Hood River City Council Reaffirms Inclusive City Resolution

Mar 5

Written By Columbia Community Connection

From Hood River City Council:

By Jackie Vanderpuye

Hood River, Ore., March 4, 2025 – At the February 24th meeting of the Hood River City Council, members unanimously passed a resolution reaffirming the city’s commitment to inclusivity and creating a welcoming environment for all community members.

This resolution, which comes after discussions in the Council’s previous two meetings, was a direct response to growing concerns over federal immigration policies and their potential impact on the local immigrant community. The Council made it clear that they stand firmly in support of immigrants, emphasizing the importance of fostering an atmosphere of safety, acceptance, and belonging for everyone.

Beyond reaffirming its support for the immigrant community, the resolution also addresses broader issues of social justice and equality. It includes an endorsement of women’s rights, LGBTQ rights, and religious freedom, as well as a reaffirmation of the state’s sanctuary laws, which forbid local law enforcement from using their resources to enforce federal immigration law. The resolution emphasizes the need to “nurture a culture of trust between city government, immigrants, and communities of color so all residents feel safe in their own neighborhoods.”

Titled Resolution 2025-06: Resolution Affirming the City of Hood River as an Inclusive and Welcoming City, this statement follows in the footsteps of earlier declarations made by the City Council, notably Resolution 2017-02 and Resolution 2020-13, both of which underscored the city’s commitment to inclusivity. By passing this new resolution, Council members expressed their hope that it would offer a sense of reassurance and security to those in the community who may have been living in fear due to external threats or uncertainty.

Moreover, the Council committed not just to words, but to meaningful actions that would translate these values into real, tangible outcomes for the residents of Hood River. Council requested that staff report back annually on actions taken to advance inclusion in the community and inside the organization.

Resolutions, while not binding law, reflect the City Council’s will and values. The Council is dedicated to fostering a city where all residents can feel safe and welcomed.