Department of Agriculture Under Secretary Dr. Homer Wilkes has announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service is investing $23,521,348 in wildfire protection projects across Oregon as part of the Community Wildfire Defense Grant (CWDG) program.

The CWDG program is designed to assist communities, including Tribal communities, non-profit organizations, state forestry agencies and Alaska Native corporations with planning for and mitigating wildfire risks on tribal, state, and privately managed land.

This funding, made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, is a crucial investment to help communities confront the wildfire crisis and reduce wildfire risk on non-federal land.

Proposals underwent a competitive selection process that included review panels made up of tribal representatives and state forestry agencies.

Guidelines within the law prioritized at-risk communities that have been impacted by a severe disaster, are at a high or very high potential for wildfire hazard and are classified as low income.

“Projects were selected using a collaborative, inclusive process that engaged tribes and state forestry agencies,” said Forest Service Chief Randy Moore. “All projects include at least two of the primary selection criteria mandated in the legislation. And in all cases, these projects are taking critical steps to protect homes, property, businesses, and people’s lives from catastrophic wildfires.”

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In Oregon, the following projects were selected for first round funding:

• Ashland
• $249,700
• City of Ashland Community Wildfire Protection Plan Update



• Baker City
• $246,000
• Baker County CWPP Update



• Cave Junction
• $113,744
• Community Action for Wildfire Resiliency Project



• Chiloquin
• $616,404
• Chiloquin Wildfire Risk Reduction and Education



• Fossil
• $992,815
• Wheeler County fire protection roadway shoulder clearing



• Gold Beach
• $1,338,078
• Gorse Fuels Treatment in Curry County



• John Day
• $9,907,344
• Grant County Evacuation Corridor and Fuels Management



• John Day
• $681,041
• ODF, John Day; Grant County Defensible Space



• Klamath Falls
• $224,717
• Rocky Point Urban Interface CWPP



• Roseburg
• $9,151,505
• Douglas Electric Cooperative

This initial round of investments will assist communities in developing Community Wildfire Protection Plans, key roadmaps for addressing wildfire risks locally, as well as fund immediate actions to lower the risk of wildfire on non-federal land for communities where a Community Wildfire Protection Plan is already in place.

“America’s forests, especially here in the West, are in a state of fire emergency,” said Robert Sanchez, Deputy Regional Forester for the Pacific Northwest Region of the Forest Service. “Wildfires do not recognize boundaries or management jurisdictions. As we continue our wildfire risk reduction work on National Forest lands, these Community Wildfire Defense Grants directly support our overall priority of helping reduce wildfire risk to communities by investing in work across tribal, state, and private lands.”

The Forest Service says that this initial round of funding is a critical down payment to protect at-risk communities. The agency will make future rounds of funding available to support more communities. The Forest Service will announce another round of funding later in 2023, and additional communities will be able to apply. The number of selected proposals in future rounds will depend on available funding.

Along with establishing the Community Wildfire Defense Grant program, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law spends a $3.5 billion investment in wildfire management through a suite of programs aimed at reducing wildfire risks, detecting wildfires, instituting firefighter workforce reforms, and increasing pay for federal wildland firefighters.

More information about the funded proposals, as well as announcements about the grant program, is available on the Community Wildfire Defense Grants website.


--Ben Fisher

Post Date: 2023-03-23 20:59:50

Last Update: 2023-03-23 21:20:29

The Oregon State Legislature has passed Senate Concurrent Resolution 1, the bill is meant to "express support" for Oregon’s county clerks and local election officials. The measure passed with bipartisan support in both chambers."

The following is a statement from Oregon Secretary of State Shemia Fagan on the passage of SCR 1:

"Since taking office as Oregon’s Secretary of State two years ago, I have visited all 36 county election offices. I can tell you that our county clerks and local election officials are among the most committed and professional people I’ve ever had the honor to work with. They are the unsung heroes of our democracy."

