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News Release
Road Name: Dean Avenue
Road Location: Santa Clara
Closure Location: Dean Avenue where it meets the east side of River Road
Dates and Times: Full closure Monday-Friday between August 25 and September 9. The road will reopen each weekend during construction from Friday evening through Sunday night.
Reason for Closure: Sanitary sewer line connection
Alternate Routes:
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Road Name: Dean Avenue
Road Location: Santa Clara
Closure Location: Dean Avenue where it meets the east side of River Road
Dates and Times: Full closure Monday-Friday between August 25 and September 9. The road will reopen each weekend during construction from Friday evening through Sunday night.
Reason for Closure: Sanitary sewer line connection
Alternate Routes:
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Road name: Stagecoach Road
Location: Swisshome
Begin closure: Milepost 6.6
End closure: Milepost 9.7
Dates and times: August 24 and 25 between 7:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. each day
Reason for closure: Culvert installation
Alternate route: None
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Road name: Stagecoach Road
Location: Swisshome
Begin closure: Milepost 6.6
End closure: Milepost 9.7
Dates and times: August 24 and 25 between 7:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. each day
Reason for closure: Culvert installation
Alternate route: None
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Lane County Technology Services received 10th place in this year’s Digital Counties Survey – making this the fourth year in a row in the top 10 counties with populations between 250,000 and 499,999.
Lane County Technology Services’ recent accomplishments include supporting the implementation of a new online public records request portal and a new board agenda management solution, establishing a data-sharing partnership with the State of Oregon for parole and probation, and securing a grant to bring broadband to four previously unserved communities. Lane County is also very active in AI planning and adoption. It is setting up an AI Center of Excellence to guide standards, promote best practices and coordinate collaboration regarding use AI technology.
“We continue to see rapid advancement in how technology can be used to support a wide swath of government services, and I am proud our staff at Lane County is on the forefront of using emergent technology for the benefit of our residents,” said Lane County Chief Information Officer Michael Finch. “We need to be poised to support our programs and services in a way that enhances our overall efficiency and protects sensitive data and systems.”
Conducted by the Center for Digital Government (CDG) and the National Association of Counties (NACo), the survey evaluates counties across the nation, recognizing those that demonstrate excellence in the strategic use of technology to address local challenges, increase government efficiency, and enhance citizen engagement.
"One of the clearest trends this year is that leading counties are moving beyond individual technology projects. They are connecting their investments, priorities, and building the governance, leadership, and organizational capacity needed to sustain over time. Through responsible AI, stronger data practices, and workforce investments, this year's winners are creating foundations that will help their organizations adapt and serve their communities better into the future,” said Rob Lloyd, executive director of the Center for Digital Government.
About the Digital Counties Survey
The survey was developed in partnership by NACo and conducted by CDG to identify the best technology practices among counties in the United States. NACo unites counties, serving nearly 40,000 county elected officials to advocate for county government priorities in federal policymaking. CDG is a national research and advisory institute focused on technology policy and best practices in state and local government.
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Lane County Technology Services received 10th place in this year’s Digital Counties Survey – making this the fourth year in a row in the top 10 counties with populations between 250,000 and 499,999.
Lane County Technology Services’ recent accomplishments include supporting the implementation of a new online public records request portal and a new board agenda management solution, establishing a data-sharing partnership with the State of Oregon for parole and probation, and securing a grant to bring broadband to four previously unserved communities. Lane County is also very active in AI planning and adoption. It is setting up an AI Center of Excellence to guide standards, promote best practices and coordinate collaboration regarding use AI technology.
“We continue to see rapid advancement in how technology can be used to support a wide swath of government services, and I am proud our staff at Lane County is on the forefront of using emergent technology for the benefit of our residents,” said Lane County Chief Information Officer Michael Finch. “We need to be poised to support our programs and services in a way that enhances our overall efficiency and protects sensitive data and systems.”
Conducted by the Center for Digital Government (CDG) and the National Association of Counties (NACo), the survey evaluates counties across the nation, recognizing those that demonstrate excellence in the strategic use of technology to address local challenges, increase government efficiency, and enhance citizen engagement.
