The City of Stayton celebrated a year of accomplishments and expressed optimism for future projects during the first-ever State of the City Address last month.
Delivered by Mayor Brian Quigley March 5 in a 15-minute video on the city’s YouTube page, Quigley outlined progress made during 2023 and plans to carry this momentum through 2024.
“We are a unique, friendly city that is continuing to grow and thrive,” said Quigley.
His speech highlighted the filling of key staff positions as well as progress toward long-term planning goals related to infrastructure, development and community engagement.
Infrastructure
In 2023, the city completed the first phase of a sewer main expansion along Ida Street, a water main expansion on Douglas Avenue, and street and sidewalk improvements on Wyatt Avenue.
Quigley said the city sought grant funds “whenever possible” and has been awarded $5.3 million toward $18 million in pending projects, and is waiting to hear back on an additional $9.1 million in grants.
He said the city is also making sure infrastructure improvements are financially sustainable and has conducted a study of utility rates and opportunities to improve existing facilities. The city plans to incorporate these findings into the 2024-2025 budget, he said.
Development
Quigley said Stayton expects significant growth in the near future. This includes two new apartment complexes within the city limits, which he called “the first new growth of its kind in 20 years.”
To make sure growth is sustainable and reflects community values, the city hired Community and Economic Development Director Jennifer Siciliano. Her role will include researching the city’s housing needs and advising the Council on potential revisions to annexation policies.
The city also hired Code Enforcement Officer Kendra Furry, and re-zoned multiple properties to better-meet the city’s needs and planning goals, said Quigley.
Stayton also supported redevelopment of the former NORPAC facility as the Santiam Industrial Center, which is expected to create many new job opportunities.
Citizens additionally played a role through the Homeless Task Force by advising the Council on a new public camping policy. Quigley thanked this group for being “vocal and dedicated.”
He said a similar opportunity exists through the city’s Public Arts Commission to help beautify the town through public art installations.
Community engagement
Another new hire in 2023 was Community Engagement Coordinator Christian Smithrud, who has been tasked with building and maintaining inroads into the community.
Quigley said Smithrud has familiarized himself with groups such as Revitalize Downtown Stayton, the Stayton/Sublimity Chamber of Commerce and the North Santiam School District. Smithrud has also invigorated the city’s Facebook and Instagram pages, and helped the city have a presence at events like SummerFest and the community dinner at Covered Bridge Cafe.
Quigley also lauded the “exceptional work” of the Stayton Public Library, which has emphasized all-ages community-focused programming. He said the Stayton Police Department has similarly been proactive with events like Coffee with a Cop and Shop with a Cop, and is “very focused on being trusted partners in our community.”