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"Since the 2020 election, ...25% of county clerks have retired or left office, in many cases after over 30 years of service. These jobs are demanding. They are stressful, and they have become more so ever since the 2020 election as false information has led to increased lawsuits, public records requests, threats, and harassment."

Fagan continued, "SCR 1 sends a message to election officials from the leaders in our state. That message is we support you. We’ve got your back, and we won’t let false information interrupt the critical work you do for our democracy."


--Ben Fisher

Post Date: 2023-03-23 20:19:47

Last Update: 2023-03-23 20:36:38

This morning, Senate Republican Leader Tim Knopp (R-Bend), House Republican Leader Vikki Breese-Iverson (R-Prineville), and Senate Independent Leader Brian Boquist (I-Rural Yamhill and Polk Counties) sent a letter to Governor Kotek urging that independent nonpartisan investigations be launched into the OLCC’s alleged favorable treatment of land acquisitions and rare liquor distribution.

The letter requests that the "investigations be conducted by independent outside counsel."

Invoking the statutory powers of the Attorney General, the leaders "ask that you use your statutory authority to investigate the potential favorable treatment of alcohol distribution and land acquisitions of the Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission.

The letter alleges special treatment of the OLCC by the Public Lands Advisory Commission, saying "the price tag for land and a new warehouse for the OLCC “...rose by 133% between 2019 and 2022 -- from an estimated $62.5 million to $145.7 million. It has risen higher since.” Prior to the purchase, and for the first time on record, the Oregon Public Lands Advisory Commission rejected this land acquisition. Since the rejection was advisory, the agency pushed the deal through regardless. On the outset, this suggests a negligent breach of the agency’s fiduciary duty. In the spirit of government transparency, working Oregonians deserve assurance they can trust the Legislature and State Agencies with their tax dollars.

Additionally, the letter alleges that there have been multiple reports that lawmakers, public officials, and management at the OLCC had benefitted from the diversion of bottles of high-end, rare liquor. Most recently, in mid-March, three top OLCC officials were fired for their involvement, leaving us with more questions than answers. We request OLCC and the Attorney General release the names of all lawmakers who used their position for personal gain, an action which Oregon government ethics laws clearly prohibit. The keeping of public records is fundamental in ensuring accountability in our government. To preserve public trust, it is imperative the names be released.

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The letter continues, "We understand that in certain instances, investigations are being conducted by the Department of Justice. This is not sufficient. Therefore, we request independent nonpartisan counsel be used for these investigations. On multiple occasions you have committed to increasing accountability and oversight in state government, taking a customer service approach to public service. We agree that this leads to good governance. In keeping with our shared goals of accountability and transparency, we ask that you take immediate action.”


--Staff Reports

Post Date: 2023-03-22 09:26:11

Last Update: 2023-03-22 09:47:27

Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland visited Oregon this past weekend to highlight Biden-Harris administration investments to support wildland fire preparedness, water management and outdoor recreation opportunities across the state. She was joined by Senator Jeff Merkley, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Policy, Management and Budget Joan M. Mooney, and Department leaders to meet with local, state, federal and Tribal leaders, Interior Department employees and local stakeholders to hear directly about the issues facing their communities.

The group met with area Tribal leaders — including the Burns Paiute, Confederated Tribes of Coos, Coquille, Cow Creek, Grand Ronde, Klamath, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw Indians, Siletz, Umatilla and Warm Springs Tribes — to hear about ongoing priorities in their communities and how Biden-Harris investments in Indian Country can continue to deliver support and resources across Indigenous communities.

In Bend, Secretary Haaland, Senator Merkley, and Mayor of Bend Melanie Kebler hosted a roundtable discussion with local outdoor recreation enthusiasts, business owners and conservation advocates to discuss the importance of outdoor recreation for the local economy. Secretary Haaland praised investments from the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA), a landmark conservation law that helps protect and improve our public lands and Bureau of Indian Education-funded schools in part by addressing overdue maintenance needs.