"One of the clearest trends this year is that leading counties are moving beyond individual technology projects. They are connecting their investments, priorities, and building the governance, leadership, and organizational capacity needed to sustain over time. Through responsible AI, stronger data practices, and workforce investments, this year's winners are creating foundations that will help their organizations adapt and serve their communities better into the future,” said Rob Lloyd, executive director of the Center for Digital Government.
About the Digital Counties Survey
The survey was developed in partnership by NACo and conducted by CDG to identify the best technology practices among counties in the United States. NACo unites counties, serving nearly 40,000 county elected officials to advocate for county government priorities in federal policymaking. CDG is a national research and advisory institute focused on technology policy and best practices in state and local government.
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Beginning August 19, Lane County will begin accepting applications for the 2026–2027 Community & Economic Development (CED) Grant Program. This competitive grant opportunity is designed to support high-impact projects or programs that increase wages or jobs, provide business assistance, support business innovation, and revitalize Main Streets, downtowns or commercial districts across Lane County.
To support applicants in creating strong proposals, Lane County will host a virtual informational webinar on Wednesday, August 26, at noon. Staff will explain the grant and answer questions from attendees. A recording of the presentation will be made available on the CED Grant website.
The CED Grant Program is soliciting applications from 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations operating in Lane County and cities serving Lane County residents. There is $200,000 in funding available to provide grant awards between $5,000 and $30,000. Priority will be given to proposals that foster inclusive economic growth and align with the County’s strategic development goals.
“The Community and Economic Development Grant is a helpful resource that we are proud to offer,” said Jason Harris, Lane County’s Community and Economic Development manager. “We are always so impressed with the ways our cities and community partners leverage these funds to increase prosperity and support our business community throughout the region.”
Program objectives include:
Application Details and Timeline
Applications will be screened for completeness and then evaluated using four core criteria: economic development impact, outcomes and performance, program clarity, and budget and funding. Bonus evaluation points are given to programs or projects that address under-represented or underserved populations, add value to our economy, and for applicants who have not received CED grant funding previously.
Learn more by visiting www.LaneCountyOR.gov/CEDgrant or by contacting CED@LaneCountyOR.gov.
Las solicitudes y aplicaciones también están disponibles en Español.
About Lane County Community and Economic Development
Lane County Community and Economic Development is your Oregon Video Lottery dollars at work! Community and Economic Development programs support building vibrant communities by partnering with local business, supporting organizations, cities, special districts and economic development agencies to facilitate community development and create economic prosperity. This program fosters economic opportunity across Lane County with a specific focus on rural and unincorporated communities.
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Beginning August 19, Lane County will begin accepting applications for the 2026–2027 Community & Economic Development (CED) Grant Program. This competitive grant opportunity is designed to support high-impact projects or programs that increase wages or jobs, provide business assistance, support business innovation, and revitalize Main Streets, downtowns or commercial districts across Lane County.
To support applicants in creating strong proposals, Lane County will host a virtual informational webinar on Wednesday, August 26, at noon. Staff will explain the grant and answer questions from attendees. A recording of the presentation will be made available on the CED Grant website.
The CED Grant Program is soliciting applications from 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations operating in Lane County and cities serving Lane County residents. There is $200,000 in funding available to provide grant awards between $5,000 and $30,000. Priority will be given to proposals that foster inclusive economic growth and align with the County’s strategic development goals.
“The Community and Economic Development Grant is a helpful resource that we are proud to offer,” said Jason Harris, Lane County’s Community and Economic Development manager. “We are always so impressed with the ways our cities and community partners leverage these funds to increase prosperity and support our business community throughout the region.”
Program objectives include:
Application Details and Timeline
Applications will be screened for completeness and then evaluated using four core criteria: economic development impact, outcomes and performance, program clarity, and budget and funding. Bonus evaluation points are given to programs or projects that address under-represented or underserved populations, add value to our economy, and for applicants who have not received CED grant funding previously.
Learn more by visiting www.LaneCountyOR.gov/CEDgrant or by contacting CED@LaneCountyOR.gov.
Las solicitudes y aplicaciones también están disponibles en Español.
About Lane County Community and Economic Development
Lane County Community and Economic Development is your Oregon Video Lottery dollars at work! Community and Economic Development programs support building vibrant communities by partnering with local business, supporting organizations, cities, special districts and economic development agencies to facilitate community development and create economic prosperity. This program fosters economic opportunity across Lane County with a specific focus on rural and unincorporated communities.
