City Government

Molalla was incorporated in 1913, the same year of the first Molalla Buckeroo and the coming of the railroad to the community.  The elected Mayor and City Council provides direction for a well-organized staff consisting of a City Administrator, Director of Public Works, City Planner, City Recorder/Clerk and Municipal Court.

Police Chief Gerald Giger leads our outstanding Police Department.  The department is made up of twelve full-time officers, two canine units and several reserve officers.  Our PD takes a proactive stance on working with the youth of our community.  The School Resource Officer keeps a high profile at both the Molalla River Middle School and Molalla High School.  The Police Department sponsors a Youth Fund which provides scholarship money for youth who need help paying for sports, music lessons and other activities.

Commerce

Molalla is a unique community.  Just 15 minutes east of the I-5 Interstate and 20 minutes south of the I-205 corridor, it is a town with wholesome community values.

Although initially founded as a center for forestry and farming, an ever increasing number of new businesses are discovering the advantages of locating in the  Molalla area where they are just outside the hustle and bustle of Portland, but yet close enough to  enjoy its benefits.  This fact, coupled with the Molalla community attitude of being “business friendly,” has made Molalla a prime location for both new businesses and those seeking to grow their business.

Presently, a significant portion of the land available for industrial development in Clackamas County is located in the Molalla area.  With a good mix of heavy and light industrial properties, and both commercial and retail  locations, new businesses are welcome to the growing Molalla community.  The City, Chamber of Commerce, and the newly formed nonprofit organization Team for Economic Action in Molalla is ready to assist you with information.  TEAM can be reached at (503) 829-5003 or temo@molalla.net; the Chamber at (503) 829-6941 or macc@molalla.net; or the City at (503) 829-6855

Schools

The Molalla River School District was formed in July 1993 as a result of a unification of several small school districts  including Clarkes, Dickey Prairie, Maple Grove, Molalla Elementary, Molalla Union High, Mulino, Rural Dell and Schuebel, and is ranked as the sixteenth largest district in Oregon. 

The district consists of six elementary schools, one middle school and one high school.  In addition to Molalla, it serves the communities of Clarkes, Dickey Prairie, Maple Grove, Mulino, Rural Dell and Schuebel.

All of the schools have received State Achievement marks ranging from Satisfactory to Excellent.     

Three private schools also serve the area:  Country Christian, Greenstone Montessori School and South Clackamas Christian School.

2007

Population                            7,195

Elevation                                371’

Average Rainfall                        42”

Average January Temp           40.2°

Average July Temp                68.4°

 Population Growth of Molalla

          2005              6395

          2004              5930

          2003              5800

          2001              5747

          1999              5670

          1997              4920

          1994              3915

          1990              3651

          1980              2992

          1970              2005

          1960              1501

Molalla Demographics