Washington County’s future hangs in the balance as local leaders demand immediate action in the forthcoming county chair election. Mayors of the region’s two largest cities, Lacey Beaty of Beaverton and Beach Pace of Hillsboro, are rallying voters to support Pam Treece—emphasizing her proven leadership in addressing critical issues like affordable housing, public safety, and economic growth.
On Monday, April 27, 2026, in a joint statement, the mayors underscored how pressing challenges such as homelessness, transportation, behavioral health, and job creation cannot be solved by isolated government efforts but require unified action. According to Beaty and Pace, Treece is uniquely qualified to lead this coalitional effort across cities, local agencies, and community organizations.
Treece’s Proven Record in Affordable Housing and Crisis Care
During her tenure on the county commission, Treece has spearheaded the development of thousands of new affordable homes, including The Opal, a pioneering LGBTQIA+ friendly housing project in Cedar Mill. Her work extends beyond new builds—she has actively championed preservation of existing affordable units to protect residents from displacement while safeguarding the county’s past investments.
Remarkably, Treece orchestrated a partnership between the county, a local church, and a nonprofit organization to realize these housing projects, demonstrating her collaborative approach.
In behavioral health, Treece has been a driving force behind the Center for Addictions Triage and Treatment (CATT), launched just last year. CATT offers critical wraparound support, blending on-site housing, medical services, and addiction recovery programs to turn lives around. Treece secured essential funding and rallied regional and statewide backing, positioning the center as a vital community resource.
Strengthening the Economy and Supporting Working Families
Washington County faces economic uncertainty with working families struggling to keep pace. Here, Treece’s leadership shines again. As executive director of the Westside Economic Alliance, she united businesses, unions, and governments to bolster the local economy.
During the pandemic, Treece led efforts to open recovery centers to help small businesses survive and provided critical support resources for those hit hardest. Mayors Beaty and Pace stress that this experience makes her the strongest candidate to cultivate job growth and create sustainable economic opportunities at the county level.
Unified Leadership Backed by Regional Mayors
While city and county officials don’t always see eye to eye, the mayors emphasized that elected leaders must overcome differences to deliver results. They cite Treece’s proven ability to find common ground and execute purposeful action as precisely what Washington County needs amid tight budgets and rising community needs.
“Pam has done exactly that as a commissioner, so we know the impact she will have as our chair,” said Beaty and Pace.
Their endorsement is part of a broader coalition of supports, including 11 Washington County mayors from Sherwood, Tualatin, Forest Grove, Cornelius, and other local leaders. This convergence highlights the high stakes of the May election and the urgent call to action for voters.
Why This Election Matters Now
Local leadership shapes the quality of life for thousands in Washington County and resonates with communities nationwide facing similar challenges. Treece’s approach—melding collaboration, bold housing initiatives, addiction treatment, and economic empowerment—signals urgent progress that could serve as a regional model.
As the May election approaches, voters stand at a crossroads: maintain fractured leadership or embrace a proven unifier ready to tackle Washington County’s most urgent crises. The mayors’ decisive endorsements spotlight the latter as the clear path forward.
Voting for Pam Treece means voting for an immediate and lasting impact on housing, health, safety, and economic stability in Washington County. Residents are encouraged to prepare to cast their ballots in a critical decision shaping the county’s trajectory in 2026 and beyond.
