Eugene IGR Committee elects Councilor Rose as chair, hears mid‑session legislative update

The City of Eugene’s Intergovernmental Relations Committee met Feb. 18 and elected Councilor Rose as chair for 2026 before receiving a mid‑session briefing from Ethan Nelson, the city’s intergovernmental relations manager, on priorities and bills moving through the Oregon Legislature.

"We're smack dab in the midpoint of the legislative session," Nelson told the committee, characterizing the short 35‑day session and noting the first‑chamber policy committee deadline had passed. He said a relatively positive state revenue forecast reduced the risk of deep biennial cuts and left room for targeted funding requests.

Nelson outlined priority items the city is tracking. On homelessness and shelter funding, he said Lane County — which previously received about half of the prior year’s allocation — is seeking additional funds and that Lane, Benton and Central Oregon counties may coordinate advocacy; he said county commissioner Pat Farr may ask Eugene to join a request for support.

On transportation, Nelson said the city is seeking an…