[{"_1":2,"_122":-5,"_123":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,98,110],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6368694,"mediaKeyId","2156763-ea850382d0a262317c56eec6d3e62a57","parentId",2156763,"title","Public comments center on climate action, library funding, fire fee and Train Song neighborhood industrial concerns","audioSeconds",546,"startMs",3032000,"endMs",2486000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2156763-ea850382d0a262317c56eec6d3e62a57&start=3032&end=2486","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2156763-ea850382d0a262317c56eec6d3e62a57/thumbnail_3032000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6368694/Eugene/Lane-County/Oregon/Public-comments-center-on-climate-action-library-funding-fire-fee-and-Train-Song-neighborhood-industrial-concerns","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6368694-2b72c47d22f650dad4fa8149a4b61c20/orig.mp4?Expires=1770400787&Signature=OkodAirCuMqPAYHapRvcPvADKoHJD-MMev3q8wNSpxWJLkWqSBojCnVbz7LXHA-eaAvg94yQlaMQhaHkbRZji8oxY9cGIWgN7QRlwX1x~g-lnJPmehqmnYutyhj56Ldo3L2UITuUqpp0CIV~USM9pj6~nnfdHOVuy7plks690rdWzOgOzEBQnhIgioOjz9v~tNmrPExu3ZkwjtsuW~tqZJvBGse66ZzSOgbNetjwBUz1593h69h5CtA4k8zOuoqT1H~dR54Gn5W56noqnKka3j8U3kan9Lr5oYtSB1hBZ4Ywn-rONewVsrr22t6ma07FysdIykZJUA2O-aW9yaYCmA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City Council of Eugene, OR","date","2025-01-24T23:54:47Z","article","Approximately 45–46 people spoke during the Jan. 27, 2025 public comment period. Speakers raised recurring themes including urgent local climate action (particularly building electrification and subsidies for low‑income households), preserving library funding and services, support for a local revenue measure described as a fire fee to stabilize emergency services, and neighborhood opposition to proposed fossil‑fuel facilities and railroad operational changes in the Train Song and River Road areas.

Representative remarks and themes:
- Train Song / industrial health risks: Lynn Woodridge (Active Bethel community co‑chair) and multiple Train Song neighbors described recent and proposed industrial uses near residences, criticized limited liability corporate actors and urged the city to use policy tools to prevent hazardous facilities. Lisa Arkin of Beyond Toxics and other neighborhood speakers asked the city to oppose Union Pacific’s proposed lease to a class‑3 railroad and to send objections to federal oversight agencies.

- Climate and electrification: Several young residents and climate advocates (Micah Anton, Drew Simran, Molly Babcock, Tomoko Sekiguchi, Jack Dodson and others) urged council to prioritize building electrification, revenue generation for subsidies to help low‑income households transition away from fossil fuels, and continued work to meet the Climate Recovery Ordinance goals despite expected federal rollbacks.

- Library funding and community services: Multiple speakers, including Linda Ague (Friends of the Eugene Public Library), Renee Buchanan and Dana Fleming (Eugene Public Library Foundation), asked council not to further cut library services and described libraries as essential \"third‑space\" community services supporting social connection and resilience.

- Fire fee and first responders: Union representatives and residents — including Zac Mulholland (Budget Committee member speaking personally), Adam Epstein (Local 1724), Brett Deaton (Local 851 president) and others — urged council to adopt a stabilization fee (commonly referred to in testimony as a \"fire fee\") to avoid deep cuts to fire, police, parks, library and other city services. Speakers described staffing shortages, rising call volumes and the challenges faced on recent large wildland deployments.

- Sidewalks and neighborhood maintenance: Speakers representing Citizens United to Repair Broken Sidewalks urged the council to consider reallocating existing transportation funds (for example, a portion of the local gas tax) to fix deteriorated sidewalks that cause injuries, and to place sidewalks on an upcoming work session agenda.

