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To contact me, please click here: Sen.JaneenSollman@oregonlegislature.gov
Friends and Neighbors,
Upcoming Events
Community Conversation - Sunday, July 12th
Join me on Sunday, July 12th at 11:00am-12:00pm at Papa Floyd's Doughnuts in Forest Grove. Bring your questions and comments, come to meet fellow community members and enjoy delicious doughnuts. I look forward to seeing you there.
Save the Date - Two Additional Opportunities to Connect
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Monday, July 20th at 12:00-1:00pm at Zesti Carts in Forest Grove. Join me at Zesti Carts in Forest Grove for a Community Conversation. Come early and grab some delicious food, then pull up a chair to chat over the lunch hour.
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Saturday, August 8th at 10:00-11:00am at Fernhill Wetlands. Join me at Fernhill Wetlands in Forest Grove. We will meet in the covered shelter area. Wetlands staff will join us to share some fun facts and information. Bring your binoculars to spot wildlife, and your family and friends to walk the trail after the conversation ends.
Oregon Prosperity Council Updates
Recommendations for Oregon’s Long-Term Competitiveness & Prosperity
The Oregon Prosperity Council recently released their "Recommendations for Oregon’s Long-Term Competitiveness & Prosperity" report that included 10 priority recommendations(shared below). Read the full report here.
10 Priority Recommendations
1. Transform Business Oregon into the Oregon Commerce Authority, governed by a board of business and innovation leaders and the Governor and modeled on best practices for statewide economic development organizations. The Governor must ensure effective personnel and board members lead the transformation and the agency.
2. Strengthen Oregon’s economic competitiveness with tax policies that are more pragmatic and in alignment with neighboring states, while supporting innovation, business growth, and higherwage job creation and moving the state toward a more balanced system. Near-term reforms should include:
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Modernize the Research & Development tax credit to expand eligibility and encourage university partnerships, with a key focus on small and medium-sized businesses.
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Update the Estate Tax with an emphasis on supporting family-owned businesses.
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Reform the Corporate Activity Tax (CAT) to reduce administrative burdens on small and medium-sized businesses while maintaining overall revenue levels.
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Reconnect the Qualified Small Business Stock (QSBS) policies to the federal tax code to help Oregon retain and grow emerging business
3. Convene a nonpartisan, stakeholder-balanced, tax reform working group to develop a longterm reform proposal that can be implemented by 2029, in advance of the expiration of federal State and Local Tax (SALT) provisions. The group should consider how to restructure the Corporate Activity Tax, enable local governments to evaluate options to increase stability with common sense property tax funding, and rebalance the personal income tax structure to maintain progressivity and reduce effective rates for all income brackets.
4. Establish enforceable statewide permitting timelines and guardrails (a “shot clock”) by requiring agencies to approve or deny complete permit applications within clear statutory timelines, while maintaining environmental and safety standards.
5. Reduce regulatory and administrative burdens by 20% by 2029. Remove outdated and duplicative regulations, which will improve government efficiency and should reduce government spending. The state should also establish a regulatory structure to ensure reforms support economic growth while maintaining protections for public health, essential services, and the environment.
6. Adopt a market-based Cap and Invest program for greenhouse gas emissions. Upon implementation, the Governor should repeal the Climate Protection Program. Align Oregon’s program with labor standards consistent with California and Washington’s Cap and Invest approaches: auction revenues allocated for public works and infrastructure should require family sustaining wages, registered apprenticeship participation, and adherence to nondiscrimination and workforce inclusion standards.
7. Establish a dedicated and recurring site readiness and infrastructure fund of $250 million per biennium. Oregon cannot compete for jobs or build enough housing without a reliable supply of development-ready land. Using bonding authority tied to future economic growth, the state should accelerate investment in sites to prepare them for development.
8. Modernize statutes and state policies governing land intended for industrial and business growth to reflect site suitability and ensure an adequate supply of development-ready sites to support target industries. Clear standards for industrial site readiness, including site size, configuration, natural features, road and other infrastructure access, power sufficiency, and location should ensure consistent interpretation across jurisdictions.
9. Establish a Governor’s Cabinet of Economic & Talent Development to align state agencies around measurable economic, education, and workforce outcomes. Lead and implement a statewide Talent Alignment Strategy to establish ambitious statewide goals tied directly to Oregon’s long-term competitiveness while finding opportunities to streamline and consolidate.
10. Strategically align higher education funding with West Coast states to strengthen Oregon’s workforce, research, innovation, and industry partnerships in high-growth sectors. Also, commit $20 million per biennium to the University Innovation Research Fund (UIRF) to leverage federal investment and commercialization opportunities.
Statement from the Oregon Business Council on the Prosperity Council Recommendations
Shared from Oregon Business Council
The Prosperity Council’s report is a starting line, not a finish line.
Its most important contribution is candor. The report says Oregon’s economic future is uncertain and that the state is in danger of missing an entire generation of growth and prosperity. Costs are rising. Businesses are stalling or leaving. Population growth has slowed. Too many Oregonians are paying more and getting less.
