Join the Conversation.
Since 1956, the Washington County Public Affairs Forum has been bringing together community leaders, members, and guests who care about what happens in Washington County, the Metro region, and our State.
Our Mission Statement
Our mission is to provide a platform for the community to be engaged in an open exchange on important civic matters to stimulate critical thinking and promote informed policy discussions.
washington county Public affairs Forum
Monthly Meetings
The monthly Forum meetings are where community leaders and residents connect to discuss public policy issues. The information and opinions expressed by our speakers are their own. The Forum does not take positions.
Our meetings are hybrid: in-person and via Zoom.
DATE & Time
2nd Monday of each month
(September - July)
Opens at 11:30am
Meeting: 12pm-1pm
Join via Zoom
Speakers
Upcoming Forums
April 13, 2026
Washington County Public Affairs Forum Board meeting. No speaker.
April 24, 2026
Voter’s Forum held by the Washington County League of Women Voters of candidates for County Positions:
Commission Chair
District 4
There is a Candidates Fair and Community Reception from 6:00–6:45 p.m. Attendees can speak directly with candidates and connect with community organizations in an informal, welcoming setting. The forum will start at 7PM.
It will be held at the Charles D. Cameron Public Services Building in Hillsboro.
April 27, 2026
Voter’s Forum held by the Washington County League of Women Voters of candidates for:
County Commissioner District 2
Oregon House of Representatives District 27
All 3 Beaverton City Council races
Candidates Fair and Community Reception from 6:00–6:45 p.m. Attendees can speak directly with candidates and connect with community organizations. The forum will start at 7PM.
It will be held at the Patricia Reser Center for the Arts in Beaverton.
Thank you
Partner Organizations & Businesses
Membership
Become a Member
Support our mission and enjoy the benefits of membership, including the ability to ask questions at meetings and watch meeting recordings.
You will also have the opportunity to network and build stronger relationships with elected officials and local leaders in your community.
Membership Dues
Enrolled Student
$15 /year
$50 /year
Individual
Micro Business (<10 Employees)
$100 /year
Small Business (11-100 Employees)
$150 /year
Large Business (100+ Employees)
$250 /year
Nonprofit, Government or Education
$150 /year
2025-2026
Meet our Board
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Cate Arnold | President
Cate Arnold, a former Beaverton City Councilor with 16 years of service, is passionate about building healthy, efficient communities. A Houston native, Cate worked on NASA's Space Shuttle program before moving to Oregon in 1985. She has held leadership roles in local organizations, from Girl Scouts to Habitat for Humanity projects. Now an empty nester, she continues to champion informed decision-making and community engagement through her role with the Forum.
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Eric Schmidt | Vice President
Eric Schmidt, a Washington County resident since 1983, is a retired journalist and policy manager. His career included work as a news anchor/reporter and as a communications manager for the Association of Oregon Counties. Since retiring, Eric produces and hosts community affairs programming for TVCTV. A Beaverton resident, he enjoys life with his wife, Suzann, and their Schnauzers, Dieter and Schatzie, while remaining active in local civic efforts.
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Cecilia Giron | Treasurer
Cecilia Giron, founder of Giron & Associates, specializes in culturally specific coaching and community engagement. With over 20 years of leadership in equity-focused initiatives, she has impacted countless Latinx families and youth across Oregon. A recipient of the “Women of Achievement Award,” Cecilia collaborates with nonprofits and schools to create culturally relevant programs. Originally from Oaxaca, Mexico, she continues to serve through advocacy and recovery efforts for underserved communities.
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Shireen Farrahi | Secretary
Shireen is a 19-year Beaverton resident who delights in civic engagement and strengthening the fabric of her community. With a background in nonprofit management, she is looking forward to contributing to the success of the Forum in helping our communities connect with and understand the various organizations and their activities that affect Washington County.
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Karla Reyes | Director '25
Karla Reyes is a Cloud Platform Release Manager at Plume Design, bringing extensive experience in software development and release engineering from Tesla, Nike, and Intel. With a passion for diversity in tech, she leads initiatives supporting Hispanic advocacy and women in technology, combining her technical expertise with a commitment to inclusion.
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Miguel Cholula | Director '26
Miguel Cholula is an Education and Training Manager at PBDG, supporting small businesses across Oregon. With a background in education and community engagement, including roles at Bridging Cultures and the Hillsboro School District, Miguel is dedicated to fostering collaboration and economic development. He is a former board member of Adelante Mujeres and an active community volunteer.
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Bruce Bartlet | Director '27
Bruce is a Forest Grove native who was raised working at the family “fix everything” service station. He worked for 25 years at Intel starting in 1979, advancing to Software Project Leader and retiring as a Managing Editor for Intel Press. He now volunteers with local civic, school and community-based groups, both setting and implementing policies . He also works to enhance food security by advocating for the OSU Extension Service. He is a lifelong musician who practices the art of deep listening and conflict resolution.
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