Oak Harbor Mayor Wright Cites 9,900 Resident Goal Amid 11.1 Million in Grants

Mayor Ronnie Wright told a crowd of roughly 100 people at the Elks Lodge that Oak Harbor must plan for 9,900 additional residents under state growth rules. That projection translates to approximately 4,000 new housing units, a target that anchors the city’s current infrastructure and development strategy.

Wright, who took office in January 2024, presented a financial snapshot that contrasts recent gains with impending fiscal pressure. The administration has secured $11.1 million in grants since 2024. Conversely, the city faces $7.74 million in budget cuts in the coming biennium. Wright stated these cuts will delay road and stormwater projects and pause contributions to several reserve funds as revenue stagnates.

The housing data provided by the mayor shows a specific pipeline of construction. Of the required units, 235 new homes are completed, 233 are under construction, and 417 are in development. Wright argued that this new construction creates jobs across multiple sectors and brings customers to local shops and restaurants. He described this influx as a way to create opportunities for people who want to live and work in Oak Harbor.

Personnel changes in city departments have marked the past year. Craig Llamas-Cole became the director of Parks and Recreation, filling the vacancy left by Brian Smith, who separated from the city in March. In human resources, Kristina Hines was hired in May to replace Emma House, who resigned in April after administrative leave. The city also reported that 48 new employees, including 31 full-time workers, have joined the staff. Wright called the improvement in staff morale one of his biggest wins as mayor.

Public safety agencies received specific investments during this period. The Oak Harbor Fire Department opened a second station in June, a project that Wright said came in under budget. The station aims to improve emergency response in the southwestern part of the city. The department also launched a full-time fire academy, saving the city more than $60,000 compared to sending recruits to the state academy. The police department opened a new training center in May and received state funding for wellness counseling for law enforcement personnel in Island and Skagit counties.

Tensions between city leadership and public critics surfaced during the address. Wright addressed people who post negative comments online, telling them to step up and run for office if they believe they can do better. He told the News-Times he is probably running for reelection in 2027, the final year of his current term. He noted that it is easy for people to sit behind a keyboard and criticize officials without recognizing the sacrifices made by staff.

The format of the event limited direct engagement with the public. City communications officer Magi Aguilar announced that there would be no question and answer session. Instead, she encouraged attendees to submit comment cards. Wright said he would address questions in an upcoming video series. Residents can still address the City Council during regular meetings or submit comments through the city’s website, email, or voicemail.

The mayor concluded his speech by reading an unattributed quotation about disregarding criticism. He stated that the moment a person stops handing their peace of mind to every critic, their mind becomes their own again. He described there being an awesome power in that mindset. The event required guests to RSVP in advance, and council members and numerous city staff attended the gathering.

Wright emphasized that the city is committed to maintaining public spaces and providing recreation opportunities for residents of all ages. He reported that participation in youth and adult recreation programs is increasing despite leadership changes. He also praised the human resources department for identifying opportunities to save money while rebuilding its staff.

The financial outlook includes delays in essential infrastructure work. The $7.74 million in cuts impacts the ability to fund immediate road and stormwater projects. Wright maintained that Oak Harbor is in a stronger financial position than many other Washington cities. The city continues to rely on the $11.1 million in grants secured since 2024 to offset some of these pressures.