As part of her efforts to highlight GAOA investments across the nation, Secretary Haaland visited Crater Lake National Park, which is receiving $45 million from GAOA’s Legacy Restoration Fund to rehabilitate sections of the East Rim Drive. Overall, funding for Oregon from the Legacy Restoration Fund is estimated to address $130 million in deferred maintenance across the state’s public lands. President Biden’s fiscal year 2024 budget proposal includes an additional $4 million from the Land and Water Conservation Fund, permanently funded through GAOA, for two projects in Oregon – the Nestucca Bay National Wildlife Refuge, and the Willamette Valley Conservation Area.

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Secretary Haaland and Senator Merkley also traveled to the Klamath Falls region, where they met with Tribes, irrigators, and Interior Department staff focused on the urgent water and wildlife issues impacting the Klamath Basin. They visited several sites throughout the area – including the Bureau of Reclamation’s Klamath A Canal, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Klamath Lake Fish Hatchery, and the Barnes and Agency Lake Units at Upper Klamath National Wildlife Refuge – where they heard about the unique challenges and opportunities facing the region.

Over the past 20 years, the Klamath Basin has met unprecedented challenges due to ongoing drought conditions, limited water supply and diverse needs. The Interior Department has sought collaborative solutions that help minimize the impacts of the drought and facilitate long-term conservation and economic growth. Key investments over the last several months include historic funding from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law for ecosystem restoration and aquatic ecosystem initiatives, grant funding for salmon restoration projects, and a new restoration and resilience framework that identifies the Klamath Basin as a Keystone Initiative. These targeted and strategic announcements are demonstrative of the Department’s commitment to the continued efforts in the Klamath region.

In Medford, Secretary Haaland and Senator Merkley met with local wildland fire preparedness and response officials, including from the Interior Department’s Bureau of Land Management, to receive a briefing on the state’s fire outlook and discuss ongoing wildland fire efforts. Secretary Haaland announced that the Department is investing more than $21 million from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law this year for wildfire risk reductions efforts in Oregon.


--Donna Bleiler

Post Date: 2023-03-22 06:14:25

Last Update: 2023-03-21 10:05:19

Senator David Brock Smith (R-Port Orford) along with 25 other legislators have filed SB 1086 that would allow residents to submit a formal complain to the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) about human waste, illicit drugs, batteries and other harmful substances being dumped by homeless camps into state rivers and streams. Upon receiving the complaint, DEQ must investigate and then remove the individuals from camping site and clean camping site as necessary to protect state waters.

The one thing the nearly $200 million Affordable Housing and Emergency Homelessness Response Package doesn’t include is a requirement of social manners and civic responsibility. Giving millions to unappreciative ill-behaved adults has put a damper on taxpayer’s charitable support and SB 1086 is a step in the right direction.

“Unbridled, unregulated homeless camps along Oregon’s waterways are out of control,” said Senator Brock Smith. “The hazardous pollution to our salmonid bearing rivers and streams, and the source of drinking water for hundreds of thousands of Oregonians continues to be severely harmed by homeless camps. SB 1086 will finally allow DEQ to enforce Oregon’s environmental and water quality laws on all Oregonians, not just those who can pay a fine.”

“We can no longer wait and have this critical issue continue to harm our state waters,” said Senator Suzanne Weber (R-Tillamook). “We have agricultural, forest, and seafood operations that take great care of their land and water at great expense. Yet they continue to be the subject of environmental advocate and agency scrutiny while the same individuals look the other way as human waste, drugs, and toxic chemicals enter our community’s drinking water. It is past time they provide the equity of which they so often speak of.”

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“Having served on the County Planning Commission for years prior to my role as Representative, we have been trying to address this issue and protect our rivers and streams all that time,” said Representative Virgle Osborne (R-Roseburg). This legislation will finally bring the protections we need for our rivers and residents, while bringing accountability to the agency and advocates that have enabled these actions to occur for far too long.”