That recognition matters. Oregon’s numbers have been warning us for a while. The report makes them harder to ignore.
The Council’s recommendations move in the right direction. Some are concrete and ready for action: a Commerce Authority, permitting shot clocks, regulatory reduction, site readiness funding, and industrial land modernization. Others — including tax reform and a talent alignment strategy — will need more work, more detail, and clear ownership. All deserve immediate next steps.
That is real progress. It also leaves important work ahead. The recommendations address parts of Oregon’s structural challenge, especially taxes, land, permitting, site readiness, and talent. Other pressures — weak K-12 outcomes, too little housing, wildfire and smoke risk, and systems built for a different era — still require sustained attention.
Families and businesses inside and outside Oregon are watching. They want to know whether this state still understands what it takes to grow, compete, and deliver. Oregon has enormous strengths. But strengths are not a strategy.
OBC is ready to help — on public-private economic strategy, workforce development, legislative advocacy, policy analysis, and implementation.
Time is not Oregon’s friend. Work that can begin now should begin tomorrow morning. Work that requires legislation should move immediately into bill drafting, fiscal analysis, and coalition-building.
Economic renewal should not be a partisan project. The Council put serious ideas on the table. Now Oregon must move — with urgency, discipline, and the confidence to compete.
Read the Prosperity Council's full report here. See a PDF of OBC's statement here.
Out and About in Senate District 15
Forest Grove Cornelius Chamber of Commerce Summer Soiree
The Forest Grove Cornelius Chamber of Commerce really knows how to celebrate community. Last Saturday night was fun to gather and honor the 2026 Chamber Award Nominees and recipients. The food was truly the best, thanks to Wedge & Cured Charcuterie boards and Prime Time Restaurant.
FLIP Children's Museum - Hillsboro
What a fabulous & fun place to play with your littles! This was a great open play visit last weekend. Jack has built a place for STEM exploration, art, laughter & smiles. Consider a visit and/or membership to The FLIP Museum in Hillsboro. My grandkids are getting a special gift of time with Mema & Pops so very soon.
Intern Corner
Hello! My name is Anisha Dhoot, I am one of the Senator Sollman’s interns, and I was also the Portland Rose Festival 2026 Metro West Princess! Being part of the Rose Festival Court as the Metro West Princess was one of the most unforgettable experiences of my life. Over the course of three incredible weeks, I had the opportunity to travel across Oregon, meet people from so many different communities, and represent the values of service, leadership, and connection that the Rose Festival celebrates.
One of the highlights of the experience was traveling to Pendleton, where we were able to experience a different side of Oregon’s culture and traditions. From riding horses to learning and participating in line dancing, every day brought something new and exciting. Beyond the events themselves, what made the experience truly meaningful were the people we met along the way. Whether we were visiting local communities, retirement homes, speaking with families, or connecting with festival attendees, I was constantly inspired by the kindness and pride people have for Oregon.
Being on the Rose Court taught me the importance of confidence, teamwork, and representing my community with gratitude. I am so thankful for the memories, friendships, and opportunities that came from serving as the Metro West Princess, and I will carry this experience with me for years to come.
~Anisha D.
Community Outreach
Hillsboro Rotary 4th of July Parade
 Since 1926, the Fourth of July Parade has been a beloved Hillsboro tradition, bringing the community together year after year. Hillsboro Rotary Club has been a strong partner for over 50 years and has been actively managing and operating the parade for the last couple of decades, with the support of an incredible team of Rotary volunteers who give their time each year to make the event possible.
Find more information, including the parade route here.
Forest Grove July 4th & 250th Anniversary Celebration
 Date: Saturday, July 4
Time: 5:00 pm - 11:00 pm
Organizer: Downtown Association of Forest Grove
Phone: (503) 704-4937
Location: Tom McCall Upper Elementary School, 1255 Pacific Avenue, Forest Grove, 97116
Celebrate Independence Day and America’s 250th anniversary in Forest Grove. The Forest Grove July 4th & 250th Anniversary Celebration is a community-wide event that brings residents and visitors together for a day of music, family activities, local vendors, history demonstrations, veterans honor, and a spectacular fireworks display.
Hosted by the Downtown Association of Forest Grove, the celebration highlights the traditions, creativity, and civic spirit that define Oregon communities. Local organizations, businesses, and volunteers come together to create a welcoming space where ALL people can gather, celebrate, and reflect on the nation’s shared history.
This special event honors both the legacy of the United States and the vibrant community life that continues to shape Oregon today.
Event Accessibility:
Keep it Legal. Keep it Safe. Fireworks Safety Tips from the Oregon State Fire Marshal
- This Fourth of July be sure to check local firework use and sales regulations. Some communities have firework restrictions in place.
- If not used properly, fireworks could land you in the emergency department. Children under 15 make up 28% of estimated firework related injuries.
