McKennon O'Rourke McDonald

04/24/2026

04/18/2026

This afternoon, I had the pleasure of congratulating the Kiwanis Club of Pendleton on 100 years in our community with a proclamation declaring today Kiwanis International Day in Pendleton!

A few of the ways they serve include:
Sponsoring Babe Ruth Team and Little League Team, Kiwanis Park, Kiwanis Little Library at the Kiwanis Park, Working with ODHS-providing diapers, hygiene supplies, Happy Feet-provide shoes to Children in the Pendleton School district, Volunteering with the Daddy/Daughter dance, Volunteering with Altrusa's feed the child program, Ringing Bells for Salvation Army, Adopt a Salvation Army Family, Working a Booth at the Pendleton Street Fair, Parking during Round Up, Beer Booth at the Round Up Grounds, Volunteer at the City fall festival, and they sponsor two High School Key Clubs building up the community leaders of the future.

Thank you for all your group does to make Pendleton a better place.💙

03/15/2026

Good afternoon,

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02/28/2026

02/01/2026

Some big changes are coming!

Changes are coming to Pendleton City Hall and to the way the City of Pendleton operates at its highest levels. On March 31, 2026, City Attorney Nancy Kerns will retire, Pendleton Police Chief Chuck Byram will become the city's assistant city manager, and Lt. Tony Nelson will step into the role of police chief.

Read more at: https://www.pendletonor.gov/community/page/administrative-staffing-changes-announced-city-pendleton

01/15/2026

Tonight, I had the opportunity to participate in the kickoff event for the Oregon UAS Accelerator's 3rd cohort which includes 30+ business in the UAS (Unmanned Aerial Systems) industry.

As a councilor, saying "yes" to UAS expansion was a thoughtful risk rooted in partnership, long-term vision, and a belief in what Pendleton could become. Seeing that decision grow into this accelerator is incredibly meaningful to me.

The Pendleton UAS Accelerator reflects a shared commitment to building an environment where innovation, partnership, and opportunity can grow together. It shows what’s possible when communities are willing to invest in the future.

The City of Pendleton is committed to being a true partner in this work. We will continue to support smart growth at our airport and champion innovation that creates opportunity for our region.

12/31/2025

As 2025 comes to a close, I believe it is important to reflect on the accomplishments of the year as well as the areas for improvement. The December installment of the City of Pendleton newsletter highlighted what each of our Departments were most proud of this year. It is an honor to work alongside all of these individuals for the betterment of our community. There are many areas we can still continue to make forward progress and we are committed to doing so in 2026. Thank you for following along during my first year as Mayor. Happy New Year's Eve and I wish you all the best in the year to come!

The City of Pendleton's December Newsletter is out. Subscribers will find that in your email inbox, and anyone can subscribe by filling out the form at https://www.pendletonor.gov/community/page/newsletter-registration

Newsletters are also available as in PDF format at https://www.pendletonor.gov/citymgr/page/city-newsletters

10/13/2025

At tonight's Pendleton City Council meeting, Mayor McKennon McDonald read a proclamation recognizing Indigenous Peoples' Day. The full proclamation is below:

Proclamation
Indigenous Peoples’ Day

WHEREAS, the City of Pendleton resides on the traditional lands of the Cayuse, Umatilla, and Walla Walla peoples, now federally recognized as the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR); and

WHEREAS, Indigenous peoples have lived upon this land since time immemorial, maintaining vital cultural traditions, languages, and knowledge systems that have endured for generations; and

WHEREAS, Indigenous peoples have made and continue to make invaluable contributions to the social, cultural, spiritual, and economic fabric of Pendleton, the state of Oregon, and the United States as a whole; and

WHEREAS, the City of Pendleton recognizes the historic and ongoing injustices that Indigenous communities have faced, including displacement, assimilation policies, and loss of land, language, and sovereignty; and

WHEREAS, honoring Indigenous Peoples’ Day provides an opportunity to reflect on our shared history, celebrate Indigenous resilience and vitality, and strengthen government-to-government relationships with tribal nations; and

WHEREAS, the City of Pendleton is committed to promoting equity, inclusion, and respect for the diverse Indigenous cultures and peoples who continue to thrive in our community today;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, McKennon O'Rourke McDonald, Mayor of the City of Pendleton, Oregon, do hereby proclaim the second Monday in October as:

Indigenous Peoples’ Day
in the City of Pendleton and encourage all residents to recognize and celebrate the enduring contributions, cultures, and sovereignty of Indigenous peoples, especially the Cayuse, Umatilla, and Walla Walla Tribes, and to work toward a more just and inclusive future.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Seal of the City of Pendleton to be affixed this 7th day of October 2025.

McKennon McDonald
Mayor of Pendleton, Oregon

10/06/2025

10/05/2025

Thankful to have spent the first few days of October learning with my team at the League of Oregon Cities Annual Conference. Happy 100 years to the LOC!