Hoby Streich
Hoby Streich was first appointed to the Port Commission in 2002 to fill the seat vacated by Bob Nichols and was re-elected to his position in each of the five elections held since then. His 21-year term is one of the longest ever served by a Port Commissioner, second only to John Weber, who served from 1972 to 1995.
Hoby also served on the City of Hood River’s Urban Renewal Advisory Board from 2003 to 2020, serving as Chair from 2012 to 2015. He highlights the inclusion of construction of downtown public restrooms during the State Street urban renewal project as something he’s proud to have helped make a reality.
Another highlight during Hoby’s service was the completion of the Hood River Waterfront Trail pedestrian access way – a key feature of the Port’s unique approach to waterfront development that incorporated mixed uses of industrial, light industrial, commercial, and recreational use in a relatively small development area. “We had the foresight to know it was important to strengthen all the uses on the waterfront that would create jobs and grow our local economy,” Hoby says. “This was not the norm and it’s paid off for Hood River in big ways.” Everyone at the Port wants to thank Hoby for his remarkable term of service and wish him well on all his coming endeavors.
John Mann
After a 33-year career in construction and project management in the Gorge, John Mann began working for the Port of Hood River in 2014 as the Facilities Manager.
Looking back on the many projects completed under his watch, John highlights the completion of the Waterfront Trail, the restoration of the bridge’s lift span mechanical and electrical systems, and transitioning costly bridge lift services that were formerly outsourced to being done in-house through a rigorous training and development program for Port Facilities Department staff as those he is most proud of.
“Crawling around on that old structure has been one of the highlights of my life,” said John. “I will miss the day-to-day problem solving and being a part of this exceptional team. I will always be grateful for my time serving our community and the great things we have done.”