Eugene Council reviews street maintenance and upcoming bond-funded projects

The City Council of Eugene, Oregon, convened for a work session on May 28, 2025, to discuss various topics related to street maintenance, infrastructure projects, and community engagement. The meeting began with a presentation on street classification maps, which allow residents to identify the classification of their streets and understand maintenance protocols. Council members expressed interest in improving public access to this information, with a commitment to provide specific links to the relevant resources.

Councilor Kaczynski raised concerns about delays in street maintenance due to the pandemic, inquiring whether the city was back on track with its scheduled projects. City staff confirmed that they are indeed catching up, with the current bond measure work extending into its sixth year. The next bond measure, approved in 2022, is set to begin implementation in 2025, and staff reported that they have been able to advance some projects ahead of schedule.

Councilor Keating praised the recent repaving of Agate Street, attributing the success to bond funding. He also inquired about public outreach efforts during construction projects, specifically regarding signage that informs the community about the use of bond dollars. Staff outlined their communication strategy, which includes sending out postcards to residents in advance of projects and placing informational signs at construction sites.

Councilor Zielenka highlighted the importance of accountability in the bond process, noting that the community's continued support for road bonds reflects their value. He also inquired about the current backlog of street maintenance, which has decreased from $225 million to approximately $121 million. Staff explained that while the backlog has been reduced, rising costs and the allocation of funds to other transportation needs have contributed to a slight increase in the backlog.

The discussion also touched on the appearance of the Lane County parking lot, with Councilor Zielenka expressing concerns about its visibility and condition. Staff acknowledged the need for improvements and indicated that they would explore options for enhancing the area.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the City Council's commitment to maintaining and improving Eugene's infrastructure while ensuring transparency and community engagement throughout the process. The council plans to continue addressing these issues in future sessions, with a focus on upcoming projects and public outreach initiatives.