CANBY, Ore. — The Canby City Council has voted to extend Interim City Administrator Randy Ealy’s contract through June 30, 2026, signaling strong confidence in his leadership and placing the search for a permanent administrator on hold.
Confidence in Leadership
Mayor Brian Hodson praised Ealy’s performance since he stepped into the interim role in mid-June. “We are very, very pleased with the job he’s doing,” Hodson said. “He’s been a really good change agent for us. We’ve had this kind of domino effect with our city administrators, but he’s come in and put a strong hand on the rudder of the city hall ship.”
Ealy was brought in during a period of administrative turnover and quickly began addressing internal challenges. According to Hodson, he has helped resolve personnel issues and is guiding the city toward greater stability.
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Strengthening City Hall
Ealy’s tenure has already seen progress in areas that had previously weighed down city operations. With a new human resources director now in place and a finance director set to join soon, the interim administrator has worked to streamline processes and improve internal management.
The council agreed that his work should continue uninterrupted. “We just felt, as a council, that since he’s in and leading this charge, he should finish it before we go out and recruit somebody,” Hodson explained. “We want him to finish what he’s started. So, the council decided to put the search on hold for a while.”
Search for Permanent Administrator Paused
By extending Ealy’s contract, the council effectively shelved its efforts to find a permanent city administrator. The decision reflects a desire for continuity and an acknowledgment of the positive changes already underway.
For now, Ealy will remain at the helm of city operations, with the expectation that his steady hand will continue guiding Canby through ongoing transitions.
Hotel Development Still a Priority
Beyond leadership decisions, city officials are also keeping an eye on potential hotel development in Canby. For years, residents and business leaders have voiced concerns over the city’s lack of lodging options.
Mayor Hodson confirmed that while there are currently no hotel projects breaking ground, interest remains alive. “There are companies out there that want to do something in Canby, but the cost has been prohibitive to this point,” he said.
Interest Rates May Open Doors
Recent changes in federal interest rates may help shift the balance. The Federal Reserve’s decision to lower rates by a quarter percent could make borrowing more feasible for developers considering large-scale hospitality projects.
“That makes a huge difference when you’re borrowing money for that type of project,” Hodson noted. “So, with entities buzzing around Canby and looking for the right confluence of events to drop, the idea of more bed space in Canby is still alive and kicking.”
Looking Ahead
With Ealy’s contract extended and economic conditions shifting, city leaders appear optimistic about Canby’s immediate future. For now, stability at City Hall and the possibility of long-awaited hotel development remain key priorities for the council.
