During the recent Corvallis City Council Work Session, discussions centered on the rising costs of construction and the financial implications for the proposed civic campus project. City officials highlighted that building expenses have surged significantly since the pandemic, with annual cost escalations reaching 4 to 6 percent, and even more dramatic increases observed in 2020 and 2021.

John, a key speaker at the meeting, emphasized that construction costs are unlikely to decrease, noting historical trends where costs have only flattened during economic downturns but rarely dipped. This context set the stage for a detailed overview of four proposed options for the civic campus, each with projected costs adjusted for anticipated inflation by 2027.

The options presented included:

1. **Attached Option**: Estimated at $88 million, this plan includes seismic upgrades to the city hall.
2. **Detached Option**: This alternative, which adds a fourth story, comes with a higher price tag of $97.4 million.
3. **Remove Option**: Priced at $85.3 million, this option focuses on optimizing construction layouts for efficiency.
4. **Remove with Parking**: This option, which includes a new parking structure, has a similar cost to the Remove Option but accounts for additional site-related expenses.

All options incorporate sustainable building materials, such as mass timber, and aim for high energy efficiency standards. The police department's new three-story facility, which includes dispatch and below-grade parking, is consistent in cost across all alternatives.

The council's discussions reflect a proactive approach to addressing community needs while navigating the challenges posed by escalating construction costs. As the city prepares for these significant investments, the focus remains on ensuring that the new civic campus meets both functional and sustainability goals for the residents of Corvallis.