06/10/2026
Brookings City Councilor Kristi Fulton has announced her resignation from the City Council as she prepares to move closer to family, closing a chapter of public service she described as “one of the greatest privileges and honors” of her life.
Speaking before Mayor Phoebe Pereda, fellow Councilors, City Manager Tim Rundel, city staff and residents, Fulton said the decision was not easy, but came with gratitude for the community she has served.
“This is not an easy decision,” Fulton said. “Serving this community has been one of the greatest privileges and honors of my life.”
Before joining the Council, Fulton spent 33 years in education, 32 of them in Brookings. She said her work as an educator and her time in public office were guided by the same commitment: to serve others, listen, help where she could and leave things better than she found them.
“Whether in the classroom, the counseling office, or on the City Council, that commitment to service has remained constant,” Fulton said.
Fulton thanked residents for their emails, phone calls, conversations, concerns, ideas and hopes, saying those interactions reminded her why public service matters.
“Government works best when it listens, and I have learned so much from the people of this community,” she said.
Mayor Phoebe Pereda shared, “Councilor Kristi Fulton has been a valued member of the Brookings City Council and a strong advocate for our community. Over the past three years, I have watched her grow into a confident leader who consistently championed transparency, clear communication, accountability, and public engagement. Kristi approached every issue with the community’s best interests at heart, and her service has made a lasting impact on Brookings. While we will miss her on the council, I am grateful for her service and the impact she has had on our community.”
Fulton said one memory that captured the heart of Brookings came during last year’s Azalea Festival, when she saw neighbors meeting, former students reconnecting with friends and family, and people helping one another without being asked.
“That is the heart of Brookings,” Fulton said. “People do not step forward because they have to. They step forward because that is who they are.”
She said that same spirit has been visible in community traditions such as the revitalized Tree Lighting Ceremony and in the outpouring of support for Officer Gabby Dominguez during her recovery.
“In that moment, I realized something important,” Fulton said. “Brookings is not simply growing in population. It is growing in compassion, generosity, and community spirit.”
City Manager Tim Rundel said Fulton brought professionalism, integrity and kindness to her role.
“Kristi has consistently demonstrated professionalism, integrity, and a genuine commitment to serving the residents of Brookings,” Rundel said. “Thank you, Kristi, for leaving Brookings better than you found it.”
Fulton also thanked city employees, saying their work often goes unseen but never unnoticed, and credited their dedication with making Brookings safer, stronger and better prepared for the future.
As she steps away from the Council, Fulton said she leaves with gratitude and optimism. “Brookings has an incredibly bright future ahead,” she said. “I have confidence in the leadership of this city, confidence in its employees, and most importantly, confidence in its people.”
Though she is moving away, Fulton said Brookings will remain close to her heart.
“Leaving is difficult because a part of my heart will always remain here,” she said. “This is not goodbye in spirit, only in presence.”
Fulton closed by thanking the community for the trust placed in her and for allowing her the privilege of serving. “Thank you for making Brookings a community that will always hold a special place in my heart,” she said.
The City of Brookings extends its sincere appreciation to Councilor Fulton for her service, dedication and lasting contributions to the community.
The City of Brookings is currently accepting applications to fill Councilor Fulton’s vacancy. Interested qualified Oregon electors who have resided within the City limits for the 12 months immediately preceding application are invited to apply. Completed applications must be received by the City Recorder at City Hall, 898 Elk Drive, Brookings, OR 97415, no later than 4 p.m. Monday, June 15, 2026. Applications are available at City Hall Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and on the City’s website: https://www.brookings.or.us/FormCenter/General-Forms-2/Application-to-Serve-on-a-Commission-or--54
