Council Vacancy - Applications Open
City Councilor Aaron Rapf has formally submitted his resignation to the City Council, effective April 1, 2026. In accordance with City Charter procedures, the City Council will fill the vacancy this spring through an application process, with the appointee serving through January 1, 2027. The remaining two years of Councilor Rapf’s term will be filled by the public in the November 2026 election process.

Council Vacancy Application - Now Open! 

Applications close Friday, April 24th at noon.

City Council will be evaluating candidates on their applications based on related leadership experience, commitment to the role of City Council, and ability to effectively collaborate:

  • Related Leadership Experience.  Top candidates bring past leadership skillsets, experiences, and/or perspectives related to the work of City Council. This could include experience serving on a City Council, Advisory Board, and/or community-based organization.
  • Prioritization of this Commitment.  The City Council meets on a regular schedule of meetings twice a month, along with additional commitments and special meetings. Top applicants will affirm their commitment to this appointment and will share how they plan to balance their responsibilities
  • Productive Collaborator.  Top applicants have experience effectively working as a member of a team. They can contribute productively to a team by integrating diverse perspectives, advocating for a position with civility, and elevating the best ideas—regardless of their source.

Following the application review, the City Council will invite top candidates to an interview with the City Council.

Council Vacancy Procedures for November Election

The Lake Oswego City Charter requires that three Councilors be elected at each general election. Under Chapter 3, Section 8 of the Charter, if a Council vacancy exists at the time of the election, the vacancy is filled by the candidate or candidates who receive the highest number of votes. Accordingly, in the upcoming November election, the candidate receiving the fourth highest number of votes will serve the remaining 2-year term associated with the vacant position, while the three candidates with the highest vote totals will be elected to the available 4-year terms. 
 
For additional questions, please contact the City Recorder.
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the application process?
Interested candidates apply via application. City Council will be evaluating candidates on their applications based on related leadership experience, commitment to the role of City Council, and ability to effectively collaborate. Following the application review, the City Council will invite top candidates to an interview with the City Council.
 
What are the qualifications to apply?
The required qualifications for any individual to fill an elective office in the City of Lake Oswego are: 
  • Registered to vote in Oregon; and
  • City resident continuously during the twelve months prior to appointment, with residency continuing the duration while in office
How long does the appointed person serve?
Appointee will serve through January 1, 2027.
 
What are the expectations of the appointee?
As a sitting member of the City Council, the appointee is responsible for fulfilling all standard Council duties. Expectations include attending twice-monthly council meetings, engaging in policy discussions, and participating in Council decisions and votings.
 
Can the appointee run for a longer term?
If the appointee wishes to stay in office past January 1, 2027, they must run in the upcoming November election. During the upcoming November election, the candidate receiving the fourth highest number of votes will serve the remaining 2 year term associated with the vacant position. 
 
If appointee runs and loses the election in November, do they leave office immediately?
No. Appointee will continue to serve out their appointment until January 1, 2027, at which point the winner of the election will be sworn in.