Forest Grove Forward
Forest Grove Forward 2040 Vision
The community’s desired future state.
Rooted in Connection, Growing with Purpose.
In 2040, Forest Grove serves as the gateway to Oregon's rural tranquility and urban innovation, situated between mountains and metropolis. We are a destination with a vibrant downtown and local economy where independent businesses thrive, education inspires and provides opportunity, recreation amenities abound, and neighbors truly connect. Through thoughtful, sustainable growth and collaborative spirit, we cultivate a high-quality, safe, and affordable life honoring our history and welcoming all who visit and call Forest Grove home.
Our Values
Guide decisions, behaviors, and culture within a community or organization. The values serve as a compass in implementing your vision and goals.
Together, we strive toward a sustainable future—where our commitment to environmental care, responsible financial choices, thoughtful community growth, and resilient infrastructure ensures a thriving, inclusive city for generations to come.
We aspire to be a community where everyone feels secure, supported, and prepared—where public safety is a shared priority, health is nurtured, and we stand resilient in the face of emergencies, united in our care for one another.
We envision a deeply connected community—where neighbors know and care for one another, where inclusive engagement thrives, and where thoughtfully designed spaces and infrastructure bring people together, preserving a small-town spirit as we grow.
Goals, Outcomes & Actions
The goals, outcomes, and actions in this plan are our roadmap for making Forest Grove's vision a reality by 2040. Together, they help us focus our efforts, set clear targets, and identify the specific steps needed to create positive change in our community. These weren't developed in isolation as they emerged from extensive conversations with residents, community leaders, local businesses, our steering community, and participants in our vision labs. This collaborative approach ensures our plan truly reflects what matters most to the people, businesses, and organizations that call Forest Grove home.
Goal
- We envision a thriving, inclusive Forest Grove community with a vibrant downtown, a diverse economy offering high-paying jobs, and a strong sense of identity and place.
Outcomes
- Create a balanced and diversified economy offering a variety of commercial businesses and industrial businesses, offering high-paying job opportunities.
- Revitalize downtown.
- Foster a community identity and sense of place.
Actions
- 1.1 Conduct a feasibility analysis for a grocery store
- 1.2 Increase volume and diversity of commercial business development
- 1.3 Update the City’s Economic Development Strategic Plan
- 1.4 Increase industrial business development
- 1.5 Explore the creation of an Economic Improvement District
- 1.6 Strengthen the City’s partnership with local small businesses to support local distribution and entrepreneurship
- 1.7 Support workforce development programs
- 1.8 Develop a long-term vision for the Main Street Program
- 1.9 Partner with property owners to attract businesses aligned with Main Street vision (e.g., balance of offerings, etc.)
- 1.10 City incentive programs to support/retain small/local businesses (e.g., storefront improvement grant program)
- 1.11 Encourage and attract more events downtown to promote foot traffic
- 1.12 Install decorative lighting downtown
- 1.13 Increase wayfinding signage for downtown parking
- 1.14 Update Tourism Strategic Plan
- 1.15 Develop mural corridor/public art and cultural district/celebrations
- 1.16 Explore exterior and architectural design standards to create a visual identity
- 1.17 Pursue grants to support tourism, placemaking, identity, and planning
Goal
- We envision a well-connected, safe, and environmentally sustainable Forest Grove with diverse, affordable housing; resilient, green infrastructure; efficient mobility options; and strong public safety - creating a vibrant, accessible, and climate-conscious community.
Outcomes
- Increase the supply of diverse and affordable housing options to meet current and future needs.
- Improve mobility with balanced traffic management, safety enhancements, and thoughtful design and planning.
- Improve public safety response.
- Build and maintain resilient, efficient, and financially stable Infrastructure.
- Enhance walkability and community connectivity through pedestrian and bike-friendly infrastructure and enhanced transit options
Actions
- 2.1 Conduct community engagement to understand desired housing growth, including types and location of housing
- 2.2 Address rent burden in the community by expanding opportunities for affordable housing development
- 2.3 Educate landowners and/or small developers on new housing and ADU options
- 2.4 Develop policies and programs that allow for ADU flexibility
- 2.5 Activate policies around utilizing downtown "upstairs" apartments per the City’s Urban Renewal Plan
- 2.6 Support City partners who develop affordable housing for the community
- 2.7 Lobby for adequate infrastructure funding to support housing development
- 2.8 Update the City’s Comprehensive Plan
- 2.9 Improve crosswalks to include more protective features and design
- 2.10 Partner with ODOT to improve the Highway 47 and TV Highway safety corridor
- 2.11 Increase enforcement of traffic laws
- 2.12 Evaluate 2-way streets on Pacific + 19th to improve safety
- 2.13 Identify and prioritize traffic safety improvements
- 2.14 Continue to implement ADA improvements and compliance updates to City infrastructure
- 2.15 Conduct a fire station location needs analysis
- 2.16 Deploy a second fire emergency response vehicle to meet the needs of increased calls
- 2.17 Build a new police facility
- 2.18 Prioritize staffing and equipment for public safety through workload analysis
- 2.19 Explore expansion of community volunteer support functions for public safety
- 2.20 Update the City’s emergency preparedness plan in coordination with regional planning efforts
- 2.21 Continue to partner with other districts and agencies to improve public safety services and response times
- 2.22 Keep all long-term infrastructure master plans up to date
- 2.23 Expand green and climate resilient infrastructure and equipment
- 2.24 Continue redundancy expansion of the electric system at the transmission and substation level
- 2.25 Identify a long-term funding source for road improvements
- 2.26 Communicate and educate the community on key infrastructure investments
- 2.27 Encourage wellness through infrastructure policies and design standards
- 2.28 Implement the East Forest Grove TV Highway Safety Improvement Plan
- 2.29 Implement intersection safety improvements
- 2.30 Partner on the TV Highway Bus Rapid Transit Project
- 2.31 Update Yew Street intersection
- 2.32 Increase walkability and address pedestrian barriers
- 2.33 Install Rose Grove midblock crossing
- 2.34 Implement Mountainview Safe Routes to School
- 2.35 Improve Fern Hill and Maple intersection
- 2.36 Explore park and ride options to improve access to transit
- 2.37 Enhance and add wayfinding signage in downtown and along arterial
Goal
- We envision a Forest Grove community where everyone can enjoy safe, accessible, and inclusive recreation opportunities that enhance quality of life for all ages and abilities.
