The Columbia City Council meets the third Thursday of the month at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers of the City Hall, 1840 Second Street, Columbia City. City Council agendas are prepared and posted prior to meetings and are available at City Hall. Public comments are taken at City Council meetings. Questions or comments may be submitted by calling (503) 397-4010, or in writing to PO Box 189, Columbia City, Oregon 97018. City Council meeting minutes are usually available one week following the meeting date.
The City has operated under a mayor-council form of government since 1926. Policymaking and legislative authority are vested in the City Council, which consists of a Mayor and a four-member City Council. The City Council is responsible, among other things, for passing ordinances, adopting the budget, appointing committees and hiring the City’s administrator and other employees. The Mayor and Council are elected on a non-partisan basis. Council members are elected to four-year staggered terms with two Council members elected every two years. The Mayor is elected to a four-year term. The Mayor and the Council members are elected at large.
ALEXANDER REED – Mayor. Elected as Mayor in November 2024 and sworn into office January 2025. Current term expires December 31, 2026. He has been a resident of Columbia City for 23 years and previously served on the City’s Budget Committee. Alexander is a teacher at the St Helens High School and uses the summer breaks to go camping with family. He also enjoys gardening, visiting Columbia City’s parks and riding bikes with his kids, he loves to be outside.
ROB FORMAN – Council President. Elected in November 2022, and took office in January 2023. Present term expires December 31, 2026. He is the Council President and serves as Chair on the Streets Committee and is also on the Audit Committee. After graduating St. Helens High School he attended University of Portland where he obtained a Bachelors of Accounting. He currently manages a team of 7 financial analysts for a well-known national health insurance agency providing financial oversight and reconciliation while specializing in debt and loan management. He is a proud father of one, husband and budding gardener.
LYLE BLUHM – Councilor. Appointed in October 2024. Elected in November 2024. Present term expires December 31, 2028. He serves on the Parks Committee. Lyle has previously served on the City’s Budget Committee. He served in the US Navy and has lived in Columbia City since 1996. He is looking forward to working with other council members to make this our City and be sure the voice of the people is heard.
CONNIE QUICK – Councilor. Appointed in January 2024. Elected in November 2024. Present term expires December 31, 2028. She serves on the Hazard Mitigation Planning Group. Connie has been a resident of Columbia City for over 37 years and retired from Columbia River PUD. She is enjoying being more involved in the community and believes this is a great way to make a positive impact.
GORDON THISTLE – Councilor. Appointed in September 2014. Elected in November of 2014, 2018 and 2022. Present term expires December 31, 2026. He serves as Chair on the Water and Sewer Committee. Gordon retired from owning a construction and industrial equipment brokerage company and equipment rental company. He is an active supporter of the Columbia City Community Library, and founder and coordinator of the annual Show & Shine car show, which attracted 155 cars during the 2015 Columbia City Celebration.