“Governor McCall forged water quality ahead for all Oregonians just over 50 years ago. I look forward to our environmental groups and democrat colleagues’ support of this critical legislation that will protect Oregon rivers, streams, and drinking water,” concluded Senator Brock Smith.

SB 1086 was referred to the Committee on Rules, which is not restricted by timelines.


--Donna Bleiler

Post Date: 2023-03-21 08:55:02

Last Update: 2023-03-21 09:55:44

Both Republican and Democrat caucuses have agreed to prioritize Governor Kotek’s pledge to work on homelessness this session. Governor Kotek wanted to carve out $200 million to dedicate to the cause. But will this carveout become an ongoing budgeted item? Can homelessness be reduced if you just provide shelter and not provide skills for employment?

Ways and Means passed the Affordable Housing and Emergency Homelessness Response Package. This Housing Package includes HB 2001, $40.9 million for housing planning and makes it harder for landlords to evict deadbeat tenants; and HB 5019 that funds $155 million to specified state agencies to address homelessness, which Governor Kotek requested.

The Legislative Fiscal Office breaks downs HB 5019 allocations with the largest sum, $85.2 million, going to create 600 new shelter beds across emergency areas, and rehouse 1,200 unsheltered individuals. Isn’t that two people per bed, or maybe the are expected to sleep in shifts. The second largest amount, $33.6 million is anticipated to prevent homelessness for 8,750 households. No less than $6.55 million supports staffing and administration that is sure to be an on-going expense to taxpayers regardless of the results.

Republican Leader Vikki Breese-Iverson (R-Prineville) said, “Without a bi-partisan commitment to reform Measure 110 and truly tackle the drug crisis in Oregon, I fear we will continue to see more of the same. While the bill provides expanded shelter capacity and rental assistance, I do not believe it gets to the heart of this issue – the failure of Measure 110 to provide meaningful access to treatment.”

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State Representative Anna Scharf (R-Yamhill/Polk) says, “While these bills do tackle some of the state's housing and affordable housing crisis, there is concern this package doesn't address Ballot Measure 110, which is at the heart of the homeless crisis.” Many homeless are receiving up to $1,500 per month in benefits, and SB 603, sponsored by Senator Winsvey Campos (D-Aloha), will add $1,000 with no strings attached.

Larger cities, mainly Portland, Salem and Eugene, liberals are finding out that a spike in shootings brought on by lawlessness and the homeless are a liability to their political well-being. They started pushing them out of downtowns. Over time they have been forced into rural towns and residential areas. Towns like Cottage Grove has quadrupled forcing the post office to close in the evenings, spreading into Creswell and other small towns that don’t have jobs for them or the means for sheltering or enforcing lawlessness.

Senator Daniel Bonham (R-The Dalles) had a message on the Senate floor regarding a forced Turnkey project turning a hotel into a shelter. The people in The Dalles are saying, “don’t Portland my Oregon.” The laws being passed are limiting local communities from solving their homeless problem with what works for their community.

Funding from these bills may help with temporary sheltering, but it doesn’t solve the underlying problem of joblessness. Until the over regulation of land use, restricting energy sources and high mandated labor costs are addressed, there will be no real visible return on the money spent in these bills.


--Donna Bleiler

Post Date: 2023-03-20 16:35:12

Last Update: 2023-03-20 00:57:44

The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality today announced it will temporarily suspend the Oregon Clean Vehicle Rebate Program as of May 1, 2023. Projections show the program will be oversubscribed in late spring 2023. Program rules require DEQ to suspend rebates once funds are depleted.

“DEQ has one of the most generous EV rebate programs in the country. It has been extremely successful, and 2023 rebate applications are coming in at our highest rate yet. People are choosing electric vehicles and rebates are instrumental in lowering the costs to Oregonians.” said Oregon DEQ Director Leah Feldon.