- Retail fireworks in Oregon can only be sold between June 23 and July 6. If using them for your celebration, be prepared, be responsible, be safe and be aware.
- Ready to celebrate the holiday? If fireworks are a part of the plan, have water on hand, light fireworks one at a time, never relight fireworks, dispose of fireworks properly, and only use legal fireworks.
- Not sure which fireworks are legal or illegal in the state of Oregon? Any firework that flies into the air, explodes, or behaves uncontrollably or unpredictably is illegal.
- Spent fireworks should always be soaked in water. Dispose of fireworks properly and never relight a dud.
Westside Queer Resource Center - Burgerville Fundraiser Night, July 9th
Secretary Read Invites Oregonians with Dual Language Proficiency to Apply for Translation Advisory Council
Shared from Secretary of State's office
SALEM, OR — Oregon Secretary of State Tobias Read is encouraging Oregonians to apply to serve as volunteers on the Translation Advisory Council (TAC). The Council needs volunteer members who can read and write in Simplified and Traditional Chinese characters, Arabic, Iu Mien, Korean, Nepali, Japanese, or Somali.
“Our elections should be available to every eligible Oregonian,” Secretary Read said. “The Translation Advisory Council makes sure that language is not a barrier between any voter and their right to make informed, accurate decisions.”
While there is no firm deadline for applying, the priority deadline for applicants interested in current openings is July 15. New member service begins August 1.
Click here to apply.
The TAC was established in 2022 to guide the office's work of translating voters’ pamphlets for each election. Volunteer members of the TAC spend time before each election reviewing translated voters’ pamphlet materials to ensure accuracy and cultural appropriateness for eligible voters who have limited English proficiency.
To be a member of the TAC, an applicant must be a resident of Oregon with civic service and lived experience in a community served by translated voters’ pamphlets. Applicants must also be proficient in English and one of the following languages: Arabic, Chinese, Farsi, French, German, Iu Mien, Japanese, Khmer, Korean, Marshallese, Nepali, Russian, Somali, Spanish, Tagalog, Thai, Ukrainian, or Vietnamese.
The Secretary of State’s office accepts applications on a rolling basis, meaning interested individuals with proficiency in any of the identified languages should feel free to apply. Applications are kept on file and may be used in selecting members for future openings.
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Westside Sustainable Living Fair - Saturday, July 18th
Countdown to OpenHillsboro:
New Permit Experience Coming July 20
Shared from City of Hillsboro
The City of Hillsboro is launching OpenHillsboro, a new digital platform for development services, in July 2026. From applications to inspections and approvals, we're making it easier to build, grow, and invest in the community.
OpenHillsboro will be a centralized, user-friendly online platform that will enhance how residents, businesses, developers, and contractors experience the permitting process.
The following permits, applications, and more will be available in OpenHillsboro:
Animal • Building • Fence • Fire • Home Occupation • Land Use • Mobile & Temporary Business • Short-Term Rentals • Sidewalk Vendor • Signs • Special Events • Trades • Tree • Utility • More
Please note: current systems will be down at 4 pm on Thursday, July 16 for the transition to OpenHillsboro. Customers can make payments, schedule inspections, and review plans up until that time. Systems will be back online Monday, July 20. We apologize for any inconvenience.
Attend an upcoming event to learn more about the new platform:
OpenHillsboro Demonstrations
Preview the new software and applications
Thursday, July 9 | 5:30 to 7 pm
Hillsboro Civic Center/Zoom
Thursday, July 16 | 2 to 3:30 pm
Hillsboro Civic Center/Zoom
OpenHillsboro: Features
- A digital interface where customers can submit and track applications online.
- Improved options for payments, plan review, and inspections.
- A step-by-step online permitting guide that will help applicants better understand requirements, processes, and costs associated with their project.
OpenHillsboro: FAQs
- What can I do to get ready for OpenHillsboro?
- What if I have an application or permit in process when the new program launches?
- Where can I find more information on the updates and what to expect?
See the answer and more questions online.
Additional Resources
Senate District 15 – Event Calendars
Federal Delegation Links
Education Links
Food and Housing Assistance
Immigration Resources
Next week our staff will be taking personal time away and we will not send out a weekly newsletter. We look forward to connecting upon our return.
Be good to yourself and each other. ❤
Onward & Upward,
 Senate District 15 lies on Kalapuya land. The Atfalati were the northernmost band of the Kalapuya that lived along the Tualatin River in present day Washington County. Many of the Atfalati descendants are members of the Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde Community of Oregon today. The Indigenous Peoples of this land experienced a painful history of colonial violence, sickness and removal from their land. The Atfalati are the foundation of Oregon's past and we must honor them well into our future.
Capitol Phone: 503-986-1715
Capitol Address: 900 Court St. NE, S-207, Salem, Oregon 97301
Email: Sen.JaneenSollman@oregonlegislature.gov
Website: http://www.oregonlegislature.gov/sollman
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