The public comment session included a range of other topics — from calls to protect marginalized groups (including transgender rights and sanctuary protections), to requests for state‑level environmental constitutional amendments — but the dominant recurring themes were climate action, support for library services, stability for emergency services funding, and neighborhood health concerns in Train Song and River Road.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City Council and Urban Renewal Agency Meeting: January 27, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Public comment at the Jan. 27 Eugene City Council meeting focused primarily on climate action (building electrification), protecting library services in the face of budget shortfalls, support for a proposed fire stabilization fee, and neighborhood safety concerns about industrial fuel facilities and railroad operations in Train Song and River Road.","taxTitle","Eugene , Lane County, Oregon","taxId",2848,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6368699,"City and Urban Renewal Agency receive clean audit opinions for fiscal year 2023–24",162,2713000,2875000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2156763-ea850382d0a262317c56eec6d3e62a57&start=2713&end=2875","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2156763-ea850382d0a262317c56eec6d3e62a57/thumbnail_2713000.jpg","/articles/6368699/Eugene/Lane-County/Oregon/City-and-Urban-Renewal-Agency-receive-clean-audit-opinions-for-fiscal-year-202324","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6368699-c5221fa9bb7afc24083a3dcbe0626745/orig.mp4?Expires=1770400787&Signature=JBtpmCIIWHngCkKivRfu1YkjBXPQOYUiGzCoWxKNZkbZ~FW7U~3cfIueHElTuS1~STtfxVPQRMQcLb5BpDMdpXWUU2aIyLSF6zcd7bbYsjNkSBCDSpyUWfPnJkuAVpcg7L86Gtfbrqjp2m9Ar1iYRrDE3ANBHmm7yq1PGGb3IfTtKz2QP~YYQqwDwJgKBi5~7Dh8NUER1tjg1GlNWwvCoeU1lFGl28aSxWDQAuhHOy~eFHl3Gr5q3fS8iAeBhaRBjdzdl9-OaMhVr3xim1xx~htS6FtfjE6BUtBmbSch8eVMpWzpPlJg~WO3xYKCSTtigxOLVFfmrqpfbhl~LpL-oQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City staff told the Eugene City Council on Jan. 27, 2025 that the city's contracted auditors issued an unmodified (clean) opinion on the city's basic financial statements for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024. Staff noted the clean opinion shows the statements were prepared in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles and that auditors identified no instances of noncompliance with state law that must be reported under government auditing standards.

Council moved to approve a resolution acknowledging receipt of the city's annual comprehensive financial report (ACFR) for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2024; the motion passed 7–0.

Immediately afterward, the Urban Renewal Agency convened and staff reported the agency's audit firm likewise issued an unmodified opinion on the agency’s basic financial statements for the same fiscal year. The agency voted to approve a resolution acknowledging receipt of its annual financial report; the motion passed 7–0.

Staff described a clean opinion as an indicator of sound financial management and creditworthiness. No material findings or state law noncompliance were reported in the meeting transcript.","City staff reported auditors issued unmodified (clean) opinions on the City of Eugene's and the Urban Renewal Agency's basic financial statements for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2024; council and agency voted to acknowledge receipt of the annual comprehensive financial reports.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":46,"_47":92,"_49":93,"_51":94,"_53":95,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":96,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":97,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6368704,"Council recommends HOME/HOME‑ARP awards: $1.2M to Homes for Good (Coleman) and $2.84M to Laurel Hill Center (River Road)",75,2411000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2156763-ea850382d0a262317c56eec6d3e62a57&start=2411&end=2486","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2156763-ea850382d0a262317c56eec6d3e62a57/thumbnail_2411000.jpg","/articles/6368704/Eugene/Lane-County/Oregon/Council-recommends-HOMEHOMEARP-awards-12M-to-Homes-for-Good-Coleman-and-284M-to-Laurel-Hill-Center-River-Road","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6368704-5469680a9c0446b4142105b62f8c0365/orig.mp4?Expires=1770400787&Signature=JXHQgPonC6N6fKRs6sD8q5Wlqck4PH2VnlmobzocEZdB3ETXtsp0XFj-dnzQHsR2I~OluRcJ8uxzZ2frwI-XBQpb9v2Ji9qJHtMisskSJvJ2y~2ucrWm2PWST4fJk4xEKBlbWhNSrOas80wSnv4VatwFSZN~1FXX2T4xaOcuQB9pafNO6OilwrYAiaS6-0HEPwZCJ8BeurQ9gCh9n2XgwH9qgYYQKMcYkurg19mTT~J113c~3hz5xguElp2fZjtsbSZQUo5Xcn1g61KmGc1SCaOS7JlsJiynKYiCMdWLmVZNBaAX7PcbPOCr99YK7VB~mOFGVK~BbXBRYHyUqeyAnA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Eugene City Council on Jan. 27, 2025 recommended two awards of federal HOME and HOME‑ARP funds following the 2024 HOME request for proposals evaluation.

