Two state legislators attended the Troutdale City Council meeting on Dec. 9 to report on the 2025 legislative session and to discuss issues affecting East Multnomah County.

The legislators said the 2025 session included work on affordable housing, energy policy and a dedicated wildfire funding measure. One legislator described obtaining roughly $30,000,000 in state funds aimed at improving levees across the northern portion of East County and adjacent Portland neighborhoods so they meet Army Corps of Engineers standards; completing levee work is intended to unlock additional federal funding for flood protection.

The legislators also described funding for emergency services in the area; a speaker at the meeting said the state secured funding stated in the meeting as $8,100,000 to finish the final amount needed for a full rebuild of Fire Station 74, which serves parts of East County including areas that respond to incidents in Troutdale. They said the project is underway and community support has been important.

On housing and taxes, the visiting lawmakers discussed record levels of education funding in 2025 and debated tax policy options to address rising housing costs. The conversation included proposals to reexamine assessed‑value rules on sale to moderate tax increases that push residents out of their homes, though legislators noted such tax changes typically require supermajority votes and significant political negotiation.

The group also addressed homelessness. Speakers referenced the legal and policy landscape that stems from the "Boise" litigation and Oregon's subsequent implementing law, emphasizing that enforcement actions require reasonable alternatives (shelter space and services). Legislators and councilors discussed shelter bed availability, county roles in social services, and ongoing funding constraints.

The legislators encouraged council members and residents to contact them with local concerns and to brief them on projects where state support could help. They left the meeting after taking questions.