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Lane County Land Management has been made aware of a scam email targeting people involved in active land use applications. The email (attached) asks for additional fees to be paid via wire transfer to finalize approval of a special use permit.
“These scammers are particularly good at mimicking a lot of the language and terms we use when communicating with applicants and others involved in a land use process,” said Lane County Land Management Division Manager Keir Miller. “Please remember that we will never ask for a wire transfer of funds and that it is okay to call us first to confirm something is legitimate. Trust your gut.”
The email references specific permit numbers and attempts to impersonate a real Lane County employee, but there are portions that should cause a reader to question the email’s legitimacy, including:
Lane County NEVER accepts payment via wire transfer, cryptocurrency, or gift cards. Lane County NEVER asks you for financial information such as bank account numbers, PIN numbers, investment accounts, or access codes.
Although the current scam is targeting residents that have applied for land use permits, other jurisdictions have reported similar scams involving building and sanitation permits. Remember – when in doubt, reach out and confirm the request is legitimate.
Other signs of a scam from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau include:
People can protect themselves by slowing down and verifying requests. Do not click on links, scan QR codes or download attachments in messages you don’t recognize, weren’t expecting or do not trust. Do not use the contact information provided by the possible scammer; call the organization using their official phone number or website.
If others have been targeted by this scam, please consider contacting Lane County Land Management at 541-682-4065 to help build an understanding of how active this scam is in our community.
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Lane County Land Management has been made aware of a scam email targeting people involved in active land use applications. The email (attached) asks for additional fees to be paid via wire transfer to finalize approval of a special use permit.
“These scammers are particularly good at mimicking a lot of the language and terms we use when communicating with applicants and others involved in a land use process,” said Lane County Land Management Division Manager Keir Miller. “Please remember that we will never ask for a wire transfer of funds and that it is okay to call us first to confirm something is legitimate. Trust your gut.”
The email references specific permit numbers and attempts to impersonate a real Lane County employee, but there are portions that should cause a reader to question the email’s legitimacy, including:
Lane County NEVER accepts payment via wire transfer, cryptocurrency, or gift cards. Lane County NEVER asks you for financial information such as bank account numbers, PIN numbers, investment accounts, or access codes.
Although the current scam is targeting residents that have applied for land use permits, other jurisdictions have reported similar scams involving building and sanitation permits. Remember – when in doubt, reach out and confirm the request is legitimate.
Other signs of a scam from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau include:
People can protect themselves by slowing down and verifying requests. Do not click on links, scan QR codes or download attachments in messages you don’t recognize, weren’t expecting or do not trust. Do not use the contact information provided by the possible scammer; call the organization using their official phone number or website.
If others have been targeted by this scam, please consider contacting Lane County Land Management at 541-682-4065 to help build an understanding of how active this scam is in our community.
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Citing “a strong financial position supported by prudent management”, Moody’s Investors Service has reaffirmed Lane County’s credit rating of Aa1, which is the second highest rating it provides, following an annual review.
“We have a duty to steward taxpayer resources, and we work hard to manage our expenses, structurally balance our budget and deliver critical services to our communities” said County Administrator Steve Mokrohisky. “A high credit rating for Lane County means lower costs to issue debt -- think of it like a lower interest rate -- and ultimately save our taxpayers millions of dollars over the coming years.”
Moody’s highlighted Lane County’s strong financial position, proactive management team and low debt as strengths. It also noted the overall stable outlook for Lane County is based on the “expectation that the county will maintain healthy reserve and liquidity levels, supported by a proactive management team.”
Lane County’s credit rating was improved from Aa3 to Aa2 in 2017 and again from Aa2 to Aa1 in 2019. Additionally, Lane County has been designated by its independent auditor, Baker Tilly, as a low-risk auditee for its excellent management of federal funds.
When evaluating an organization’s credit profile, Moody’s reviews many factors of financial health, including management strength, finances, debt and local economy. For more information about Moody’s rating methodology, visit www.moodys.com.
