#EugeneLaneCounty
LightNews LightNews
citizenptnewsor.bsky.social
Eugene's councilors are at a crossroads, debating whether state regulations on automatic license plate readers will overshadow local control—what will they decide?

Click to read more!

#EugeneLaneCounty #OR #PublicSafety #EugeneLocalPolicy #LocalGovernance #DataProtection
Eugene committee weighs state-led ALPR regulation and local control
Councilors and staff debated whether a state-level automatic license plate reader (ALPR) policy would preempt local decisions and whether the city should wait for state outcomes or pursue concurrent local policy work.
citizenportal.ai
January 14, 2026 at 7:50 PM
citizenptnewsor.bsky.social
Eugene's city manager candidates are tackling tough issues like homelessness funding, police technology, and the role of AI in governance—who will rise to the challenge?

Click to read more!

#EugeneLaneCounty #OR #EugeneHomelessness #ClimateAction #LocalGovAI #PublicSafety
Eugene council interviews three finalists for city manager; candidates differ on funding, police tech and AI safeguards
Councilors questioned three finalists about partnerships, homelessness and climate funding, police license-plate readers, AI safeguards and organizational culture during Jan. 13 interviews. Each candidate emphasized collaboration, prioritization and clearer public engagement; no decision or vote was taken.
citizenportal.ai
January 14, 2026 at 7:23 PM
citizenptnewsor.bsky.social
Eugene's city leaders are gearing up to advocate for crucial funding in shelter programs, infrastructure, and airport projects as the legislative session approaches—will they succeed?

Read the full story

#EugeneLaneCounty #OR #PublicSafety #InfrastructureInvestment
Eugene IGR committee outlines 2026 legislative priorities, highlights Clear Lake Road and airport funding
City staff and councilors reviewed draft 2026 Intergovernmental Relations (IGR) priorities, stressing protection of shelter funding, pursuing industrial-site readiness for Clear Lake Road, and seeking state/federal support for Eugene Airport projects ahead of the short legislative session.
citizenportal.ai
January 14, 2026 at 7:10 PM
citizenptnewsor.bsky.social
Eugene is paving the way for sustainable construction by mandating Environmental Product Declarations for concrete in its projects, setting a new standard for low-carbon materials!

Learn more here!

#EugeneLaneCounty #OR #SustainableConstruction #EnvironmentalImpact #EugeneEnvironment
Eugene requires EPDs for city concrete mixes, advances low‑carbon materials
City of Eugene staff told a committee the city now requires Environmental Product Declarations for concrete used on capital projects, and described existing low‑carbon measures — warm‑mix asphalt, 35% recycled asphalt content and a 30% minimum SCM requirement — and ongoing pilots to increase SCMs and monitor durability.
citizenportal.ai
January 14, 2026 at 7:09 PM
citizenptnewsor.bsky.social
Eugene is on the verge of transforming its building codes to promote the use of salvage lumber, a change that could significantly reduce waste and create new opportunities for builders.

Learn more here

#EugeneLaneCounty #OR #SustainableConstruction #WastePrevention #EugeneBuildingCodes
Eugene pushes to add salvage lumber to building codes to divert reusable wood from landfill
City waste‑prevention staff presented a code‑change proposal to add salvage lumber as an explicit material option in building codes, citing a nationwide coalition, a local deconstruction pilot and DEQ landfill studies showing reusable lumber in the waste stream; the proposal would go to International Code Council jurisdictions this year.
citizenportal.ai
January 14, 2026 at 7:08 PM
citizenptnewsor.bsky.social
In a closely contested vote, the Eugene Planning Commission has recommended a new public health standards code amendment that could change how development permits are handled—sparking a debate on regulatory responsibilities and small business impacts.

Read the full story

#EugeneLaneCounty #OR
Eugene Planning Commission recommends staffs version 4 of public health standards code amendment after split vote
After extended deliberations on applicant responsibilities and regulatory coordination, the Eugene Planning Commission voted 4-3 to recommend version 4 of the public health standards land use code amendment (City file CA 2503) to the City Council and asked staff to draft a letter capturing majority and minority positions for the council packet.
citizenportal.ai
January 14, 2026 at 6:35 PM
citizenptnewsor.bsky.social
Eugene is leading the way in sustainable construction by mandating Environmental Product Declarations for concrete mixes, aiming to significantly lower embodied carbon in city projects!

Learn more here!

