Mayor Heide Lambert, a Waldport resident since 2012, was elected in November 2024 and sworn into office on January 9, 2025. Prior to her election, she served on both the Waldport City Council and Planning Commission. Professionally, she is a project manager for Trauma Informed Oregon, coordinating statewide trainings for public officials, law enforcement, and the courts.
She assumed office during a period of significant instability within Waldport’s city government, as community members increasingly challenged decisions made by the City Manager and upheld by the City Council.
In early 2025, residents frequently approached Mayor Lambert with concerns about city leadership. She advised them to put their concerns in writing and submit them to City Hall so they could be formally reviewed. In early March, after being told a letter had been sent, she went to retrieve it—only to find a dozen letters, marked “Private” and “Confidential,” already opened and scanned. Concerned about the breach of confidentiality—particularly given that the letters were believed to contain complaints about the City Manager—Mayor Lambert attempted to have them distributed to herself and the full council. Her request was denied, and she was directed to the City Manager, who was not present.
Days later, two internal complaints—one filed by City Hall office manager Robin Morris and another by a second employee—were brought against the mayor. On April 3, 2025, the council held an executive session, accused her of violating the city charter, and, after an open hearing, voted unanimously to remove her from office.
On April 10, 2025, at the urging of an overwhelming number of community members who viewed her expulsion as unconstitutional, Mayor Lambert attended a public council meeting and took her seat at the dais as their duly elected mayor. During the meeting, the city manager signaled to Adam Shanks and Sergeant Abbey Dorsey, who then approached her. She was read her Miranda rights, escorted out of City Hall, and initially placed under arrest. The charge was later reduced to a citation for disorderly conduct.
On May 6, 2025, the Lincoln County District Attorney declined to pursue charges, finding that no crime had been committed. A circuit court judge soon ordered her reinstatement, and on May 27, 2025, the council voted to vacate her expulsion and dismiss all allegations.
Despite her reinstatement, tensions persist. Concerns remain regarding transparency, communication, and decisions made without the mayor’s knowledge.
A recall effort filed on December 11, 2025, was abandoned on March 11, 2026, after failing to gather sufficient signatures.
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On April 3, 2026—exactly one year after her expulsion—Mayor Lambert, through counsel, filed a civil complaint in Lincoln County Circuit Court alleging constitutional violations, retaliation, and due process breaches. The suit seeks damages and represents an ongoing effort to hold city officials accountable.
