Mike Gonzalez

Thank you Troop 700!

Today we want to give a huge thank you to City staff members Ameta Nelson and Ana Lemmon, along with several amazing volunteers and helpers, for all their hard work during our community planting event today.
The City of Echo is known for its beautiful flowers, trees, and welcoming downtown charm. That tradition was started years ago by retired City Administrator Berry, who made beautification a priority throughout her tenure. We are proud to have continued that legacy throughout the years.
Echo takes great pride in our downtown, parks, and public spaces, and efforts like today’s planting event help keep our community looking vibrant and beautiful for residents and visitors alike.
A special thank you as well to the Garden Club, who will soon begin their annual planting efforts. Your dedication, passion, and care for our community truly make a difference.
Echo looks beautiful because of people who care. Thank you all for helping keep that tradition alive!

Big thanks to Dan Thesman and the team at Elkhorn Media Group for having me on KUMA News’ Coffee Hour this morning.
https://omny.fm/shows/coffee-hour-podcast/may-7-city-of-echo

We had a great conversation about economic development opportunities, smart growth, and the budget challenges municipalities are facing right now.

It was especially fun reconnecting with Dan, who was the Assistant News Director when I was a News Anchor/News Director at Apple Valley News in the Tri-Cities. The old team chemistry was still there.

Thank you to the entire team at Elkhorn Media Group for the continued support and for keeping these types of conversations and community journalism alive in Northeast Oregon.

I had a great time at the Pasco Cinco de Mayo celebration representing the LBA Tri-Cities, Washington. I had the opportunity to see and visit with numerous old friends, colleagues and residents. Special thanks to Gracie Valle Chimal for organizing the stage and inviting me to emcee several fun events. The City of Pasco staff put on another great Cinco de Mayo. Kudos to everyone who worked so hard to make Cinco de Mayo awesome.

Thanks Apple Valley News for highlighting Echo’s future.

Echo is a hidden gem with a proud small-town identity and real opportunities for smart, thoughtful growth.

My focus is economic development that strengthens Echo without losing what makes our community special. With developable land near I-84, we have a chance to plan for new housing, jobs, business investment, and stronger infrastructure.

Growth is not about changing Echo’s character. It is about protecting Echo’s future.

That means listening to residents, respecting concerns, and making responsible decisions that support our long-term financial stability and quality of life.

Excited for the work ahead.

New Echo city manager makes economic development a top priority The Brief

Date night with my bride ❤️