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Citing “a strong financial position supported by prudent management”, Moody’s Investors Service has reaffirmed Lane County’s credit rating of Aa1, which is the second highest rating it provides, following an annual review.
“We have a duty to steward taxpayer resources, and we work hard to manage our expenses, structurally balance our budget and deliver critical services to our communities” said County Administrator Steve Mokrohisky. “A high credit rating for Lane County means lower costs to issue debt -- think of it like a lower interest rate -- and ultimately save our taxpayers millions of dollars over the coming years.”
Moody’s highlighted Lane County’s strong financial position, proactive management team and low debt as strengths. It also noted the overall stable outlook for Lane County is based on the “expectation that the county will maintain healthy reserve and liquidity levels, supported by a proactive management team.”
Lane County’s credit rating was improved from Aa3 to Aa2 in 2017 and again from Aa2 to Aa1 in 2019. Additionally, Lane County has been designated by its independent auditor, Baker Tilly, as a low-risk auditee for its excellent management of federal funds.
When evaluating an organization’s credit profile, Moody’s reviews many factors of financial health, including management strength, finances, debt and local economy. For more information about Moody’s rating methodology, visit www.moodys.com.
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Lane County’s Deflection Program celebrated National Deflection Week with a barbeque and celebration to thank local law enforcement agencies, service providers and other community partners for their support of the program since its launch in late 2024.
To date, 64 people have graduated from the Deflection Program, and another 110 are currently participating. Every law enforcement agency participates in deflecting eligible people with the most referrals coming from Eugene Police Department.
“It is incredible to check in with graduates after they leave the program and see the difference they have made in their lives,” said Clint Riley, Deflection Program coordinator. “Not only are they thriving, but it also means fewer people are reporting to emergency departments and straining our already limited law enforcement and hospital systems. We hope to see the Oregon Legislature continue to support and fund this program so that we can continue to see real change in communities across the state.”
In addition to graduates completing treatment for addiction, data indicates they also leave with the kind of connections and improvements that can lead to long-term stability. For example, 32 percent of graduates strengthened or re-established contact with their children during the program. At the time of graduation, the number of graduates who have gained stable income or employment has increased by 37 percent. And, the number of graduates who report having a supportive network of family and friends nearly doubles. These supports and achievements can play a significant role in graduates’ ability to maintain their progress.
National Deflection Week was created in 2023 by the Police, Treatment and Community Collaborative (PTACC) National Leadership Council in recognition of the advancement of the field of deflection.
About the Deflection Program
The Deflection Program provides a community-based alternative to jail and prosecution for drug possession and low-level quality of life crimes by deflecting individuals prior to arrest to treatment programs. In Lane County, if a person is eligible for deflection and has indicated interest, the responding law enforcement officer has the option to call on a peer navigator to connect with the person. The peer navigator will enroll them in the program, which includes case management and tracking. If the deflection program is successfully completed, the charges will not be filed. If the program is not completed, the charges may be filed, and the case will proceed through the criminal justice system.
Learn more at www.LaneCountyOR.gov/deflection.
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Lane County’s Deflection Program celebrated National Deflection Week with a barbeque and celebration to thank local law enforcement agencies, service providers and other community partners for their support of the program since its launch in late 2024.
To date, 64 people have graduated from the Deflection Program, and another 110 are currently participating. Every law enforcement agency participates in deflecting eligible people with the most referrals coming from Eugene Police Department.
“It is incredible to check in with graduates after they leave the program and see the difference they have made in their lives,” said Clint Riley, Deflection Program coordinator. “Not only are they thriving, but it also means fewer people are reporting to emergency departments and straining our already limited law enforcement and hospital systems. We hope to see the Oregon Legislature continue to support and fund this program so that we can continue to see real change in communities across the state.”
In addition to graduates completing treatment for addiction, data indicates they also leave with the kind of connections and improvements that can lead to long-term stability. For example, 32 percent of graduates strengthened or re-established contact with their children during the program. At the time of graduation, the number of graduates who have gained stable income or employment has increased by 37 percent. And, the number of graduates who report having a supportive network of family and friends nearly doubles. These supports and achievements can play a significant role in graduates’ ability to maintain their progress.
National Deflection Week was created in 2023 by the Police, Treatment and Community Collaborative (PTACC) National Leadership Council in recognition of the advancement of the field of deflection.
