The City of McMinnville

From the first day to almost four decades in, Public Works is built on the people who keep our community running every single day. On the last day of National Public Works Week, we celebrate the passing of knowledge, pride, and purpose from one generation of service to the next.

Today we’re honoring our longest-standing public works employee (Dale, 35 years 🎉) alongside our newest team member (Alexis, just a few months!) — a reminder that behind every street, toilet flush, and maintained park is a team committed to serving McMinnville with dedication, heart, and hard work. Here’s to the legacy builders and the future of Public Works. 👷‍♂️👷‍♀️💧🛠️

Mayor Morris has lived in McMinnville for 64 years! And Chamber President, John Olson - 7 years!

As we gear up to celebrate McMinnville’s sesquicentennial celebration (that’s 150 years!) we want to know… 👇 How long have you lived in McMinnville? Can you or anyone else you know beat 64 years?! Stop by and let us know when we're back at the McMinnville Downtown Association's Farmer's Market next Thursday from 12-2!

As we continue to celebrate Historic Preservation Month, we’re excited to announce that we’re bringing back McMinnville’s Stroll Walking Guide, originally published by the McMinnville Downtown Association, along with Uncover McMinnville — a guide highlighting the historic sites and landmarks that help define our community.

👀 Look for copies around town starting next week, and enjoy exploring McMinnville’s rich history as we prepare to celebrate the City’s 150th Anniversary, with festivities beginning next month👏🏽🎉

It’s Historic Preservation Month! From the character-filled storefronts to the stories tucked inside longtime neighborhoods, McMinnville’s history is all around us. As we gear up for our City’s 150th anniversary, join us as we explore the people, architecture, and stories that have shaped our community - here are some of our favorites:
Wright Building - Constructed in 1893, the Wright Building is a Queen Anne-style commercial structure with a central pediment that reads E. Wright, 1893, honoring its original owner and builder. A steam generation plant (Central Heating Plant) operated out of the basement of the building and offered heat service for sale to an 11-block area of McMinnville’s downtown merchants until the early 1960s! It spent 70 years the home to a full-service department store – Millers. The Ladies Civic Improvement Club and the City operated a public library on the second floor of the Wright Building from 1910-1912, when it moved into the Carnegie Library building - where it stands today!
The building’s owner, Elsia Wright, came to Oregon from Illinois in 1871. Wright had a harness business and began constructing commercial buildings in McMinnville in 1892. As a member of the McMinnville Building and Improvement Company, Wright invested in the Union Block property in 1890. A notable citizen, he served on the Water Committee, a precursor to McMinnville Water and Light, in 1889, the McMinnville City Council in the 1890s and as a Water and Light Commissioner from 1908-1912.
Southern Pacific Train Depot - In July 1879, the Western Oregon Railroad brought McMinnville its first rail connection from Portland. The railway boosted commerce and spurred growth. The original two-story wooden depot (1880) served both freight and passengers and even included a hotel on its upper floor. Over time, the line passed from the Western Oregon Railroad to the Oregon & California Railroad and finally to Southern Pacific (SP). In 1912, SP launched an ambitious project to electrify parts of its network for faster passenger, mail, and light freight service. The company acquired and upgraded lines from the Portland, Eugene & Eastern Railway, creating the distinctive “Red Electric” interurban system. Bright red, all-steel Pullman cars glided quietly along the tracks with a smooth whir and the rhythmic click of wheels. Engineers sounded a melodic air whistle that residents described as a friendly “toot-toot.” Workers completed the new Craftsman-style depot in 1913. At its peak in 1920, five trains passed through McMinnville each way daily, carrying families, students, and business travelers. Rising automobile use eventually doomed passenger service by train; however, SP continued operating freight service from the 1880s train station through the 1940s. Switching to diesel powered engines in 1953, it consolidated operations into the newer depot building and demolished the original station in 1964. The 1913 building survives as a key historic landmark and continues to support freight operations today!

Old City Power Plant - McMinnville’s first power plant stood on the banks of the South Yamhill River and generated electricity with a wood-fired steam boiler. On December 11, 1889, at dusk, electric lights brightened downtown for the first time, thrilling residents and merchants alike. In early 1910, the utility opened a second plant, located on Baker Creek, which used a waterwheel for hydroelectric power and a wood-fired boiler as backup during low water levels. In 1924, McMinnville Water and Light built its third and final power plant at the corner of 1st and I streets (later 5th and Irvine). The rectangular brick building, known today as the Old City Power Plant, features a flat roof, plain common-bond brickwork, and windows on all sides. Power generation began on July 5, 1924 with two 600-HP diesel engines. To meet growing demand, workers installed a third 600-HP diesel engine in 1926 and a fourth in 1930. When the expanded plant opened, it ranked among the largest diesel power plants in the United States and dramatically increased output while cutting fuel costs. The city dedicated the facility on October 22, 1938. It supplied primary power until 1948, when McMinnville Water and Light began purchasing electricity from the Bonneville Power Administration. The plant then served as standby power for peak loads and emergencies until operations fully ceased in 1978. After a major interior renovation in the early 2000s, the historic building became a popular event venue that continues to welcome visitors today!

Who's looking to serve on a City Committee?! 🤗 The City of McMinnville is currently accepting applications for --

1 Open Position - McMinnville Urban Renewal Advisory Committee (MURAC). 🌱
Term expiring December 31, 2027. The applicant must reside within city limits. This seven-member committee is responsible for reviewing, advising, and making recommendations to the McMinnville Urban Renewal Board on matters pertaining to the adopted "McMinnville Urban Renewal Plan," which encompasses Downtown McMinnville and the NE Gateway District. The plan includes public infrastructure improvements, such as the Third Street Improvement Project and the Alpine Avenue, Phase 2 project, as well as private property assistance in the form of loans and grants. Also serving on this committee are three non-voting, ex-officio members representing the McMinnville Downtown Association, McMinnville Water and Light, and McMinnville City Council. The committee meets on an "as needed" basis, generally once a month, the first Wednesday of each month, 4:00 PM.

Multiple Openings -Transportation System Plan Update Project Advisory Committee (PAC). 🚴‍♀️🚗
This project will update the City’s TSP, guiding future investments in infrastructure for cars, bicycles, scooters, pedestrians, and more. We will evaluate the current roadway network while also planning for expanded off-street and active transportation options that make it easier—and more appealing—for people to get around without relying solely on a vehicle. Whether you enjoy envisioning new ways for people to move through the community, are concerned about future congestion, or have an interest in the technical and engineering aspects of transportation planning, this committee offers a meaningful opportunity to contribute. The project is expected to kick off July 2026 and last approximately 24 months.

TO APPLY VISIT ➡ https://www.mcminnvilleoregon.gov/bc

The City of McMinnville Proposed Budget FY26-27 is now available to the public. 🙌🏽 Access the digital version here: https://mcminnvilleeoregonbudget.openbook.questica.com/ #/budget-book/FY2026-27ProposedBudget

Mark your calendars 🗓️ 👇🏽This years budget kick-off begins Tuesday, May 12th | 5:00pm at Civic Hall.