Outcomes
- Increase recreation opportunities for all.
- Increase safe and accessible recreation opportunities.
Actions
- 3.1 Update the City's Parks and Recreation Master Plan
- 3.2 Establish a recreation advisory committee with representation from City of Forest Grove, City of Cornelius, Pacific University, and Forest Grove School District to develop recommendations to increase recreation opportunities
- 3.3 Explore options for a multi-use recreation/community facility that includes space for recreation, events, mentorship, education, and connection
- 3.4 Create a gathering space by developing the Eastside Park
- 3.5 Work with Pacific University on updating Lincoln Park long-term use agreement
- 3.6 Identify and reduce barriers to participation in recreation (e.g., cost, transportation, awareness of available resources, etc.)
- 3.7 Increase access to recreation opportunities for people with disabilities and/or tailored options
- 3.8 Host Safety Town community event
Goal
- We envision an engaged and connected community with inclusive spaces for all agents where strong partnerships, active civic participation, and shared information foster collaboration and belonging.
Outcome
- Inclusive and accessible spaces for people of all ages to gather and connect.
- Active civic engagement and increased collaboration among community organizations, volunteers, and the City.
- Increased engagement through community-wide awareness of news and events.
- Increased partnership and collaboration among community organizations and the City.
Actions
- 4.1 Explore and support external funding opportunities to sustain Library programs and services
- 4.2 Explore opportunities to create a central community gathering space that is safe and welcoming for all ages
- 4.3 Conduct a feasibility study for a future community/recreation center that meets the needs for all ages and abilities
- 4.4 Increase and enhance opportunities at the Senior and Community Center
- 4.5 Develop a festival street/pedestrian mall in downtown Forest Grove
- 4.6 Increase the number of volunteers and volunteer programs, and improve the culture of volunteerism
- 4.7 Establish civic engagement internships with Forest Grove High School, Pacific University, and others
- 4.8 Seek ongoing community feedback on City projects and programs
- 4.9 Employ Pacific University work study students for community service needs
- 4.10 Utilize digital and printed tools to enhance communication
- 4.11 Update the City's communication plan
- 4.12 Comprehensive community calendar managed by one entity where all community organizations can share events
- 4.13 Increase collaboration between Cornelius, Gales Creek, Banks, and others in the region to improve community connection
- 4.14 Increase connection and partnership with Pacific University
- 4.15 Facilitate regular meeting that supports alignment across community organizations
Forest Grove Forward 2040 Vision Plan
Growing with Purpose
Project FAQs
Forest Grove Forward is a community vision that describes the way we want our community to look, feel, and function over the next fifteen years.
- Community Vision: The vision statement articulates the community we are collectively striving to achieve.
- Community Values: The values describe what is important to people in the community and what should guide us in implementing our vision.
- Goals: The goals describe the future conditions for our community in each goal area.
- Actions: The actions outline specific programs, projects, and initiatives to achieve the goals.
Forest Grove is a wonderful place to live, work, learn, and play. Our community has grown nearly 25% over the last decade and is projected to increase to 33,600 people by 2045. As our community continues to grow, we want to make sure that growth is aligned with community needs and priorities. Now is a great opportunity to pause, reflect, and think about our vision, goals, and how to strategically align our resources to best serve our community.
The City of Forest Grove led this project with the support of the City Council, Steering Committee, and staff. We partnered with a consulting team to guide our organization in the visioning process and gather perspectives from across the community to ensure everyone had a chance to share ideas and help shape the future.
The adoption of our 2040 Vision Plan marks an exciting milestone, but this is just the beginning! Our Vision is more than a document; it's a shared roadmap for our future, shaped by your voices, values, and ideas.
We invite you to stay engaged as we bring the Vision to life. Here's how you can continue to be part of the journey:
- Follow Our Progress! We'll share regular updates on how the Vision is being implemented. Watch for stories, posts, and briefs highlighting achievements and next steps.
- Join the Conversation! Attend community events, our CCE open house, or virtual events where you can offer feedback and help guide future decisions.
- Be a Vision Advocate! Whether you're a student, business owner, neighborhood leader, or simply passionate about your community, there is a place for you in this work. Small actions, local projects, and creative ideas all help move the Vision forward.
- Connect with Us! Visit our website to learn more about upcoming initiatives, volunteer opportunities, and ways to get involved.
We began this process in April 2024 and intend to have the community vision finalized and adopted by City Council July 14, 2025, so we can get to work bringing our vision to life!