The program receives funds annually from the state’s Vehicle Privilege Tax . It covers all program costs, including rebates, program administration and community engagement. The Oregon Department of Revenue projects the program will receive about $14 million for 2023. Also, it was able to carry over approximately $3.5 million due to a one-time allotment of $15 million last year. Therefore, the 2023 budget was $17.5 million, with $15.5 million available for rebates. DEQ expects the fund to be depleted in the next few months, based on volume of EV sales.

If you buy or lease an eligible battery electric or plug-in hybrid electric vehicle or zero-emission motorcycle before May 1, you may still apply for a rebate . DEQ has created an Available Rebate Funding web page so applicants can see how much money is left for 2023. Once funds are depleted, eligible applications will go on a waiting list, to be paid once DEQ receives its next allotment in early 2024.

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Electric vehicles purchased or leased after April 30, 2023, will not receive state rebates, but can still qualify for federal tax credits . They will not be placed on a waiting list for rebates at a later time.

“Other states look to the Oregon Clean Vehicle Rebate Program as a model. That’s because we understand transitioning to electric vehicles is an important part of the state’s overall climate plan to reduce emissions, promote cleaner air and improve public health,” said Director Feldon.

A variety of state agencies and public electric utilities offer savings on EV purchases or charging infrastructure. The Go Electric Oregon website lists available incentives and provides helpful information for potential electric vehicle buyers and lessees.


--Staff Reports

Post Date: 2023-03-20 16:16:50

Representative Ben Bowman (D-Tigard) is chief sponsor of HB 3127, which has been the topic of discussion this week in the Legislature. It would ban the Chinese owned popular App, TikTok, from being installed on government phones, tablets and other devices. The debate is over the Chinese government having access to private data from the App.

House Bill 3127 prohibits the installation and requires removal of software, hardware or services from specific vendors on state information technology assets, including such programs as TikTok and WeChat. The measure does include an exception for state agencies that use the products for carrying out law enforcement activities and requires these agencies adopt risk mitigation standards and procedures.

Bowman has proposed an amendment to replace Alibaba Group Holding Limited (formerly Yahoo! Inc,) with Ant Group Co. Limited, an affiliate of the Chinese conglomerate Alibaba Group. Ant Group owns the world’s largest mobile (digital) payment platform Alipay and claims to be privately owned. Alibaba Group is their biggest shareholder. The Amendment also exempts the Secretary of State and State Treasurer.

Kate Denison, Deputy Legislative Director for the Oregon Department of Justice, testified, “Data privacy and security are key issues for DOJ and General Ellen Rosenblum. Rapid changes in technology and information sharing have raised new challenges for businesses and governments alike. The sheer amount of information produced, collected and stored about Oregonians is expanding rapidly, and the data collected is more sensitive than ever. Health trackers, online banking, home security systems and even our cars are presenting new privacy and security challenges. Today’s security vulnerabilities are evidenced by the growing number of data breach incidents reported to DOJ: since 2015, approximately 830 data security breaches were reported to our Consumer Protection Section.”

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Leadership at the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Federal Communications Commission have voiced concerns about the safety and security of TikTok regarding user data collection and data sharing. TikTok is an online hosting service for short-form videos and is owned by ByteDance Ltd., an internet technology company located in Beijing, China.

The federal Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023 (P.L. 117-328), incorporated S. 1143, also known as the “No TikTok on Government Devices Act” which directed the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and national security agencies to develop standards and guidelines to remove the video hosting platform TikTok from federal information technology giving them 30 days to comply. Currently, 27 states have enacted legislation or administrative orders to block the use of TikTok on state technology devices.

Denison also stated, “While the Department of Justice and other state agencies already have strong security measures in place to ensure that data on our networks is secure, HB 3127 is yet another step the State of Oregon can take to prevent unauthorized access and ensure that state information and infrastructure are protected.” She may have forgot that AG Rosenblum said under oath that Oregon’s voting machines are hackable.

