my recent visit to Dallas Food Bank.

A little bit about them and who they serve.

And their latest initiative to get a new facility.

Japanese Americans during WWII. What is the proper way to remember the history of the camps they were sent to, and how important is it that we use the right words?

Please give your input in the comment section and/or take the online poll on Spotify.

This is my welcoming speech for the Memorial Day Avenue Of Flags taking place at Dallas Cemetery, in Dallas, Oregon. The main speaker will be Representative Anna Scharf. The event will begin at noon on Monday, May 26th, 2025, Memorial Day.

The Dallas Police Department is proposing an exciting new project—a state-of-the-art police station located right next to City Hall at 147 Southeast Court Street. This proposed facility is designed to support the critical work of our local police force. Imagine a 12,528-square-foot, two-story building complete with secure parking, interview rooms, evidence storage, space for training, and up-to-date compliance with all building codes. The idea is to create a space that provides everything our officers need—right under one roof—while also allowing for growth to meet future needs.

See www.dallasor.gov/policestationbond for frequently asked questions and an easy to use assessed value calculation tool.

This is the State of the City Address that will be presented at the March 3rd, 2025 Dallas City Council Meeting.

Esteemed residents of Dallas, Oregon,

It is with great pride and enthusiasm that I am before you to deliver this year's State of the City address. Our community is on a path of growth and improvement, and I am pleased to share with you the significant projects and initiatives currently underway.

Police Station and Bond Project

One of the foremost items on our agenda is the new Police Station and Bond project. This crucial initiative will be presented on the May ballot, and I urge all citizens to participate in the voting process and vote for its approval. The proposed police station is designed to enhance our law enforcement capabilities, ensuring that our officers have the resources and space they need to keep our community safe and secure.

Signalization of Levens and Ellendale

In our commitment to improving infrastructure and traffic management, we are excited to announce the signalization of the intersection at Levens and Ellendale. This project is planned for completion during the upcoming summer school break. The new traffic signals will greatly enhance safety and efficiency at this busy intersection, benefiting both drivers and pedestrians.

LaCreole Node Project

We are also proud to announce that we will be completing the LaCreole node project, a significant milestone in our efforts to foster commercial development. This new zoning will create opportunities for businesses to flourish, attract new investments, and generate jobs for our community. The LaCreole node will serve as a catalyst for economic growth, reinforcing Dallas as an attractive location for commerce.

New Dam Project

Water is a vital resource for any growing community, and we are continuing our efforts on the new dam below the current reservoir. This project is essential for ensuring a stable water supply, supporting both residential and business growth in the years to come. The new dam will provide the capacity needed to meet the demands of our expanding population and thriving local businesses.

John Barnard Park

John C. Barnard Park is scheduled to be completed this fall on the corner of Academy Street and Fir Villa Road. This 2-acre park will include a basketball court, play areas, a pollinator garden, and walking paths. This park is designed to be ADA accessible and will be one of few in our region for all to play. The City was awarded a Land and Water Conservation grant for construction, which is a federal pass-through grant administered by the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department. It will reimburse 50% of expenses. Dallas was also awarded a Moda Assist grant from Moda Health and the Portland Trailblazers in the amount of $35,000 to contribute to the cost of accessible play equipment. Additionally, the Polk Soil and Water Conservation District will be providing the plants and the labor for establishing the pollinator garden. We are excited to get this project completed and provide an all ability play area for the community.

Mill Site Redevelopment

Our Economic Development Team continues to work with the property owner and other economic development partners to market the Mill Site and plan for its future development. The City's partnership with ODOT through their Transportation and Growth Management program is nearing completion. It will provide a vision for the site in the future. We will continue to market the site to businesses looking to relocate to Dallas.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the City of Dallas is poised for a future of promise and prosperity. Each of these projects reflects our commitment to enhancing the quality of life for all our residents. I encourage everyone to stay informed and engaged as we work together to build a stronger, more vibrant, Dallas.

Thank you for listening and may we all move forward with determination and unity.

Sincerely,

Rich Slack

Mayor of Dallas, Oregon

Ballots are in the mail, so it is time to vote for your local candidates, issues, and beyond. I answer a few questions from the Chamber forum, and tell you how to find out more about the Mill Site development on the South side of Dallas. I also talk about the necessity of a new Police Station and supporting Public Safety. [ I call it our fourth episode, though it is officially Episode 3.]

Check out their website for some facts that debunk some misinformation you may be reading on social media.

Mayoral Update - Rich Slack is officially on the ballot.

slackfordallas.com

I talk about what a Mayor does and can do in Dallas. I discuss my goals and acknowledge some of the concerns brought up by members of the community during my signature collection.