TIGARD, Ore. – The City of Tigard is facing a sudden leadership shakeup after Mayor Heidi Lueb announced her resignation effective immediately. The move was confirmed Tuesday night by the city and follows weeks of mounting tension within the city government.
Statement Cites Conflict and Power Struggles
In a lengthy statement posted to her website, Lueb detailed her reasons for stepping down. She pointed to conflicting dynamics between herself, fellow councilors, and city staff, which she said had eroded her ability to lead effectively.
Lueb recounted that the issues began in April 2025, when she reported another councilor for crossing a line by texting her personal phone to ask how much she had paid a colleague to speak positively about her during a council meeting. Afterward, Lueb said, a wave of complaints were filed against her, which she believes were retaliation for her attempts to hold staff accountable.
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She also alleged that colleagues would at times sign emails under her name and routinely attempt to sideline or censure her opinions.
Report Expected to Surface
Lueb acknowledged that a report stemming from the complaints against her would likely be released, either by the county district attorney’s office or through leaks from council members. Despite city assurances that the report would remain internal, she said it was only a matter of time before it became public.
“From the outside the Tigard City Council has looked like a functioning body,” Lueb wrote, “but behind the scenes has been unraveling into cliques, power struggles, petty fighting, and goals of destruction.”
While conceding that she has vented frustrations in places she “probably shouldn’t have,” Lueb stressed that she had consistently acted in what she believed to be the community’s best interest.
Transition of Leadership
At Tuesday night’s council meeting, Council President Maureen Wolf confirmed the resignation and will now serve as mayor pro tempore. The council is expected to discuss next steps, including filling the vacancy, at its September 23 meeting.
Lueb’s term was originally set to run through December 31, 2026. In addition to her local duties, she was appointed in 2024 to the U.S. Conference of Mayors Advisory Board, a recognition of her broader leadership role.
City Response
In a statement, the City of Tigard expressed appreciation for Lueb’s service while emphasizing its commitment to workplace respect and constructive conflict resolution.
“We are grateful for the leadership of our elected officials during this time of transition, and we thank Former Mayor Lueb for her service to our community,” the city said. “At the City of Tigard, we are committed to ensuring a respectful workplace for everyone, where all people are treated with dignity and conflicts are addressed constructively. We work to cultivate an inclusive culture that celebrates diverse opinions and experiences, honest dialogue, and mutual trust.”
Looking Ahead
The resignation leaves Tigard without a permanent mayor just 18 months after Lueb assumed the office. While the council prepares to address the vacancy, the episode underscores the ongoing challenges of governance in small but growing cities where interpersonal conflicts can quickly escalate into political crises.
