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News Release

2026–2027 Property Tax Statements Available Online, To Be Mailed Soon - 10/16/26

The 2026–2027 property tax statements will be mailed beginning October 21, 2026.

 

Statements are available online now at www.LaneCountyOR.gov/AT, as well as information about the county value trends, levy changes, and individual property tax account information. The first payment is due on November 16, 2026.

 

Lane County Assessment and Taxation collects property tax on behalf of 85 separate taxing districts, including cities, schools, education service districts, water districts, rural fire districts, urban renewal districts and other taxing districts such as park and recreation, library, and ambulance districts.

 

The total property tax certified for all tax levies combined in 2026–2027 is $770.9 million. This is approximately 3.3 percent more than in 2025–2026. The total amount of taxes billed changes each year because of the addition of new or renewed local option and bond levies, the expiration of local option and bond levies, the 3 percent statutory increase in Maximum Assessed Values (MAV), the addition of new properties to the tax roll, and the number of exemptions granted.

 

Oregon’s constitution limits the increase in the MAV of each property to 3 percent per year, unless there have been changes made to the property, such as new construction or additions, new partitions or subdivisions, removal from special assessment or exemption programs, or changes in zoning and use of the property.

 

The statement shows the property’s Taxable Value (TV), which is the lower of the Real Market Value (RMV) or the MAV minus any exemptions. Most properties will continue to see the 3 percent statutory increase in MAV.

 

Lane County’s January 1, 2026 RMV increased from $102.7 billion to $104.6 billion, an overall increase of approximately 1.85 percent from January 1, 2025.

 

The total TV for all properties combined in Lane County increased by 4.34 percent over last year, from $44.9 billion in 2025 to $46.9 billion in 2026.

 

The chart below illustrates the property type breakdown in Lane County. Out of 183,108 property tax accounts, 15.60 percent are exempt; 54.21 percent are residential/tract; 9.34 percent are commercial; 6.78 percent are industrial; 4.18 percent are farm/forest; 5.56 percent are multi-family; and 4.33 percent are personal property, utilities and other.

 

 

 

 

Property values for tax purposes are set only once a year at the time of certification. Certification occurred for the 2026–2027 tax roll on October 8, 2026. Oregon does not reset property values at the time of sale, nor does it reset property values for tax purposes at the time of a refinanced loan. The 2026–2027 tax statement reflects a property’s RMV as of January 1, 2026, based on sales of similar properties during 2025.

 

Market value changes for individual properties will vary each year due to many factors including the general real estate market, property location and changes made to the property such as new additions, remodels, or demolition.

 

Voters in the past year have approved changes to the tax levies and bond rates which are then applied to a property’s TV. However, Oregon’s constitution limits the total tax rate that can be billed to an individual property to no more than $10 per $1,000 of market value for government and $5 per $1,000 of market value for schools. These limits do not apply to bonds.

 

New Voter Approved Tax Levies

  • Willamalane Park and Recreation District has a new local option levy:  $0.25 per thousand, passed in May 2026.  The levy is to maintain current services.

 

Voter Approved Levy Renewals

 

Levies that Expired

  • Lane Fire Authority Local Option that was $0.35.
  • Junction SD Bond that was $1.4661 in 2025.

 

Other

  • New urban renewal plan in Cottage Grove. 
  • Fern Ridge Library Local Option was renewed in May 2026 at $0.35 per thousand. Now in place through 2031–2032. 
  • Dexter RFPD Local Option was renewed in May 2026 at $1.00 per thousand.  Now in place through 2031–2032.

 

Appeals

If taxpayers believe their property’s market value is incorrect, taxpayers should first contact Lane County Assessment and Taxation. Taxpayers have the right to appeal to the Property Valuation Appeal Board (PVAB) through the Deeds and Records Division of the County Clerk’s Office.

 

PVAB has the authority to reduce market value when sufficient evidence is provided to demonstrate the RMV of a property was different on January 1, 2026 than what is on the tax statement. A reduction in value does not always result in a reduction in tax. The Board cannot grant reductions to a tax amount; it can only review a property’s value. Taxpayers can appeal through Deeds and Records through December 31, 2026.

 

Additional Resources

 

 

 

 

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2026–2027 Property Tax Statements Available Online, To Be Mailed Soon - 10/16/26

The 2026–2027 property tax statements will be mailed beginning October 21, 2026.

