City officials talk of legacy and future goals after Prineville Mayor Jason Beebe resigns
(Update: adding comments from Prineville City Manager)
PRINEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Prineville Mayor Jason Beebe has announced his immediate resignation, citing personal reasons, bringing an end to his tenure leading the city.
Beebe first joined Prineville city government in 2011 and was elected mayor in 2021. His current term was scheduled to run through the end of 2026.
City Manager Steve Forrester says Beebe’s leadership came during a critical period of growth, as the city worked to expand while maintaining its identity.
“He kept us on track, he kept us focused,” Forrester said. “One of those focuses was keeping our culture.”
City officials say that balance between growth and community identity has shaped much of Prineville’s progress in recent years. During that time, the city moved from near the bottom of Oregon’s median wage rankings to near the top.
Forrester credits long-term planning and infrastructure improvements as key factors in attracting new investment and job creation.
“We have the ability to have solid infrastructure — water, streets, public safety — all those things were completed and moving in the right direction,” Forrester said. “That’s what helped us attract job creation.”
Still, city leaders acknowledge that growth brings ongoing challenges, particularly when it comes to maintaining quality of life.
Forrester says collaboration between local agencies has been essential to meeting those challenges.
“The attitude that Jason helped bring to the forefront, along with the rest of the council, is reaching out and working with the county, working with districts and the school district, and pulling our resources together so that we could accomplish these big things that otherwise we couldn’t accomplish independently,” he said.
As Prineville transitions following Beebe’s resignation, Forrester says the city remains on stable footing.
“Prineville is moving forward in a very strong and stable way,” he said.
City officials say day-to-day operations will continue as normal, with a continued focus on serving the community.
Earlier Story -- PRINEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ) -- According to the City of Prineville, Mayor Jason Beebe has resigned from the Prineville City Council and his position as Mayor effective June 15th, citing personal reasons.
The city says Beebe has served on the City Council since 2011 and as Mayor since 2021. His current term was scheduled to conclude on December 31, 2026.
Read more from the city's press release below:
City Manager Steve Forrester thanked Beebe for his 15 years of service and leadership on behalf of the City Council, City staff, and the community.
“Mayor Beebe has been a committed leader who helped position the City on a strong financial foundation while supporting important investments in our water, street, and wastewater infrastructure," said Forrester. “His focus on long-term planning has helped ensure Prineville remains a strong and stable community for generations to come.”
In accordance with the City Charter, Council President Steve Uffelman will assume the duties of Mayor. The City Council will determine the process for filling the vacant council seat.
The City of Prineville extends its sincere appreciation to Beebe for his years of public service.
