Inclusivity, future plans and recent accomplishments were topics of discussion in Mayor Shawn O’Neil’s first State of the City address this week.

During his speech at City Hall May 5, O’Neil said that he has noticed diverse residents in Wilsonville who seem to appreciate the sense of belonging offered by the city — which he said is “the result of years of advocacy, empathy and intentional leadership” by leadership and community members. He said Wilsonville is a “city of belonging” for marginalized groups.

“Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is not just a tagline — it’s our North Star,” O’Neil said.

The mayor highlighted the city’s efforts towards inclusion in the last year, which included the construction of a disability-friendly playground at Boones Ferry Park, the first temporary Pride mural painted on the parks department administration building, the city’s annual Juneteenth celebration and events honoring veterans.

He also acknowledged recent events including a multicultural dance celebration, a mental health fair held last weekend and a public art project centered on cultural inclusion.

“These aren’t just social activities. They are chapters in the collective Wilsonville story that show respect and support for our diverse communities,” O’Neil said. “We all should be proud of our city.”

Projects to watch for

O’Neil listed significant city efforts recently completed or in progress, such as the current construction of a new water reservoir, the new public works building completed last year and the new bridge and roundabout along Boeckman Road, which will reopen later this month. He also noted the construction of Vuela, an affordable housing complex being built next to Wilsonville’s transit center that broke ground last year.

“This much anticipated and sorely needed affordable housing provides economic stability and opportunity to our community,” O’Neil said, adding that its location next to the transit center allows residents to connect with jobs and the community. He referred to it as “the progress cities can, should and must deliver.”

Other notable talking points included advocating for the project to replace Boone Bridge, and the plan to redevelop the Town Center. He highlighted the City Council priorities under broad categories including public health and safety, improving the city’s fiscal health, building public trust and parks maintenance.

O’Neil also acknowledged national political and economic factors that could impact the city — specifically, the potential lack of funding to infrastructure projects such as the Boone Bridge replacement, impacts to the budget from cost increases due to tariffs on technology and supplies, and supply chain disruptions that could impact project timelines and city services.

Staff changes and ‘the Wilsonville way’

The city is also in a leadership transition period, with the retirements of two longtime staff members this spring and the pending retirement of City Manager Bryan Cosgrove at the end of this year.

“I am honored that during my first state of the city address and their last, I can acknowledge their service to our community,” O’Neil said. “They have left their successors a clear map and I anticipate a smooth transition thanks to their expertise and professionalism.”

O’Neil concluded his speech by discussing “the Wilsonville way,” a variation of “the Oregon way,” which he said he learned upon moving to Oregon and refers to a way of life centering collaboration over partisanship and respect. While he said much has changed since he came to Oregon, he believes the spirit of the phrase matters “now, more than ever.”

“Because it’s not about who is right or wrong, it’s about mutual respect, shared ideas and working together to move our community forward. That, to me, should be the Wilsonville way,” O’Neil said.