 

Statements are available online now at www.LaneCountyOR.gov/AT, as well as information about the county value trends, levy changes, and individual property tax account information. The first payment is due on November 16, 2026.

 

Lane County Assessment and Taxation collects property tax on behalf of 85 separate taxing districts, including cities, schools, education service districts, water districts, rural fire districts, urban renewal districts and other taxing districts such as park and recreation, library, and ambulance districts.

 

The total property tax certified for all tax levies combined in 2026–2027 is $770.9 million. This is approximately 3.3 percent more than in 2025–2026. The total amount of taxes billed changes each year because of the addition of new or renewed local option and bond levies, the expiration of local option and bond levies, the 3 percent statutory increase in Maximum Assessed Values (MAV), the addition of new properties to the tax roll, and the number of exemptions granted.

 

Oregon’s constitution limits the increase in the MAV of each property to 3 percent per year, unless there have been changes made to the property, such as new construction or additions, new partitions or subdivisions, removal from special assessment or exemption programs, or changes in zoning and use of the property.

 

The statement shows the property’s Taxable Value (TV), which is the lower of the Real Market Value (RMV) or the MAV minus any exemptions. Most properties will continue to see the 3 percent statutory increase in MAV.

 

Lane County’s January 1, 2026 RMV increased from $102.7 billion to $104.6 billion, an overall increase of approximately 1.85 percent from January 1, 2025.

 

The total TV for all properties combined in Lane County increased by 4.34 percent over last year, from $44.9 billion in 2025 to $46.9 billion in 2026.

 

The chart below illustrates the property type breakdown in Lane County. Out of 183,108 property tax accounts, 15.60 percent are exempt; 54.21 percent are residential/tract; 9.34 percent are commercial; 6.78 percent are industrial; 4.18 percent are farm/forest; 5.56 percent are multi-family; and 4.33 percent are personal property, utilities and other.

 

 

 

 

Property values for tax purposes are set only once a year at the time of certification. Certification occurred for the 2026–2027 tax roll on October 8, 2026. Oregon does not reset property values at the time of sale, nor does it reset property values for tax purposes at the time of a refinanced loan. The 2026–2027 tax statement reflects a property’s RMV as of January 1, 2026, based on sales of similar properties during 2025.

 

Market value changes for individual properties will vary each year due to many factors including the general real estate market, property location and changes made to the property such as new additions, remodels, or demolition.

 

Voters in the past year have approved changes to the tax levies and bond rates which are then applied to a property’s TV. However, Oregon’s constitution limits the total tax rate that can be billed to an individual property to no more than $10 per $1,000 of market value for government and $5 per $1,000 of market value for schools. These limits do not apply to bonds.

 

New Voter Approved Tax Levies

  • Willamalane Park and Recreation District has a new local option levy:  $0.25 per thousand, passed in May 2026.  The levy is to maintain current services.

 

Voter Approved Levy Renewals

 

Levies that Expired

  • Lane Fire Authority Local Option that was $0.35.
  • Junction SD Bond that was $1.4661 in 2025.

 

Other

  • New urban renewal plan in Cottage Grove. 
  • Fern Ridge Library Local Option was renewed in May 2026 at $0.35 per thousand. Now in place through 2031–2032. 
  • Dexter RFPD Local Option was renewed in May 2026 at $1.00 per thousand.  Now in place through 2031–2032.

 

Appeals

If taxpayers believe their property’s market value is incorrect, taxpayers should first contact Lane County Assessment and Taxation. Taxpayers have the right to appeal to the Property Valuation Appeal Board (PVAB) through the Deeds and Records Division of the County Clerk’s Office.

 

PVAB has the authority to reduce market value when sufficient evidence is provided to demonstrate the RMV of a property was different on January 1, 2026 than what is on the tax statement. A reduction in value does not always result in a reduction in tax. The Board cannot grant reductions to a tax amount; it can only review a property’s value. Taxpayers can appeal through Deeds and Records through December 31, 2026.

 

Additional Resources

 

 

 

 

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2026 General Election Ballots In The Mail (Photo) - 10/15/26

The Lane County Elections office has placed ballots in the USPS mail stream for the 2026 General Election.

