City Council explores safety enhancements and sponsorship for drone light show expansion

The Tigard City Council convened on March 4, 2025, to discuss several key agenda items, focusing primarily on safety measures for drone shows and tax increment financing best practices.

The meeting began with a discussion on the safety protocols surrounding the use of drones for upcoming events. A council member emphasized the importance of safety, noting their ongoing conversations with drone companies to ensure all necessary precautions are in place. They highlighted the need for pilot double checks and the establishment of a "red zone" to enhance safety measures. Concerns were raised about potential interference from scramblers, with council members expressing a commitment to asking vendors about their strategies to minimize such issues.

Councilor Shaw brought up the duration of the drone shows, suggesting the exploration of technologies, such as lasers, to extend the show time without compromising the program's pace. The council acknowledged feedback from the community regarding the desire for a more impactful grand finale, indicating a need for better planning on their part.

The conversation shifted towards the potential for sponsorships to support the drone shows. Councilor Hoo expressed support for finding sponsors that align with the city’s values, with discussions about increasing the number of drones used in the shows from 300 to possibly 400 if funding allows. The council members agreed to explore sponsorship opportunities to enhance the events while also considering the overall budget and return on investment.

Following the drone show discussions, the council moved on to the next agenda item regarding tax increment financing best practices. Redevelopment Project Manager Sean Fairley provided an update on this topic, noting that the last presentation occurred in 2023 and that there have been changes in council membership since then.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to follow up on the feasibility of increasing drone numbers and securing sponsorships, ensuring that safety and community engagement remain top priorities for future events.