In a recent interview with the Tillamook County Pioneer podcast, Charles McNeilly, the current mayor of Rockaway Beach, Oregon, discussed his accomplishments, ongoing initiatives, and reasons for seeking re-election. McNeilly, who is nearing the end of his first term, expressed his enthusiasm for continuing the work he’s started, emphasizing a vision of growth, efficiency, and transparency in local governance.
“I’m about 21 months into my first tenure as mayor,” McNeilly stated. “I’ve been very excited and very happy with the progress that has been made in Rockaway Beach.”
He highlighted his productive relationship with City Manager Shepherd, crediting their partnership for numerous improvements in city management.
“City Manager Shepherd has totally restructured and enhanced our city hall staff,” he said, detailing how the team has evolved to include key roles like a city recorder and financial director, which he noted are essential for streamlined city operations.
One of McNeilly’s proudest achievements during his term is what he described as “the most productive fiscal year in city council history.” He detailed that the council had passed 61 resolutions, six ordinances, and three proclamations—a record level of productivity that he attributes to his skills in effective meeting management, honed during his career in the private sector.
“I really want to continue this trend,” he said, emphasizing his eagerness to build on the city’s recent achievements. “We’re on a great trajectory, and I just want to continue.”
Key Initiatives and Future Plans
McNeilly also outlined several key projects and goals that he aims to pursue if re-elected. At the forefront is the acquisition of the Jetty Creek watershed, Rockaway Beach’s primary water source.
“Acquiring and controlling that watershed is really critical to the long-term viability of our community,” he explained, adding that local ownership would allow for better management practices focused on water abundance and quality rather than timber profits.
Housing was another major topic of discussion. McNeilly expressed the need for mixed-income housing, highlighting its importance for workforce stability, especially for essential workers like teachers, healthcare professionals, and service industry employees. He mentioned Senate Bill 406, which requires changes to city zoning laws to allow for duplexes, triplexes, and other multi-unit dwellings to increase housing availability.
“It will be a partnership with developers,” McNeilly explained, noting that there are builders who specialize in affordable housing and know how to secure necessary grants.
McNeilly is also looking at new opportunities for boosting Rockaway Beach’s economy. He acknowledged a long-standing divide in the business community between the Chamber of Commerce and the Rockaway Beach Business Association. If re-elected, McNeilly plans to address this divide by organizing a summit for local business owners, facilitated by a conflict resolution specialist.
“None of them wants this divide,” he said. “They’re here for every business to succeed. So let’s get them in a room and have them come up with a plan to solve this situation in our town.”
He also emphasized the need to extend the tourism season beyond summer months. McNeilly expressed his interest in supporting events and activities that attract visitors year-round.
“I would also like to find other activities that we can do,” he said, noting the success of events like the Writer’s Rendezvous.
Public Safety and Community Engagement
McNeilly’s vision for Rockaway Beach also includes improving public safety services. While the city currently contracts with the Tillamook County Sheriff’s Department, some residents have raised the idea of re-establishing a local police force. McNeilly said he plans to investigate this option further.
“It’s something I’ll be looking at closely over the next few months,” he noted.
McNeilly expressed that any decision on this front would require extensive community input and evaluation of funding options, as re-establishing a police department would be a significant financial commitment.
Central to McNeilly’s approach is increasing transparency and fostering communication between city leadership and residents.
“I have ushered in a new era of transparency and community engagement for our city,” he stated, listing initiatives like “Coffee with the Manager and Mayor” and town hall meetings as ways to connect with the public.
He also mentioned the city’s new strategic planning process, which saw over 700 community members participate in a survey to shape the city’s future. The draft plan, which McNeilly said will be available on the city’s website around October 25, will undergo a period of public review to ensure residents’ voices are heard.
A Call for Collaboration
In his closing remarks, McNeilly urged residents to support not just his campaign but also those of other candidates he believes will maintain the city’s momentum. “We need a council who understands and delivers collaboration and transparency,” he emphasized. McNeilly endorsed candidates Mary McGinnis, Tom Martine, Kiley Konruff, Alesia Franken, and Penny Cheek for city council seats, describing them as committed to supporting the city’s leadership and advancing shared goals.
McNeilly’s message was clear: his re-election is about continuing the work of building a more engaged, efficient, and prosperous Rockaway Beach. As the city approaches the next election, he remains committed to his vision, highlighting the importance of transparency, collaboration, and long-term planning.
You can watch the entire interview here: