RIVERGROVE

Two major projects. More than $600,000 in combined costs. Who gets a say before the City moves ahead? Rivergrove needs a process that values community knowledge, respects differing opinions, and recognizes the financial and practical limits of a small city.

Should residents hear about big City decisions after the plans are already moving? Or should they get the facts, and a chance to speak up, before anything is decided?

After multiple hearings, expensive staff time, and significant public opposition, the City Council backed off its plan to eliminate the Planning Commission.

The City held its hearing on the future of the Planning Commission on August 24. Nothing got decided. But some things came out of that meeting worth noting.

For months, the City said the Planning Commission wasn't working because it didn’t have enough commissioners. Then, at the August 14th City Council meeting, that explanation fell apart.

Here's a question: while residents are asking why the City wants to eliminate the Planning Commission, the City has circled back to the boat ramp project.

On July 13, 2026, the Rivergrove City Council voted 4–1 to direct staff to draft an ordinance shifting the Planning Commission's land-use duties to the City Council for about two years. This proposal would change how Rivergrove has operated since it was founded, with no clear reason given for why now.

Rivergrove's independent audit is now complete, and the results are relevant to all citizens.

At the June 8th Rivergrove City Council meeting, councilors discussed transparency and budget concerns after the local operating levy ballot measure did not pass.

When residents receive official communications from the City, they deserve full and accountable disclosure.