In June of 2022, a member of the Federal Communications Commission sent a letter to Apple and Google referencing a litany of controversies that TikTok found itself in over the years, including skirting Android safeguards to track users online, accessing iOS clipboard information, and settling a class-action lawsuit for $92 million over allegations that it captured biometric and personal data from users in the U.S. without prior consent.

On the individual side, this session has two privacy related bills that are working their way through the legislative process. HB 2052 passed from the House Committee to Ways and Means that requires data brokers to register and identify their service. SB 619 will provide Oregonians with comprehensive consumer privacy rights over how companies control and process their personal data. It has a scheduled work session for March 28.

These bills are intended to make Oregonians feel their personal information is more secure, at least it's a step in the right direction.


--Donna Bleiler

Post Date: 2023-03-19 19:33:16

Last Update: 2023-03-18 01:55:25

A bill in Oregon is being considered by the legislature would establish a pilot program at Portland State University and Eastern Oregon University to enhance hiring of public university students by nonprofit organizations.

HB 2802 is sponsored by Representative Nathan Sosa (D-Hillsboro), Representative Ricki Ruiz (D-Gresham), Senator Michael Dembrow (D-Portland) and would require Portland State University and Eastern Oregon University to submit reports to interim committees of Legislative Assembly related to higher education by September 15 of each year.

The bill would also appropriate money for purposes of conducting the program. The bill has the emergency declaration attached to it, which would make it effective on July 1, 2023. Critics of the bill are speaking out through public testimony, pointing out the bill's potential for corruption.

An Oregonian, submitting testimony on behalf of NW Coast Range, speaking in opposition to the bill, is quoted as saying: "Why would the Oregon Legislature using taxpayers money fund an employment match program between college students and NPOs? NPOs are no-accounts and a drain on the revenue of the state in the form of grants. NPOs are an intrusion into the state public services domain without a legislative matrix scale to measure what is expected to be accomplished."

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The testimony continues, "HB 2802 is a nepotism scheme by government to enrich the people that are known to them or at least have the same societal legislator’s objectives. All the while grants to NPOs and NGOs decimate grant funds by the high five or six figure salaries or more for executives and salaries for field/office personnel."

The testimony concludes, "What incentive do these NP/NG Organizations have in solving society’s problems? NONE! To receive money on the pretense of helping no one, would be solving themselves out of a lucrative job/salary that the state grant system affords. Until the state and nation figure out a responsible metric system of evaluating the services NP/NG Organizations provide, it is time to curtail the free money scheme (grants) of enriching legislative hanger-on-ers of the Oregon and American taxpayers."

HB 2802 is currently being considered in the Legislative Joint Committee On Ways and Means.


--Ben Fisher

Post Date: 2023-03-19 13:28:04

Last Update: 2023-03-19 15:44:13

The City of Eugene Oregon has announced that residents looking for new opportunities to become involved in the community can apply now for positions on City boards and commissions.

There are 11 boards and commissions accepting applications for terms beginning July 1, 2023.

Members of boards and commissions provide a service to the city by advising the City Council and City staff on a wide variety of subjects and making recommendations on important policy matters.

The detailed studies and considered advice provided by boards and commissions can potentially inspire change though innovative programs and improved services within the City.

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Eugene Residents interested in participating in local government and helping to improve the community may consider applying for an opening. The following groups have openings in 2023:

City Council Advisory Bodies

• Human Rights Commission
• Planning Commission
• Police Commission
• Toxics Board (advocacy and neutral)
• Civilian Review Board
• Historic Review Board
• Budgetary Committee

Other Advisory Groups

• Envision Eugene Technical Advisory Committee
• Lane Regional Air Protection Agency
• Library Advisory Board
• Whilamut Natural Area Citizen Planning Committee

Applications for open positions will be accepted through the City of Eugene Boards and Commissions application page March 1-31, 2023. Additional information can be found on the Eugene Boards and Commissions webpage.


