Newport manager previews major 2026 initiatives, flags potential November bond and infrastructure studies

The city manager used the work-session preview to outline key initiatives planned for the first half of 2026, telling councilors staff intend to bring the community a package of projects and opportunities that include a possible November 2026 bond, consultant briefings on Big Creek Dam alternatives, transportation and downtown-placemaking work, and a new economic mobility program funded through a grant.

On the bond: manager staff plan to develop a seven-year financial strategy and a bond package targeted for community feedback. They said the goal is to time projects so the bond would be a renewal and not increase the tax rate. "It actually would be, kind of a renewal, continuing paying the same," the manager said, and asked the council for guidance before proceeding with outreach and forming a bond committee, which staff expect to launch in March.

Infrastructure and studies: Jacobs, the firm hired for the Big Creek Dam alternatives analysis, will present findings on March 2; the consultants will outline alternatives but not prescribe a council decision. The city also issued an RFP for a trolley feasibility study to evaluate possible routes, stops and operations given Newport’s non-linear layout.

Downtown and public-space initiatives: staff previewed City Center outreach and a proposed façade-grant program using urban renewal funds to encourage building improvements; a pilot for artist-wrapped trash cans will be expanded in March with student artwork managed via a partnership with the Oregon Coast Council for the Arts; and staff will present a final Nye Beach parking plan recommended by the Parking Advisory Committee.

Programs, tools and staffing: the city received an economic mobility grant administered via the International City/County Management Association and funded by the Gates Foundation; the city has hired Lisonbee West to the two-year position and expects an initial update to council likely in April. The manager also said a budget-transparency software will launch in February and a FOIA/public-records request tool will follow, designed to make budget and records information easier for the public to access.

Concerns and follow-ups: a councilor raised concern that unrelated controversies (referenced in the transcript as 'ICE') could influence voter behavior in November and urged staff to consider communications strategy. Staff responded that no final decision to proceed with a bond has been made and that council guidance will determine next steps. Another councilor asked about the South Beach urban renewal parcel and whether the city needs contingency plans if development does not materialize before the renewal district expires in 2027; staff said contracts tied to project funding were completed by year-end and they will monitor development prospects in coming months.

Next steps: staff will return with project numbers, timing options and outreach plans if councilors direct them to proceed; the bond-committee recruitment and project-finalization work is planned for March. No formal votes or actions occurred during the preview.