#EugeneLaneCounty #OR #SustainableConstruction #EugeneEnvironment #CarbonReduction
Eugene requires EPDs for city concrete mixes as officials track recycled‑content gains
City of Eugene staff told a committee the project team has adopted Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) for concrete on capital projects, alongside requirements for 35% recycled asphalt content and a 30% minimum for SCMs in concrete; staff said EPD reporting became required in 2025 and suppliers are complying.
citizenportal.ai
January 14, 2026 at 6:34 PM
citizenptnewsor.bsky.social
Eugene is taking a bold step to transform waste into valuable resources by proposing a code change that could make salvage lumber a go-to material in construction!

Learn more here

#EugeneLaneCounty #OR #SustainableMaterials #BuildingCodes #ConstructionReuse #EugeneWastePrevention
Eugene pushes code change to make salvage lumber easier to use in construction
City of Eugene waste‑prevention staff presented a proposed International Code Council code change to create a clear, code‑compliant path for salvage lumber, citing landfill studies that show roughly 16% of C&D wood in the local landfill is reusable and noting national vetting and technology pilots.
citizenportal.ai
January 14, 2026 at 6:33 PM
citizenptnewsor.bsky.social
The Urban Renewal Agency has approved a groundbreaking $1.2 million budget to breathe new life into the Riverfront District, igniting a heated debate over the future of the iconic Steam Plant and affordable housing.

Get the details!

#EugeneLaneCounty #OR #EugeneAgency #UrbanRenewal
Urban Renewal Agency approves $1.2M in Riverfront District funds, including $1M for Steam Plant redevelopment
The Urban Renewal Agency adopted its supplemental budget and allocated $1,200,000 for Riverfront projects: $1,000,000 for Steam Plant redevelopment and $180,000 to support affordable housing on Parcel 2; development teams will begin site investigation and predevelopment activities in FY26.
citizenportal.ai
December 20, 2025 at 5:36 PM
citizenptnewsor.bsky.social
Eugene is gearing up to meet a staggering demand for over 26,000 new housing units in the next 20 years, with ambitious plans to boost affordable living options and streamline code regulations!

Learn more here

#EugeneLaneCounty #OR #UrbanPlanning #EugeneHousing
Eugene planners outline housing code changes after ONA shows need for more than 26,000 units
City planners told the commission Eugene must support production of 26,000+ dwelling units over 20 years per the 2025 ONA and proposed a suite of 2026 housing code amendments — SRO allowances, treating RVs as dwellings in parks, removing outdated bedroom caps, flag lot changes, bicycle parking updates, and mandatory adjustments under state law.
citizenportal.ai
December 20, 2025 at 5:35 PM
citizenptnewsor.bsky.social
Eugene City Council just approved an $8 million investment aimed at reducing future costs while maintaining a healthy reserve fund—what does this mean for the city's financial future?

Learn more here!

#EugeneLaneCounty #OR #FiscalResponsibility #LongTermPlanning #PublicFinance #EugeneBudget
Eugene adopts first supplemental budget for 2025–27, approves $8M PERS prepayment plan and retains reserve above 3.6%
The council adopted the first supplemental budget for the 2025–27 biennium, including an $8,000,000 investment in a PERS Employer Incentive Fund to secure a $2,000,000 state match and a reduction in long-term PERS rates; after actions the reserve for revenue shortfall is projected at $17.1M (3.6% of general fund).
citizenportal.ai
December 20, 2025 at 5:22 PM
citizenptnewsor.bsky.social
Eugene residents are rallying against a proposed Amazon distribution center, raising alarms about climate goals, air quality, and local jobs.

Click to read more!

#EugeneLaneCounty #OR #ClimateAction #TrafficImpact #EugeneEnvironment
Residents urge pause and more study of proposed Amazon distribution center; concerns about traffic, air quality and local jobs
Multiple speakers during public comment urged the council to pause permitting or require further review for an Amazon distribution center, citing traffic, air pollution, climate goals and threat to unionized postal jobs; speakers asked for stronger local review and public engagement before the project proceeds.
citizenportal.ai
December 20, 2025 at 5:21 PM
citizenptnewsor.bsky.social
A citizen oversight panel has found that an officer used excessive force during an arrest while also flagging the improper muting of body cameras, raising serious questions about police accountability and transparency.

Learn more here

#EugeneLaneCounty #OR #PublicTrust #BodyCameraPolicy
Citizen Review Board backs findings that officer used excessive force and flags improper muting of body cameras
The Eugene Citizens Review Board reviewed a January 2025 arrest and heard staff and training analysis that sustained allegations that an officer used excessive force (strikes after handcuffing and multiple drive‑stun taser deployments) and that a supervisor improperly muted body‑worn video; the board pressed for retraining and clarity on muting policies.
citizenportal.ai
December 20, 2025 at 5:19 PM
citizenptnewsor.bsky.social
Eugene's Planning Commission is at a crossroads, debating a contentious land-use amendment that could reshape how local developments interact with federal health regulations.

See what happened!

#EugeneLaneCounty #OR #EugenePlanning #LandUse #PublicHealth #CommunityTransparency
Eugene commission splits on public-health land-use changes; asks staff to draft staff-notification alternative
The Planning Commission debated proposed public health land-use code amendments (CA2503) that would require applicants in certain industrial zones to attest to EPA/DEQ/LRAPA permitting; a staff-recommended Version 3 failed and commissioners directed staff to return with a staff-notification-only alternative (version 3a).
citizenportal.ai
December 20, 2025 at 5:17 PM
citizenptnewsor.bsky.social
Eugene City Council just took a bold step to support immigrant communities by directing staff to explore funding for local nonprofits amid rising federal enforcement fears.

Learn more here

#EugeneLaneCounty #OR #EugeneImmigrants #HumanitarianAssistance #LocalFunding
Eugene council directs staff to explore funding for immigrant-support nonprofits, approves $50,000 contingency
The Eugene City Council voted unanimously Dec. 8 to have the city manager investigate funding needs for local nonprofits aiding immigrant residents and to draft a resolution reaffirming support; council also amended the supplemental budget to set aside $50,000 in council contingency for possible near-term use.
citizenportal.ai
December 20, 2025 at 5:12 PM
citizenptnewsor.bsky.social
Eugene City Council has taken a bold step towards enhancing regional fire and emergency services by unanimously directing negotiations with Springfield for a new governing entity.

Click to read more!

#EugeneLaneCounty #OR #EmergencyResponse #EugeneFireServices #PublicSafety #CivicAccountability
Eugene council directs negotiations with Springfield to form intergovernmental fire entity
The Eugene City Council voted 7-0 to direct the city manager to begin negotiating core terms with Springfield to form an intergovernmental entity governing regional fire and EMS services, with a three-month progress report back to council.
citizenportal.ai
December 20, 2025 at 5:11 PM
citizenptnewsor.bsky.social
Eugene's City Manager has officially terminated the controversial Flock contract, mandating the removal of license plate cameras and the return of sensitive data—sparking calls for stronger privacy protections!

Learn more here

#EugeneLaneCounty #OR #PublicTrust #CivilLiberties #EugenePrivacy
City manager orders Flock cameras removed, data returned and deleted after contract termination; public presses for policy changes
City Manager Sarah Madari said the city terminated its contract with Flock and is demanding removal of ALPR cameras by Dec. 12, 2025, return of city/customer/anonymized data by Dec. 12 and deletion of city data copies by Dec. 17; public commenters pressed for guarantees about deletion, answers on potential data access by federal agencies, and a city ALPR policy to prevent future installations.
citizenportal.ai
December 20, 2025 at 5:06 PM
citizenptnewsor.bsky.social
Eugene's police department is undergoing major changes with six new officers on the way, a terminated Flock Safety contract, and a deputy chief set to retire—what's next for law enforcement in the community?

Read the full story

#EugeneLaneCounty #OR #CommunityOutreach #EugenePolice #PublicSafety
Eugene police report: six new hires, Flock contract terminated and deputy chief to retire
Deputy chief told the commission the department will hire six new officers, remains about 20 officers short, has terminated its Flock Safety camera contract and is awaiting vendor response, and that the deputy chief will retire at month end with Captain Jake Burke slated to succeed him.
citizenportal.ai
December 20, 2025 at 5:02 PM
citizenptnewsor.bsky.social
Eugene's budget forecast reveals a $4.3 million drop in property tax revenue over six years, prompting urgent discussions on funding strategies to secure the city's financial future.

Click to read more!

#EugeneLaneCounty #OR #FiscalResponsibility #PublicFinance #CommunityInvestment #EugeneBudget
Eugene budget committee hears updated forecast, recommends $10 million PERS side account and one‑time investments to shore reserves
Staff told the Eugene Budget Committee that lower assessed value growth and collection assumptions reduce property tax revenue by $4.3 million over six years and that a combination of an $8 million PERS lump‑sum contribution (with a $2 million state match) and one‑time allocations would help protect reserves and buy down future pension costs.
citizenportal.ai
December 10, 2025 at 5:23 AM
citizenptnewsor.bsky.social
Eugene's Human Rights Commission is demanding answers after a police briefing revealed 14 disturbing bias-related incidents, including a noose found on a UO employee's car.

Get the details!

#EugeneLaneCounty #OR #EugeneHumanRights #VictimOutreach #BiasIncidents #CommunitySafety
Eugene police liaison outlines 14 bias-related incidents; commissioners press for better outreach to unhoused victims
Lieutenant Jeremy Williams told the Eugene Human Rights Commission about roughly 14 recent bias-related and violent incidents — including a workplace noose, assaults and alleged racially motivated harassment — and commissioners asked how the department follows up with victims, especially unhoused people.
citizenportal.ai
November 15, 2025 at 4:54 PM
citizenptnewsor.bsky.social
Eugene's planning director unveiled innovative strategies to boost housing production through voluntary annexations, sparking a council debate on potential fee waivers and tax incentives.

Click to read more!

#EugeneLaneCounty #OR #PublicSafety #EugeneHousing #UrbanGrowth #HousingIncentives
Eugene council weighs incentives, fee waivers and 10-year tax differentials to encourage voluntary annexations
Planning staff presented four options to encourage voluntary annexation (outreach, leveraging street annexations, application-fee waivers and a 10-year property-tax differential), illustrated fiscal impacts for River Road and Santa Clara, and asked the council whether it wants pilots or to pursue state law changes that would allow non-contiguous in
citizenportal.ai
November 14, 2025 at 11:08 AM
citizenptnewsor.bsky.social
Eugene is set to revolutionize housing with innovative "microvillage" units and enticing 10-year tax exemptions aimed at boosting affordable living options.

Learn more here!

#EugeneLaneCounty #OR #EugeneHousing #CommunityDevelopment #UrbanGrowth
Eugene staff propose 'microvillage' housing and two 10-year tax-exemption incentives to boost production
City planners told the Eugene City Council that the 2026 Urban Growth Strategies adoption package will include two housing actions: a new 'microvillage' housing type aimed at deeply affordable units and two proposed 10-year property-tax-exemption programs to spur moderate-income and transit-oriented housing. Staff will return with detailed program,
citizenportal.ai
November 14, 2025 at 2:22 AM
citizenptnewsor.bsky.social
Eugene Airport is soaring towards a major expansion, but a staggering $240 million funding gap stands in the way of completing Concourse C!

Get the details!

#EugeneLaneCounty #OR #InfrastructureInvestment #CommunityOutreach #EconomicDevelopment
Eugene pushes ahead on major airport expansion as officials launch feasibility study to close funding gap
Eugene Airport Director Catherine Stevens told the City Council Nov. 10 that the city has secured roughly $208 million in enabling funding for terminal projects but still faces about $240 million in unfunded costs to complete Concourse C. The city is launching a Liftoff EUG feasibility study to test nontraditional funding options including federal,
citizenportal.ai
November 11, 2025 at 4:44 PM
citizenptnewsor.bsky.social
Eugene is on the brink of a major change with a new proposal for voluntary annexations that could reshape our urban landscape—are you ready for what’s next?

Learn more here!

#EugeneLaneCounty #OR #EugeneHousing #UrbanGrowth #EmergencyResponse #InfrastructureDevelopment
Eugene schedules council work session on voluntary annexation before state concept reaches legislature
Staff briefed the IGR committee on an emerging state legislative concept to allow voluntary, noncontiguous annexations within the urban growth boundary. Committee members asked staff to bring analysis and draft bill language to the December meeting after a council work session next week.
citizenportal.ai
November 7, 2025 at 2:51 PM
citizenptnewsor.bsky.social
Eugene's IGR committee is reshaping its legislative policy document, focusing on affordable housing, property tax reform, and robust funding for shelters—get ready for a clearer direction!

Learn more here!

#EugeneLaneCounty #OR #PublicSafety #EugenePolicy #EconomicDevelopment
IGR committee tightens Eugene’s legislative policy document ahead of December adoption
City staff presented a revised state and federal legislative policy document and walked the IGR committee through reorganizations, deletions and a few proposed additions. Members approved structural edits and asked staff to return in December with a cleaned package for formal adoption and Council review in January.
citizenportal.ai
November 7, 2025 at 1:14 PM