Justin McMahan, a three-year resident of Rockaway Beach, Oregon, has thrown his hat into the ring for City Council Seat 4 in the upcoming election. McMahan, who has lived in Tillamook County for four years, believes his background in leadership, nonprofit work, and community service uniquely positions him to make a positive impact on the city’s future.
Originally from Portland, McMahan’s journey to Rockaway Beach began with his work as the lead pastor at Living Water Fellowship, a church in Tillamook. He and his family relocated from Montana in 2020 during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, a decision he reflects on as challenging but ultimately fulfilling. McMahan’s love for the Oregon Coast goes back to his early marriage when he and his wife, Erin, would frequently visit the area. Now, as a community leader and pastor, he’s ready to serve in a new capacity—local government.
McMahan’s desire to run for City Council stems from his long-held interest in government and the unique challenges facing small towns like Rockaway Beach.
For McMahan, local government offers the opportunity to foster collaboration among community members and address the issues that matter most.
“I want to be able to build unity and be somebody who really represents all the people in Rockaway. I think the role of somebody in any government role is to represent those who elected them, not represent their personal projects or biases.” McMahan explained during our recent interview.
He emphasized that his role, should he be elected, would be to represent all citizens of Rockaway Beach, not just a select few. McMahan hopes to bring a balanced, inclusive approach to the council, ensuring that the voices of all residents are heard.
One of McMahan’s key priorities is tackling the issue of affordable housing. As the president of the board for Tillamook County Habitat for Humanity, McMahan has seen firsthand the need for affordable homes for local families. His experience with Habitat has highlighted the challenges in housing policy, and he plans to advocate for solutions at the City Council level. McMahan stresses that affordable housing is critical to supporting the local economy, particularly in tourist-driven areas like Rockaway Beach, which experiences a seasonal ebb and flow in population.
“I’m really passionate about affordable housing. My experience with Tillamook Habitat for Humanity will be something I can bring to the City Council and help us to find ways to build medium-income housing, workforce housing that will help people and, in turn, help our economy.”
He hopes to explore innovative solutions, such as collaborating with Habitat for Humanity to build more affordable homes and pushing for zoning changes that allow for accessory dwelling units (ADUs), which could provide additional rental options for residents.
In addition to affordable housing, McMahan is focused on revitalizing Rockaway Beach’s Parks and Recreation Department, which was dissolved during the pandemic. He believes that rebuilding this department could provide valuable resources for both residents and tourists, offering programs that cater to the town’s growing population, including new families and retirees.
McMahan acknowledges that he has many ideas and goals, but he is quick to point out that his agenda will be shaped by the community’s needs and preferences.
“I just like to put all the ideas out there and see which ones are ones that people in Rockaway want to work on,” McMahan said.
His approach to governance emphasizes compromise and collaboration, recognizing that the best solutions often emerge from a shared understanding and collective effort.
If elected, McMahan plans to bring his extensive experience in leadership, budgeting, and community engagement to the table. From his years in business and executive management to his nonprofit work, McMahan is confident that his skills will be an asset to Rockaway Beach’s City Council. He also highlighted his background in handling complex budgets, something he became proficient in as a pastor and as a board member for Habitat for Humanity.
McMahan is optimistic about the future of Rockaway Beach and is eager to work with the community to build a stronger, more resilient city. He sees his potential role on the City Council as a way to serve the town that he and his family have come to love. Regardless of the election’s outcome, McMahan remains committed to his goals for the city, particularly his push for affordable housing and community development.
For those interested in learning more about Justin McMahan’s platform and goals for Rockaway Beach, he encourages voters to visit his website, https://www.togetherforrockaway.com/justin, where he outlines his vision for the city’s future. He also plans to host several meet-and-greet events and participate in candidate forums, offering the community opportunities to engage with him directly.
As election day approaches, Justin McMahan stands ready to serve, bringing fresh ideas and a passion for unity to the citizens of Rockaway Beach.
You can watch the full interview here: