Lane County Awards $200,000 In Grants To Support Economic Development -01/16/25

Eight local nonprofits will receive grant funding from Lane County’s Community & Economic Development Program to support programs and projects focused on economic development.

“There is a wide range of needs across all of our communities when it comes to creating more economic opportunity,” said Jason Harris, Lane County’s Community & Economic Development manager. “We are excited about these grants because they support organizations helping people and communities succeed and thrive – which improves lives and increases prosperity.”

Grant applications were accepted in November of 2024. Cities and 501c3 nonprofits serving Lane County were eligible to apply for funding to help attract and expand business investment; support small businesses, start-ups and emerging entrepreneurs; or assist with workforce training. Applicants could request $5,000–$30,000.

"Lane County's investment in the Everyone Village medical clinic project is THE crucial piece to getting this collective impact story off the ground,” said Everyone Village Pastor & Village Lead Gbe Piechowicz. “Working to help the West Eugene community succeed and flourish, we will bring together high school students from Team Oregon Build, medical professionals from Volunteers in Medicine & PeaceHealth and folks from Everyone Village and its neighborhood to help each other's lives improve and the whole community increase in its prosperity."

***Media Opportunity: Lane County Community & Economic Development Manager Jason Harris and Everyone Village Pastor & Village Lead Gabe Piechowicz are available for interviews today.

The eight grant recipients are:

Plaza de Nuestra Comunidad - $29,500
This program, serving Latinx immigrant entrepreneurs, including indigenous populations, provides services to entrepreneurs, start-ups, and small businesses via the Cambios Business Program. The Cambios Business Program provides a wide range of services including: teaching a business class; supporting entrepreneurs with one-on-one technical assistance; offering opportunities to connect to capital; and hosting community workshops.

Center for Rural Livelihoods - $21,000

The Center for Rural Livelihoods’ (CRL) Regenerative Land Stewardship Economy in South Lane County provides workforce development, technical assistance, and business incubation for rural entrepreneurs.  Funding will support facility improvements for the 40-acre campus near Cottage Grove and retail space for small businesses in downtown Cottage Grove.

Daisy CHAIN - $27,000

Daisy CHAIN (DC)'s project will expand equitable workforce development in reproductive healthcare in Lane County, Oregon. Strategic actions involve securing clinical placements, collaborating with organizations serving communities of color, and providing ongoing training.

Everyone Village - $29,750

This project aims to expand the construction capabilities of Team Oregon Build (TOB) students at Everyone Village by developing a modular medical clinic to serve village residents. In partnership with Volunteers in Medicine (VIM), this clinic will provide on-site primary healthcare, addressing a significant need for accessible services among Lane County’s underserved communities while also providing career technical education in high demand trades for youth.

RAIN Catalysts - $26,000

RAIN Catalysts’ Rural Entrepreneurial Development Program connects hundreds of Lane County entrepreneurs, aspiring founders, and innovators to the key resources they need to start and grow their businesses in Lane County.

Connected Lane County - $15,250

Connect Lane County partners with urban and rural Lane County schools and businesses to support 700 youth interested in vocational opportunities to explore careers in technology, manufacturing, health, and natural resources through engaging, interactive tours highlighting professionals from diverse backgrounds.

Opportunity Oregon - $25,000

Opportunity Oregon will serve over 100 previously incarcerated adult job seekers and 30 employers annually in Lane County. Services and activities include peer mentorship, career workshops, resume and cover letter preparation, application assistance, social service referrals, employer education and discussion sessions.

McKenzie Community Land Trust - $26,500

Blue River seeks to establish the Blue River Welcome Station to spur economic development in the area. The station includes a kiosk offering history and photos of recovery, a community bulletin board, a nice portable bathroom, picnic tables, local art, flowers and more. This station seeks to spur tourism in the area and be a homebase for future commercial growth.

There were 33 eligible applications submitted and reviewed with a collective request of nearly $1 million. Applications were reviewed by a multi-agency committee. The funding for the grants comes from video lottery funds received by Lane County to support economic development.

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Rob Bovett Selected To Lead Lane County Counsel Office (Photo) -01/14/25

Rob Bovett, a seasoned attorney with decades of public service experience, has been chosen unanimously as Lane County’s new county counsel and will lead the team of legal staff working on behalf of the Board of County Commissioners and County departments. Bovett was selected after a competitive national search.

“We are so pleased to welcome Rob to Lane County,” said Lane County Board of Commissioners Chair David Loveall. “His depth of experience working on behalf of counties and as an elected official himself will make him an invaluable partner in our work. We’re excited to have him hit the ground running.”

The position serves as the county’s chief legal officer and provides public policy, legal advice, and representation to the County, including elected and appointed officials. County Counsel also serves as a department director and manages the Office of County Counsel. It is one of three positions hired by and reporting directly to the Board of County Commissioners.

“I’m so grateful to the Board for this exciting opportunity,” said Bovett. “I look forward to joining and leading Lane County’s highly talented legal team.”

Bovett most recently served as senior assistant county counsel in Washington County. He brings a wealth of experience in government service, covering the wide array of legal considerations necessary for Oregon counties providing core public services to their communities. Bovett is an experienced litigator and has received numerous awards during his career to date. Most recently, he was selected to receive the 2023 Snider Award by the Oregon County Counsels Association. Prior to his role at Washington County, Bovett served as legal counsel for the Association of Oregon Counties from 2014 to 2021, as the Lincoln County District Attorney from 2009 to 2014, and as an assistant county counsel at Lincoln County for 17 years before taking office.

He is a graduate of the University of La Verne in California and holds a bachelor’s degree in English and political science. Bovett also has a juris doctorate from Lewis & Clark Law School. He is adjunct law professor at Lewis & Clark and serves as the current vice chair of the Oregon Criminal Justice Commission.

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Help Create A New Strategic Plan For Lane County -01/14/25

Lane County is updating its three-year strategic plan for 2025–2027 and wants residents to give input through an online survey.

“Our Strategic Plan is the blueprint for where we focus our efforts to improve lives in Lane County,” said County Administrator Steve Mokrohisky. “We want feedback from our residents so we can be sure our priorities align with our communities’ needs and expectations.”

Community members are invited to take an online survey at www.LaneCountyOR.gov/StrategicPlan. It should take 10–15 minutes. Responses are anonymous.

This survey will help Lane County:

• Understand its strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities as a community.
• Identify areas where Lane County can better serve residents.
• Shape a shared vision for the next three years and beyond.

Your feedback will directly influence Lane County’s strategic priorities, ensuring they align with the needs and aspirations of our residents.

The Strategic Plan was last updated in 2022 and focuses on four priority areas:

• Safe, Healthy County
• Vibrant Communities
• Robust Infrastructure
• Our People & Organizational Health

Examples of successful initiatives under the most recent Strategic Plan include renewal of the 5-year public safety levy; investment in new Permanent Supportive Housing projects through partnership with Homes for Good; progress toward the Lane Stabilization Center to increase behavioral health resources in our local community; and passing the levy to support investment in Lane County’s parks.

Review the current Strategic Plan at www.LaneCountyOR.gov/StrategicPlan.

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ROAD CONSTRUCTION: Marcola Road -01/13/25

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ROAD CONSTRUCTION: Laura Street (Springfield) -01/08/25

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ROAD CLOSURE: 31st Street (Springfield) -01/08/25

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Commissioners Loveall And Ceniga Chosen As Chair, Vice Chair (Photo) -01/07/25

The Lane County Board of Commissioners appointed a chair and vice chair during the opening minutes of its first regular meeting of 2025.

Commissioner David Loveall (District 2) will serve as chair in 2025 and Commissioner Ryan Ceniga (District 1) will serve as vice chair.

“I humbly have a lot to learn in this new leadership role and, as I said today presenting the gavel to outgoing Chair Trieger, ‘Leaders are the dealers of hope’. My hopes and dealings in the next year will be to bring a contentious Board together in consensus by having more open work sessions so that we communicate together and find passionate agreement,” said Chair David Loveall. “This way we’ll know each commissioner’s priorities and can work to get each to the finish line, bringing the Board to an active place that gives hope to the community we all serve.”