About the Deflection Program
The Deflection Program provides a community-based alternative to jail and prosecution for drug possession and low-level quality of life crimes by deflecting individuals prior to arrest to treatment programs. In Lane County, if a person is eligible for deflection and has indicated interest, the responding law enforcement officer has the option to call on a peer navigator to connect with the person. The peer navigator will enroll them in the program, which includes case management and tracking. If the deflection program is successfully completed, the charges will not be filed. If the program is not completed, the charges may be filed, and the case will proceed through the criminal justice system.
Learn more at www.LaneCountyOR.gov/deflection.
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Road Name: Wendling Road (Wendling Covered Bridge)
Location: Wendling Covered Bridge at milepost 3.5 near Marcola
Dates and times: Complete closure now through Wednesday, July 29
Alternate routes: BLM Road 16-1-10 can be used to access beyond Wendling Covered Bridge
Reason for closure: Bridge approach repair
Road Name: Wendling Road (Wendling Covered Bridge)
Location: Wendling Covered Bridge at milepost 3.5 near Marcola
Dates and times: Complete closure now through Wednesday, July 29
Alternate routes: BLM Road 16-1-10 can be used to access beyond Wendling Covered Bridge
Reason for closure: Bridge approach repair
Lane County Parks will begin construction on parking lot improvements at Howard Buford Recreation Area's Arboretum/Main Summit Trail parking lot on Wednesday, July 22. Construction is anticipated to continue through October.
The project is funded by the voter-supported 2022 Parks Levy and was identified though community feedback gathered during the Parks levy outreach process.
Planned improvements include:
"This project responds directly to community feedback gathered during Parks levy outreach," said Brett Henry, Lane County Parks division manager. "Howard Buford Recreation Area is one of our most visited parks, and these improvements will create a safer and more accessible experience for visitors."
Visitor Access During Construction
The Arboretum/Main Summit Trail parking lot is expected to remain open, although visitors should anticipate limited parking and periodic closures during construction. Lane County Parks is working closely with the Mount Pisgah Arboretum to help maintain access for scheduled programs and events.
Construction activities will occur Monday through Friday. Visitors should expect construction noise, heavy equipment, flaggers directing traffic, and temporary work area closures. Parking on weekends may be limited depending on the stage of construction.
All trails, including Summit Trail #1, will remain open throughout the project. However, access from the Main Summit Trailhead may be limited. Visitors planning to hike are encouraged to use the North Bottomlands Trailhead or the East Trailhead for easier access during construction.
Visitors can access the summit from the following trailheads:
Staying Informed
Questions can be directed to Lane County Parks at 541-682-2000 or LaneParks@LaneCountyOR.gov.
To stay updated on the project, visit the:
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Lane County Parks will begin construction on parking lot improvements at Howard Buford Recreation Area's Arboretum/Main Summit Trail parking lot on Wednesday, July 22. Construction is anticipated to continue through October.
The project is funded by the voter-supported 2022 Parks Levy and was identified though community feedback gathered during the Parks levy outreach process.
Planned improvements include:
"This project responds directly to community feedback gathered during Parks levy outreach," said Brett Henry, Lane County Parks division manager. "Howard Buford Recreation Area is one of our most visited parks, and these improvements will create a safer and more accessible experience for visitors."
Visitor Access During Construction
The Arboretum/Main Summit Trail parking lot is expected to remain open, although visitors should anticipate limited parking and periodic closures during construction. Lane County Parks is working closely with the Mount Pisgah Arboretum to help maintain access for scheduled programs and events.
Construction activities will occur Monday through Friday. Visitors should expect construction noise, heavy equipment, flaggers directing traffic, and temporary work area closures. Parking on weekends may be limited depending on the stage of construction.
All trails, including Summit Trail #1, will remain open throughout the project. However, access from the Main Summit Trailhead may be limited. Visitors planning to hike are encouraged to use the North Bottomlands Trailhead or the East Trailhead for easier access during construction.
Visitors can access the summit from the following trailheads:
Staying Informed
Questions can be directed to Lane County Parks at 541-682-2000 or LaneParks@LaneCountyOR.gov.
To stay updated on the project, visit the:
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