--Staff Reports

Post Date: 2023-03-19 10:25:24

Last Update: 2023-03-19 10:50:35

The Oregon Legislature’s Joint Ways and Means Committee has scheduled a series of public hearings on the state budget. Members of the public will have the opportunity to testify at each of these scheduled hearings regarding their perspectives and priorities around the state budget.

The series of hearings will start on April 8, 2023 at Portland Community College- Sylvania Campus. Members of the committee will take public testimony from community members from 10am to 12pm. To testify, members of the public will be able to access sign up links on the Ways and Means Committee’s webpage on OLIS, the legislature’s website. Sign up links will be available online in the next week.

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Times and locations for the series of public hearings are listed below:

• Saturday, April 8 (10:00 am - 12:00 pm) - Portland
  Location: Portland Community College - PAC Auditorium, Sylvania Campus
  12000 SW 49th Ave, Portland, OR 97219
  
  
• Friday, April 14 (5:00 - 7:00 pm) - Newport
  Location: Newport Performing Arts Center
  777 W Olive St, Newport, OR 97365
  
  
• Friday, April 21 (5:00 - 7:00 pm) - Roseburg
  Location: Umpqua Community College
  1140 Umpqua College Rd, Roseburg, OR 9747
  
  
• Friday, April 28 (5:00 - 7:00 pm) - Ontario
  Location: Four Rivers Cultural Center
  676 SW 5th Ave, Ontario, OR 97914
  Note: Ontario, Oregon is in the Mountain Time Zone

All hearings will be open to the public and members of the press.


--Staff Reports

Post Date: 2023-03-18 14:24:41

Last Update: 2023-03-18 01:57:20

The Springfield, Oregon City Council is seeking an interim Councilor to serve Ward 4 through December 31, 2024. Community members interested in this opportunity must apply by 5 p.m., March 23, 2023.

The application form is available online and in the City Manager’s Office during regular business hours at 225 5th Street, Springfield.

The interim Councilor must live in the ward where the vacancy is located. Not sure what ward in Springfield you live in? Find out here.

Interim Councilor Recruitment Schedule

• March 23, 2023 – Written Applications due to City Manager’s Office
• April 3, 2023 – Council Work Session – Council decides by consensus the candidates for interview, interview questions and voting process
• April 17, 2023 – Work Sessions – Candidate interviews
• April 17, 2023 – Regular Session – Council deliberation
• April 17, 2023 – Regular Session – Interim Councilor appointment

The Mayor and City Council make up the legislative branch of Springfield’s City government.

The Mayor and City Council members serve without pay as volunteers for four-year terms. They set City policy and make decisions regarding ordinances and resolutions, authorizing contracts, setting City goals, and adopting the City’s annual budget. The Mayor and City Council also appoint the City Manager, City Attorney, Municipal Court Judges, and many residents to serve on advisory committees.

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The City of Springfield states that the Mayor and City Council guide the City staff to provide the highest quality, lowest cost service to the residents of Springfield.

The Springfield City Council meets regularly in both work sessions and regular meetings. These meetings are open to the public and in conformance with Chapter 192, Oregon Revised Statutes, Public Meetings.

During work sessions, the Council receives information from staff and discusses topics of interest. The work sessions normally are held on the second and fourth Mondays of the month beginning at 5:30 p.m. and may also occur on the first and third Mondays of the month at 6 p.m.

During their regular meetings, Council conducts the business of the City and makes policy decisions. The regular meetings are typically held on the first and third Mondays of the month, starting at 7 p.m. If that day falls on a legal holiday, the Council will meet on the next regular business day at the same time.

If advised by the City Manager or when approved by the Mayor or three members of the Council, special meetings may be scheduled. Additionally, Councilors are appointed to a variety of boards, commissions, and committees as Council liaisons; and participate in several community events throughout the year.

Council typically takes a recess during the months of August and December of each year.


--Staff Reports

Post Date: 2023-03-18 11:16:39

Last Update: 2023-03-18 11:36:24