“I am very proud and excited to serve as the next vice chair of the Lane County Board of Commissioners,” said Vice Chair Ryan Ceniga. “I have always been passionate about local politics and understand the role and responsibility this position holds.”

Commissioners designate one member as chair and one member as vice chair during the first regular Board meeting of the year. The chair and vice chair work together to preside over meetings and set the agendas for meetings under the rules of the board.

Commissioner Laurie Trieger (District 3) was also recognized for her leadership as chair in 2024 and presented with a ceremonial gavel as a gesture of thanks from her fellow commissioners.

More information about Board of County Commissioners meetings, including agendas and instructions for providing public comment, can be found at www.LaneCountyOR.gov/BCC.

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Local Elected Officials Sworn In During Annual State Of The County Address Today (Photo) -01/06/25

Lane County swore in new and returning elected officials this morning ahead of the annual State of the County Address given this year by Board of County Commissioners Chair Laurie Trieger. (Photos attached.)

Presiding Judge Jay McAlpin led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance before conducting the oaths of office for re-elected Sheriff Cliff Harrold, newly elected District Attorney Chris Parosa, re-elected Commissioner Pat Farr (District 4, North Eugene), and re-elected Commissioner Laurie Trieger (District 3, South Eugene). 

During her State of the County Address, Chair Trieger highlighted the need for partnership and collaboration to address some of the most critical issues of our time. She gave examples from the past year of successes that came from, in part, partnerships with other agencies, including: ice storm response, work to create ‘resilience hubs’ in six rural communities, Holiday Farm Fire recovery efforts, and improved access to utility assistance programs.

In looking forward to 2025, Chair Trieger noted Lane County’s efforts to create more resources for people experiencing behavioral health crises. Lane County’s Mobile Crisis and Lane Stabilization Center projects were highlighted during the address in a short video.  Both efforts seek to fulfill a need that has not historically been met in this community – in spite of the high level of need from people of all ages and backgrounds.

Chair Trieger’s remarks ended on a hopeful note, citing the power of working together to find creative solutions.

“2025 is sure to bring many challenges. The challenges can feel daunting on a good day. And in these times of ever diminishing resources and continued rising costs they are especially so. We will do our very best to adapt and work within these constraints,” said Chair Laurie Trieger as she wrapped up her remarks. “Through it all, we remain committed to holding our value of equity front and center; because we understand that too many people in Lane County face obstacles and barriers to success and we have both the opportunity, and an obligation to remove those barriers. We are a more vibrant, compassionate, and interesting place when we make room for everyone.”

Local jazz musicians Eric Richardson and Alex Huber performed during the event.

View a recording of the event at: https://www.youtube.com/live/ZciH8cNaHzk?si=hb__bvJ9kCK0VCF8&t=331

The first Board of County Commissioners meeting of 2025 will be held tomorrow, Tuesday, January 7, at 9:00 a.m.

Quotes from the swearings-in:

Sheriff Harrold: “It’s definitely an honor to get to continue to serve as the Lane County Sheriff. I am so very proud of the work that is done at the Lane County Sheriff’s Office because of the tremendously terrific people who make up the Lane County Sheriff’s Office. They are internally motivated to serve their community, and I’m thankful for them.”

District Attorney Parosa: “I’m incredibly proud to take over the role of District Attorney […] I’m most proud ultimately of the team I am now director a of. They are about 78 of the most dedicated public servants you’ll ever meet. They do a tremendous job, like the Sheriff said, with limited resources.”

Commissioner Pat Farr: “We have to work effectively with our adjacent jurisdictions. With the cities. With the State. And with the federal government. And if we don’t work effectively, and if we don’t time and coordinate our efforts, with those jurisdictions we’re not going to make the most of our resources.”

Commissioner Laurie Trieger: “My great gratitude to the voters of District 3 who, once again, have placed their trust in me to show up and work hard for them.”

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