Siletz Mayor Honored

In a heartwarming surprise at the July 28th Siletz city council meeting, Mayor Willie Worman was presented with the Oregon Mayor’s Association (OMA) Small Cities Leadership Award, a recognition given annually to one outstanding leader among Oregon’s small cities. The award, typically presented at the OMA conference, was brought directly to Siletz this year, as the mayor was unable to attend due to a scheduling conflict with the city’s celebrated car show. The honor was made even more special by the presence of community members, family, and local officials, including Toledo Mayor Rod Cross, who presented the award, County Commissioner Casey Miller, and State Representative Gomberg.

Mayor Worman was nominated by city staff and was championed by past OMA leader Rod Cross. He was recognized for a series of positive changes and steadfast leadership in Siletz. Reflecting on the journey, the mayor shared that public service was never the original plan, but encouragement from former Mayor Robinson and the community led to a successful run for office. Since then, the mayor has focused on building bridges—literally and figuratively.

One of the most significant achievements has been repairing and strengthening the relationship between the city and the Siletz tribe, culminating in a new, equitable water and sewer agreement that replaced a decades-old, contentious contract. Under the mayor Worman's leadership, Siletz has seen a wave of improvements: the construction of a new playground, an outdoor basketball court, a second baseball field for young athletes, and the ongoing development of a walking path encircling the city center. Beautification projects, new signage, and a renewed sense of civic pride have transformed the city’s landscape.

Worman credits the dedicated city staff, including city recorder Barbara Chestler and project lead Vance Johnson, for helping turn these visions into reality. Transparency and open communication remain at the heart of the mayor’s approach, ensuring that residents are always informed and involved in the city’s progress. With groundbreaking underway for a new sewer plant and continued collaboration with the Siletz tribe, the city of Siletz is poised for a bright future. Congratulations to the mayor and the entire Siletz community on this well-deserved recognition.