Council moved to recommend awarding Homes for Good $1,200,000 in HOME funds for the Coleman proposal, and to recommend awarding Laurel Hill Center $2,537,182 in HOME‑ARP rental housing funds plus $300,000 in HOME‑ARP support services funds for the River Road housing proposal. The motion passed 7–0.

Staff told council the two highest‑scoring proposals would create up to 105 new homes and supportive services targeted to households earning no more than 60% of area median income; final funding decisions for HOME funds rest with the Eugene‑Springfield HOME Consortium Governing Board.

Councilors who spoke in favor emphasized the quantity of units these awards would help leverage and the projects’ focus on people at risk of homelessness. Councilor Leach noted the Coleman proposal provides transitional housing in her ward and expressed support. The council recorded seven yes votes and zero opposed on the recommendation motion.

Final award and contract terms will be determined by the consortium governing board and by required contract negotiations if the consortium approves funding.","Council voted to recommend awarding HOME funds to two applicants: $1,200,000 to Homes for Good for the Coleman proposal and HOME‑ARP awards totaling $2,837,182 to Laurel Hill Center for River Road housing and support services; the governing board will make the final HOME funding decisions.",{"_33":99,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":100,"_41":101,"_43":102,"_45":103,"_47":104,"_49":105,"_51":106,"_53":107,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":108,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":109,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6368709,"Eugene council approves five 20-year low‑income rental property tax exemptions for projects across city",610,1284000,1894000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2156763-ea850382d0a262317c56eec6d3e62a57&start=1284&end=1894","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2156763-ea850382d0a262317c56eec6d3e62a57/thumbnail_1284000.jpg","/articles/6368709/Eugene/Lane-County/Oregon/Eugene-council-approves-five-20-year-lowincome-rental-property-tax-exemptions-for-projects-across-city","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6368709-570b322a0f35848088bd20bfc7849061/orig.mp4?Expires=1770400787&Signature=HpjpzjfokTUpITt0H3B5QgKBnQODFCo5eMwUXe2DzO~tCRetExfrQBD74Sv4C37~E5TivT3Qb7W4XJPX44IsX5pnAdhPnaRuquynCVWG1K6besqc46t7D6jkFLzxJXLTA2LVgWNw2j-ezC1wB4lVys5AHtrbakdrvRpkQYAghBnAGt5awDzq-noRwd-68tJU0bKCuDl1QbiF9G6RADPCDoPMBTb2dOiKnOiUHD68UKuN6kAQPTHs3Ieb2G2f7A7dCIski82f6HIvxVB~Ji06Pb-eR7ryXOvPYZBsY87y5tIqCVjNU8yOawjJrah2Rv71-hqTjgN0Cl9JGl2Nf1zG8A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Eugene City Council voted Jan. 27, 2025 to approve five low‑income rental housing property tax exemption (LRP) resolutions — renewals and new exemptions intended to support affordable housing projects across the city.

City staff introduced a group of five resolutions that staff described as 20‑year LRPs: renewals and new LRPs for Apple Orchard Village Apartments, Santa Clara Place (renewals), and new LRPDs for Laurel Hill Center, River Road Housing/River Road Apartments, and Whitaker Commons. Staff said the approvals would preserve and create affordable housing units and that the LRP program focuses on low‑income rents and income eligibility rather than site plan details such as final parking counts.

Council held a general discussion about parking, Greenway permitting for river‑adjacent projects and the role of multiple subsidies (LRP and HOME funds) in making projects financially viable. Councilors expressed support for producing more affordable housing and noted the limits of local tools and the need for additional subsidies. Several councilors also raised parking and neighborhood access concerns specifically for River Road and Laurel Hill projects.