 

Lane County’s 25 ballot drop boxes will remain open until 8:00 pm on Election Day, November 3, 2026.  Drop boxes are open 24/7. A list of drop box locations is included with every ballot.

 

“Ballots are in the mail and on their way to Lane County voters today,” said Lane County Clerk Tommy Gong. “Our knowledgeable staff at Lane County Elections is ready to assist voters who have questions or need help making sure their ballots are cast.”

 

Voters can track the status of their mail ballot by visiting www.oregonvotes.gov/MyVote.

 

Voters may return their voted ballots in one of the following ways:

  • A 24/7 County ballot drop box by 8:00 p.m. on November 3. Help save taxpayer dollars by avoiding the postage and using a drop box, managed directly by Lane County Elections.
  • Lane County Elections. Ballots can be turned in by November 3, 2026 directly to the Lane County Elections Office during business hours (open until 8:00 p.m. on Election Day).
  • Regular mail. Ballots must be postmarked no later than November 3, 2026 and received no later than November 10, 2026 to be counted. USPS recommends putting a ballot in the mail seven days before the election or getting a manual hand-stamp postmark at the service counter of local post offices.

 

Ballot drop box locations can be found online at www.LaneCountyOR.gov/elections.  

 

Voters can also track the status of their ballot using BallotTrax. Voters who sign up will get notifications when their ballot is received by Lane County Elections, accepted for counting, and if they have a missing or non-matching signature issue that needs to be corrected. The service is provided by the Oregon Secretary of State’s Office for the November 3 election. Availability in future elections is dependent upon state funding. Sign up for BallotTrax at www.OregonVotes.gov/track.

 

Voters with questions can email elections@lanecountyor.gov or call 541-682-4234.

 

About the Lane County Elections Office:

The Elections Office, located at 275 W. 10th Avenue in Eugene, is responsible for conducting elections in Lane County.  The elections office manages voter registration, the processing of mail ballots, recruitment and training of election workers, and certification of elections.

 

 

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Attached Media Files: Lane County ballots being delivered to the post office., County Clerk Tommy Gong checks in pallets of ballots at the post office.,

2026 General Election Ballots In The Mail (Photo) - 10/15/26

The Lane County Elections office has placed ballots in the USPS mail stream for the 2026 General Election.

 

Lane County’s 25 ballot drop boxes will remain open until 8:00 pm on Election Day, November 3, 2026.  Drop boxes are open 24/7. A list of drop box locations is included with every ballot.

 

“Ballots are in the mail and on their way to Lane County voters today,” said Lane County Clerk Tommy Gong. “Our knowledgeable staff at Lane County Elections is ready to assist voters who have questions or need help making sure their ballots are cast.”

 

Voters can track the status of their mail ballot by visiting www.oregonvotes.gov/MyVote.

 

Voters may return their voted ballots in one of the following ways:

  • A 24/7 County ballot drop box by 8:00 p.m. on November 3. Help save taxpayer dollars by avoiding the postage and using a drop box, managed directly by Lane County Elections.
  • Lane County Elections. Ballots can be turned in by November 3, 2026 directly to the Lane County Elections Office during business hours (open until 8:00 p.m. on Election Day).
  • Regular mail. Ballots must be postmarked no later than November 3, 2026 and received no later than November 10, 2026 to be counted. USPS recommends putting a ballot in the mail seven days before the election or getting a manual hand-stamp postmark at the service counter of local post offices.

 

Ballot drop box locations can be found online at www.LaneCountyOR.gov/elections.  

 

Voters can also track the status of their ballot using BallotTrax. Voters who sign up will get notifications when their ballot is received by Lane County Elections, accepted for counting, and if they have a missing or non-matching signature issue that needs to be corrected. The service is provided by the Oregon Secretary of State’s Office for the November 3 election. Availability in future elections is dependent upon state funding. Sign up for BallotTrax at www.OregonVotes.gov/track.

 

Voters with questions can email elections@lanecountyor.gov or call 541-682-4234.

 

About the Lane County Elections Office:

The Elections Office, located at 275 W. 10th Avenue in Eugene, is responsible for conducting elections in Lane County.  The elections office manages voter registration, the processing of mail ballots, recruitment and training of election workers, and certification of elections.

