Every time a kid from Centennial, who went on to serve in politics for more than five decades, visits East Multnomah County, he loves to take a new route.
For Congressman Earl Blumenauer, it’s a chance to explore the changes that have occurred in a place he calls home.
“It really is remarkable going out Burnside, or up Division, winding through town,” he said. “It’s exciting watching the neighborhoods strengthen, and the new development is just astounding.”
On Tuesday, April 23, Blumenauer made sure the route cruised past the future site of the Gresham Library, a major expansion that will delight book readers of all ages. And though he loves those journeys, perhaps this time it was the destination that was more meaningful.
Blumenauer was the guest of honor at the 2024 Gresham State of the City Address, hosted by the Gresham Area Chamber of Commerce at an event held at the Gresham Armory, 544 N.E. Division St. There he was presented the first-ever Lifetime Achievement Award by the city of Gresham.
“It was sobering to scroll back over 50 years, I have a lot of memories here,” he said. “I am excited about where we are going in the future.”
The inaugural Lifetime Achievement Award is about celebrating a commitment to public service and the dedication, innovation and leadership needed to uplift Gresham and surrounding East Multnomah County.
“Over his decades of service, Congressman Earl Blumenauer has consistently exemplified a rare blend of vision, effectiveness, and integrity,” said Gresham Mayor Travis Stovall. “His forward-thinking policies have not only shaped Portland and beyond, but have left a lasting impact on communities nationwide.”
Blumenauer grew up in East County, and graduated from Centennial High School in 1966. It was as an Eagle that his passion for politics was sparked, serving as a Junior Rotarian.
Though his career would go on to encompass working with hundreds of schools around the country, Centennial always holds a special place in his heart.
“I’ve enjoyed what is happening with Centennial,” he said. “All the high schools out here are amazing: diverse, rich, really exciting student bodies.”
During the ceremony the Select Ensemble from Centennial High School sang the National Anthem. Before all the speeches, Blumenauer went down the line to chat with his fellow Eagles and shake their hands.
“I tried to get them to sing the Centennial fight song,” he said.
Blumenauer’s political career began in 1972 when he was elected to the Oregon House of Representatives for the 11th district. At that time Gresham was only a town of 12,000 people.
He was reelected in 1974 and 1976, before shifting to the Multnomah County Commission from 1979 to 1986. Blumenauer would then serve on Portland City Council from 1987 to 1996.
Following that stint, he set his sight on the U.S. House of Representatives. He filled a vacancy left by the shift of Ron Wyden to the U.S. Senate in 1996, and has continued to serve until his planned retirement at the end of this term. He won 14-straight elections to keep his seat.
All told that service was for 52 years.
“More important than the duration has been the quality of his service,” said Kerry Tymchuk, executive director of the Oregon Historical Society.
Blumenauer has been dedicated to fighting for natural beauty, with particular focus on protecting the Mount Hood National Forest and Columbia River Gorge. Some of that was personally motivated — the congressman loves to hike and bike. The only time he has ever been injured, Tymchuk shared, was breaking his foot tripping while taking out his recycling.
“In a time when politics is as bitter and divisive as ever before, Earl has built connections,” Tymchuk said.
Blumenauer championed curbside recycling (apparently a monkey’s paw situation when it came to his own health); police seizures of vehicles driven by repeat drunk drivers; the Portland Street Cars; bike lanes and trails; and parks and nature.
He is the founder of the Congressional Bike Caucus, and during the pandemic joined an effort to secure $28.6 billion for struggling restaurants.
“If I’d known people would be so nice when I retired, I would have done so years ago,” Blumenauer said with a smile.
While his duties have had a national spread, Blumenauer has long been a partner to the city of Gresham, advocating for local policies.
“From pioneering curbside recycling to advocating for sustainable transportation, Earl’s contributions are not merely legislative milestones, they are the building blocks of a better, more sustainable future,” Stovall said.
“His dedication reminds us all what it means to serve with purpose and passion,” he added.
During Blumenauer’s time on stage, he made sure to turn the spotlight back onto the people in the room.
“Gresham has punched above its weight for a number of years,” he said. “You have been fighting some short-sighted decisions that were made, but you have overcome.”
“I am immensely proud of what you have accomplished with so few resources,” he added.
In a lot of ways the decision to step away was an easy one for Blumenauer, he won’t miss all the travel and hours spent in airports and on planes. But while it won’t be as an elected, he plans to continue advocating for his passions and community, just as a civilian.
It will all be balanced by a plan crafted with his wife. The “four f’s” — family, friends, fitness and fun.
“I’m not going away. I will keep working on all these projects,” Blumenauer said. “I can’t wait to get started.”
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