Each of the five resolutions was moved, seconded and approved by recorded voice vote. The council recorded seven yes votes and zero opposed on each item.

Votes at a glance
- Apple Orchard Village Apartments (renewal): resolution moved and approved, vote 7–0.
- Santa Clara Place (renewal): resolution moved and approved, vote 7–0.
- Laurel Hill Center (new LRP for future development on Hunsaker Lane): resolution moved and approved, vote 7–0.
- River Road Apartments / River Road Housing (new LRP): resolution moved and approved, vote 7–0.
- Whitaker Commons (new LRP on Adams Street): resolution moved and approved, vote 7–0.

Council noted the LRP approval is a policy step tied to affordability eligibility; staff said final site plans and parking details may be resolved later in permitting. Several projects are also in funding pipelines (HOME/HARP) and rely on multiple subsidies to be financially feasible, staff said.","Council adopted five resolutions approving 20‑year low‑income rental housing property tax exemptions (LRPs) for existing and proposed affordable housing properties; each motion passed unanimously, 7–0.",{"_33":111,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":112,"_41":113,"_43":114,"_45":115,"_47":116,"_49":117,"_51":118,"_53":119,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":120,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":121,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6368714,"Eugene City Council elects Greg Evans as council president and Lindsay Leach as vice president",50,764000,814000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2156763-ea850382d0a262317c56eec6d3e62a57&start=764&end=814","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2156763-ea850382d0a262317c56eec6d3e62a57/thumbnail_764000.jpg","/articles/6368714/Eugene/Lane-County/Oregon/Eugene-City-Council-elects-Greg-Evans-as-council-president-and-Lindsay-Leach-as-vice-president","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6368714-74616a3a6819d4ccca894bb6d4d97014/orig.mp4?Expires=1770400787&Signature=C-Sf3fV-yRlFlqMi55ac89y3NFwh-qVhoj8mCGfJiSBkmMUP1x9Urbxe14L7osr09GNzWN5-kRFRuxwECNlQwmQNjCEJ0Pqh0c8lNzQaKsvoy1D~LF8155Vappi82W50vCHQboAgj7pBorPFBMIxapkJAU4n1w4Q0FbkRPCrDxwsKZhGAN5sODNnRb8SCWVQ7YYjKpiwm1eF-L~l3VsxVKCTXXpxdEJ682dYVU4xsgWVo8D26zFQb4kO~haFq6k99YJtHpCR3ij5KBWKQrIW4xlw3zEk32ynY-JRorqFpn-7UJl0l9pv0PsBZFY1w5ur7Gjltr5-PO9AlE1huGve5Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Eugene City Council elected Councilor Greg Evans as council president and Councilor Lindsay Leach as vice president during its Jan. 27, 2025 meeting.

Councilor Keating moved to elect Councilor Greg Evans as council president; the motion passed 7-0. Councilor Greg Evans then moved to elect Councilor Lindsay Leach as vice president; that motion likewise passed unanimously, 7-0.

The votes followed brief procedural exchange about motion and seconding order before the council called the roll and recorded seven yes votes and zero opposed on both items. The mayor presided over the start of the meeting and then turned the floor to the newly elected council president to put the second motion forward.

The elections were the first formal agenda items after opening remarks, ceremonial proclamations and a land acknowledgement.

No additional council direction or follow-up tasks were recorded in the transcript related to the leadership elections.","On Jan. 27, 2025 the Eugene City Council elected Councilor Greg Evans as council president and Councilor Lindsay Leach as vice president in unanimous votes.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Public comments center on climate action, library funding, fire fee and Train Song neighborhood industrial concerns

City and Urban Renewal Agency receive clean audit opinions for fiscal year 2023–24

Council recommends HOME/HOME‑ARP awards: $1.2M to Homes for Good (Coleman) and $2.84M to Laurel Hill Center (River Road)

Eugene council approves five 20-year low‑income rental property tax exemptions for projects across city

Eugene City Council elects Greg Evans as council president and Lindsay Leach as vice president