OREGON CITY - At the July 1, 2020 City Commission meeting, the Oregon City Commission took the unprecedented action of passing a vote of no-confidence in Mayor Dan Holladay for his detrimental actions that have negatively impacted the City and have led to a loss of faith in his abilities to effectively lead the community and the Commission. Commissioners expressed ongoing concerns about the leadership and direction of the Mayor following several recent events as well as his actions to pursue his own interests above those of the Commission and the safety and welfare of the community. 

The unanimous vote followed a decision at the June 17, 2020 City Commission meeting to censure Mayor Holladay for taking actions that injured the good name of the City of Oregon City, disturbed its well-being, and hampered its work.  The Letter of Censure was read by Commission President Rachel Lyles Smith at the July 1, 2020 City Commission meeting and outlined the Mayor’s actions that counter the interests of the Commission. Most notably were his actions to contravene Governor Kate Brown’s “Stay Home, Save Lives” Executive Order 20-12 which resulted in a letter from the Attorney General, violating the City’s rules of procedures, soliciting private donations for a fireworks show and social media comments downplaying the significance of the death of Black citizens in police encounters and concerns about racial injustice.

At this meeting, the Commission President provided an update to the community on their decision to hire a third-party investigator to further examine the actions of the Mayor.

The Commission is dedicated to the principle and practice of a City government that fosters partnership, equity, inclusion and accountability to best serve the Oregon City community.

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