According to ehuacom, Beaverton, Oregon is located in the Tualatin Valley, just west of Portland in the Willamette Valley. It is surrounded by hills and mountains on three sides, with the Cascade Mountains to the east and the Coast Range to the west. The city has a total area of 18.6 square miles, making it one of Oregon’s largest cities. The city is split between two counties: Washington County to the east and Multnomah County to the west. The climate here is mild and temperate, with warm summers and mild winters. Average temperatures range from lows around 40 degrees Fahrenheit in winter to highs around 80 degrees Fahrenheit in summer. Rainfall is spread evenly throughout the year, with an average annual precipitation of about 42 inches per year. Beaverton has two major rivers running through it: Beaverton Creek on its eastern side and Fanno Creek on its western side. Both are tributaries of the Tualatin River which flows south into Willamette River near Lake Oswego before eventually entering into Columbia River near Portland. The city also has several smaller creeks that feed into these larger rivers, providing a variety of water bodies for recreation within Beaverton’s boundaries.
History of Beaverton, Oregon
Beaverton, Oregon is one of the oldest cities in the Pacific Northwest, with a history that dates back to 1847 when settlers began to arrive in the area. The city was originally called Beaverdam and was named after a nearby creek of the same name. It was incorporated as a city in 1893 and was officially renamed Beaverton in 1910. Over the years, it has grown from a small rural town into an important business and commercial center.
The city’s growth can be attributed to its strategic location near Portland and its proximity to major railroads and highways. It also benefited from being part of Washington County, which has long been considered one of Oregon’s most prosperous counties. In recent years, Beaverton has become known for its high-tech industry, as many tech companies have chosen to locate their headquarters here.
Beaverton is also home to several notable landmarks, including Cedar Hills Crossing Shopping Center—the first enclosed shopping mall west of the Mississippi—and several historic buildings that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places such as Bethel Congregational Church (1909), Beaverton City Hall (1913), and Maywood Park (1927). Additionally, there are several parks located within Beaverton’s boundaries including Tualatin Hills Nature Park which offers over 8 miles of trails for hiking and biking.
Economy of Beaverton, Oregon
As one of the largest cities in the Portland metropolitan area, Beaverton has become an important business and commercial center. It is home to numerous corporate headquarters, including Nike, Reser’s Fine Foods, and Tektronix. Additionally, its strategic location has attracted many high-tech companies to the city, making it a hub for the tech industry.
Beaverton also boasts a diverse economy that includes manufacturing, retail trade, health care services, and educational services. The city is home to numerous large employers such as Intel Corporation, Kaiser Permanente Northwest Division and Providence Health & Services Oregon. Additionally, it is home to several shopping centers such as Cedar Hills Crossing Shopping Center—the first enclosed shopping mall west of the Mississippi—and Beaverton Town Square Shopping Center.
The city also benefits from its proximity to Portland International Airport (PDX) which provides easy access to domestic and international destinations. This has led to Beaverton becoming a popular tourist destination with many visitors coming each year for its many attractions such as Tualatin Hills Nature Park which offers over 8 miles of trails for hiking and biking alongside numerous parks for leisure activities.
Politics in Beaverton, Oregon
Beaverton is located in Washington County, Oregon and is governed by a mayor-council form of government. The mayor is elected at-large and serves a four-year term while the city council consists of seven members who are elected from seven wards and serve staggered four-year terms.
The city’s politics are largely progressive, with the mayor and city council focusing on issues such as economic development, public safety, environmental protection, affordable housing, and transportation. In recent years, the city has taken steps to reduce its carbon footprint by investing in renewable energy sources such as solar and wind energy. Additionally, the city has worked to improve public transit options through initiatives such as expanding bus service to outlying areas and providing bike-share programs.
Beaverton residents are also actively involved in state politics. In 2020, several local residents were elected to serve in the Oregon State Legislature including Representative Karin Power (D) who represents District 41 which includes much of Beaverton. Additionally, Senator Rob Wagner (D) was reelected to represent District 19 which encompasses Beaverton as well as portions of Hillsboro and Tigard.
Overall, Beaverton’s politics reflect a progressive outlook that seeks to create a strong economy while protecting the environment and providing access to quality services for its citizens.
