Gresham Gears Up for Growth: Mayor Outlines Ambitious Plan

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  Published in Stocks and Investing on Monday, February 2nd 2026 at 14:30 GMT by KOIN
      Locales: Oregon, UNITED STATES

Gresham Gears Up for Growth: Mayor Monday Outlines Ambitious Plan for City's Future

Gresham, Oregon - Mayor Shane Monday is laying the groundwork for a revitalized Gresham, focusing on economic growth, community well-being, and a proactive approach to the city's most pressing challenges. In a recent interview with the Gresham Outlook, Monday detailed a comprehensive vision designed to transform Gresham into a thriving hub where residents can live, work, and enjoy life.

The cornerstone of Monday's plan is a robust economic strategy aimed at attracting new businesses and fostering the growth of existing ones. Recognizing that a healthy economy is crucial for a flourishing community, the city is streamlining the often-complex permitting process, reducing bureaucratic hurdles that can stifle entrepreneurship. This initiative isn't simply about cutting red tape, however; it's coupled with a commitment to providing resources - financial aid, mentorship programs, and access to capital - to help local businesses expand and create jobs.

"We're not just passively waiting for economic opportunity to come to Gresham," Monday explained. "We're actively creating an environment where businesses want to be, where innovation is encouraged, and where entrepreneurs have the support they need to succeed." This proactive approach extends beyond small and medium-sized enterprises; the city is also actively courting larger companies, highlighting Gresham's strategic location and skilled workforce.

Alongside economic development, Mayor Monday acknowledges the critical need to address Gresham's homelessness crisis. He steers clear of simplistic solutions, recognizing the multifaceted nature of the problem. The plan emphasizes a comprehensive strategy involving expanded access to mental health services, a key component often overlooked in homelessness initiatives. The city is collaborating with local healthcare providers and non-profit organizations to increase the availability of affordable and accessible mental health care, addressing underlying issues that contribute to chronic homelessness.

Affordable housing is also central to the city's strategy. Monday's administration is exploring various options, including incentivizing developers to build affordable units, leveraging state and federal funding opportunities, and potentially implementing innovative housing models like tiny home communities. However, he cautions that simply building more housing isn't enough. Supportive services, such as job training and case management, are crucial to helping individuals transition out of homelessness and maintain stable housing.

Beyond economics and social welfare, Monday is prioritizing significant infrastructure improvements. Recognizing that a modern and reliable infrastructure is essential for both economic growth and the quality of life for residents, the city is planning substantial investments in transportation and public safety. This includes upgrades to roads and public transportation systems, as well as enhancements to emergency response capabilities. A detailed infrastructure assessment is currently underway to identify critical areas needing immediate attention and to prioritize long-term projects.

"Our infrastructure is the backbone of our city," Monday stated. "We can't expect to attract businesses or improve the lives of our residents if our roads are crumbling and our emergency services are strained." The city is also exploring "smart city" technologies to improve efficiency and sustainability.

Perhaps the most defining aspect of Mayor Monday's approach is his unwavering commitment to community engagement. He emphasizes that meaningful progress requires the active participation of Gresham's residents. To that end, the city is implementing new initiatives to facilitate dialogue and collaboration between the government and the community. This includes town hall meetings, online forums, and citizen advisory boards.

"We don't have all the answers," Monday admits. "We need to hear from our community - from residents, business owners, and community leaders - to ensure that we're making decisions that truly reflect their needs and priorities. This isn't about us telling people what's best for them; it's about working with them to build a better Gresham, together." He's recently announced a series of 'Coffee with the Mayor' events to further foster direct communication.

The ambitious plan, while facing inevitable challenges, signals a clear commitment to building a brighter future for Gresham. Mayor Monday's vision isn't simply about addressing immediate problems; it's about creating a sustainable, equitable, and vibrant community for generations to come.