Gresham Delivers On Safety: Early Wins From The Historic Safety Levy -01/08/25

GRESHAM, Ore. – Seven months ago, the people of Gresham made history. For the first time in over 30 years, residents came together to approve the Gresham Safety Levy, a resounding investment in the future of our city’s Police and Fire Departments. Today, Gresham is turning that promise into real, tangible progress—building safer neighborhoods, faster emergency responses, and a stronger community foundation.

“The trust and commitment shown by our community through the levy vote is humbling,” said Gresham Mayor Travis Stovall. “We are already seeing the benefits come to life: more firefighters, expanded police services, and critical investments in safety infrastructure. This is only the beginning, and I couldn’t be prouder of what we’re building together.”

Fire Department: Boosting Safety and Response Times

• Firefighter Recruitment and Training: A significant milestone has been reached with the hiring of seven out of the nine firefighter positions funded by the levy. These recruits will begin training in January, strengthening our ability to respond to emergencies. Though the fire academy requires extensive preparation time, these hires represent vital progress toward meeting community needs.  A second academy will be beginning in late spring to bring more firefighters to the community thanks to the levy.

• New Fire Rescue Vehicle: A new fire rescue vehicle is now in service at Station 74. Once Station 72’s renovations are complete, the vehicle will be permanently stationed there to provide crucial support to one of Gresham’s busiest areas. This is the first additional 911 unit in over 30 years, thanks to the voters.

• Fire Marshal Team Fully Staffed: Both Deputy Fire Marshal positions are filled, and school safety inspections and fire prevention outreach programs will begin in the new year, keeping our schools and families safer.

Police Department: Expanding Services and Rebuilding Trust

• Community Safety Specialists (CSS): Four additional CSS team members have been hired, bringing the total to six. CSS staff play a critical role in handling non-emergency issues like minor property crimes, filing missing person reports, and clearing recovered stolen vehicles, allowing police officers to focus on urgent, high-priority calls.

• A Specialized Focus Returns:

- Neighborhood Enforcement Team (NET): A dedicated staff member now works to address neighborhood livability concerns, tackling the issues residents care about most.

- Behavioral Health Unit (BHU): Two officers and one sergeant are paired with mental health clinicians to assist residents in crisis—a compassionate approach that connects people with support and resources.

• Recruitment Focus: With a new police-specific recruiting strategy, additional background investigators, and a first-ever dedicated training facility, the department is hiring and swearing in new officers regularly. Gresham Police are focused on rebuilding their ranks, strengthening public safety, and creating opportunities for those interested in a career in law enforcement.

“We are focused on serving our community well, and it all starts with ensuring we have the right people to serve in Gresham,” said Police Chief Travis Gullberg. 

Levy Oversight: Ensuring Accountability and Trust

The City is finalizing the creation of a Levy Oversight Committee, which will serve as a subcommittee of Gresham’s Finance Committee. This group of Gresham residents will ensure levy funds are spent responsibly and transparently, honoring the trust placed in us by voters. Applications for committee members are now open and will be available through January 17. 

City Manager Eric Schmidt emphasized the importance of laying a strong foundation: “Behind the scenes, we are working hard to make Gresham safer, stronger, and more resilient. Every new hire, vehicle, and program funded by the levy brings us one step closer to a brighter future for all of us.”

For more information, visit GreshamOregon.gov.

About Gresham:

Gresham is a vibrant and growing city where tradition blends seamlessly with innovation and opportunity. As Oregon's fourth-largest city, our community is built on a foundation of hard work, deep roots in agriculture, and a shared commitment to creating a thriving future. Discover more about what makes Gresham special by visiting GreshamOregon.gov.

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Trader Joe’s Is Coming To Gresham -01/08/25

GRESHAM, OR – After years of dreaming, planning, and persistent efforts by City of Gresham leadership, the iconic specialty grocer Trader Joe’s is officially coming to East Multnomah County. Trader Joe’s has filed a commercial permit to open at the former Big Lots location in the Oregon Trail Center at 2083 N.E. Burnside Road.

This exciting announcement marks a significant milestone for Gresham and the surrounding region. The permit application includes plans for substantial building improvements, ensuring the store will deliver the high-quality shopping experience that Trader Joe’s is known for nationwide.

Gresham Mayor Travis Stovall celebrated the news, emphasizing its importance for the community and regional growth.

“This is a huge win for our residents and a symbol of the progress we’ve made together. The arrival of Trader Joe’s is a testament to the growing vibrancy and potential of Gresham. For years, our community has expressed a deep desire for more specialty grocery options, and this investment underscores that Gresham is not only a great place to live and work but also a thriving market for businesses.”

City Manager Eric Schmidt, who has been a leading advocate for bringing Trader Joe’s to Gresham, highlighted the perseverance and collaboration that made this possible.

“This announcement reflects years of strategic conversations and hard work by the City of Gresham. Trader Joe’s recognized what we’ve known all along – Gresham is a city of opportunity and growth. We’re excited to welcome them to the community and look forward to the positive impact this will have on our economy and quality of life.”

Trader Joe’s, known for its unique products, private-label offerings, and customer loyalty, will fill a long-requested niche for residents who have expressed their desire for more diverse grocery options.

Stay tuned for more updates as construction and preparations progress. The City of Gresham is thrilled to welcome Trader Joe’s as part of its vibrant and growing community.

About the City of Gresham
The City of Gresham is a welcoming, dynamic, and diverse community located in East Multnomah County, Oregon. As the fourth-largest city in Oregon, Gresham is committed to fostering a high quality of life for its residents through innovative leadership, sustainable growth, and partnerships that build a stronger future.

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