 

 

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Attached Media Files: Lane County ballots being delivered to the post office., County Clerk Tommy Gong checks in pallets of ballots at the post office.,

Lane County Voters Will Have Four New Drop Box Options This November - 10/12/26

The Lane County Elections Office is installing three new traditional ballot drop boxes and testing a new “smart” ballot drop box ahead of the November 3, 2026 election.

 

“Expanding access to convenient and secure ballot drop boxes is one of our longstanding goals at Lane County Elections,” said County Clerk Tommy Gong. “Most voters in Lane County choose to use an official drop box to return their ballots and we want to continue building our network of locations as our communities grow and change.”

 

The new ballot boxes are being funded with a combination of the emergency funding approved in September by the Joint Emergency Board of the Oregon Legislature and provided to the Oregon Secretary of State’s Office for distribution and grant funding.

 

“This is a major win for Lane County voters. I want to thank Clerk Gong and his team for their tireless work to get these drop boxes placed during an election. Expanding access to these secure, official drop boxes will make it easier for more eligible Oregonians to vote in this year’s election. That’s good for democracy and good for Oregon,” said Oregon Secretary of State Tobias Read.

 

Site preparation is scheduled for this week with installation planned on October 14. All 25 Lane County ballot drop boxes will open to accept ballots on October 15 – the day ballots are mailed to Lane County voters.

 

The three new traditional ballot boxes will be located at:

  • River Road Water & Fire Protection District (105 Oakleigh Lane, Eugene)
  • Mapleton Fire District (10940 OR-36, Mapleton)
  • McKenzie Fire & Rescue (42870 McKenzie Highway in Leaburg)

 

The new smart ballot drop box is the first of its kind in Oregon. It is able to scan the barcode on the outside of each return envelope to better track ballots returned at that location – increasing ballot security.

 

“We’re excited to be the first jurisdiction in Oregon to test this new technology,” said Gong. “One of the most compelling features is its ability to keep track of whose ballots were returned at that location, which in turn improves our chain-of-custody process for ballots and makes it possible or us to communicate with voters if something were to happen to the box and its contents before ballots had been collected by election workers.”

 

The smart ballot drop box will be located on the ground floor of the Lane County Public Service Building (125 E. 8th Avenue, Eugene). If the test is successful, the box will be moved to a different location before the next election.

 

The new ballot boxes will not appear on the list of official ballot drop boxes that accompany each ballot because the locations were confirmed too late in the ballot preparation process.

 

Ballots will be mailed to Lane County voters starting October 15. All returned ballots must be in drop boxes or postmarked by 8:00 p.m. on November 3. In response to service changes at the U.S. Postal Service delaying postmarking and delivery times for all mail, including ballots, voters are encouraged to use an official drop box or mail their ballots no later than October 27.

 

More information about the November 3, 2026 General Election, including election security, is available at www.LaneCountyOR.gov/elections.

 

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Lane County Voters Will Have Four New Drop Box Options This November - 10/12/26

The Lane County Elections Office is installing three new traditional ballot drop boxes and testing a new “smart” ballot drop box ahead of the November 3, 2026 election.

 

“Expanding access to convenient and secure ballot drop boxes is one of our longstanding goals at Lane County Elections,” said County Clerk Tommy Gong. “Most voters in Lane County choose to use an official drop box to return their ballots and we want to continue building our network of locations as our communities grow and change.”

 

The new ballot boxes are being funded with a combination of the emergency funding approved in September by the Joint Emergency Board of the Oregon Legislature and provided to the Oregon Secretary of State’s Office for distribution and grant funding.

 

“This is a major win for Lane County voters. I want to thank Clerk Gong and his team for their tireless work to get these drop boxes placed during an election. Expanding access to these secure, official drop boxes will make it easier for more eligible Oregonians to vote in this year’s election. That’s good for democracy and good for Oregon,” said Oregon Secretary of State Tobias Read.

 

Site preparation is scheduled for this week with installation planned on October 14. All 25 Lane County ballot drop boxes will open to accept ballots on October 15 – the day ballots are mailed to Lane County voters.

 

The three new traditional ballot boxes will be located at:

  • River Road Water & Fire Protection District (105 Oakleigh Lane, Eugene)
  • Mapleton Fire District (10940 OR-36, Mapleton)
  • McKenzie Fire & Rescue (42870 McKenzie Highway in Leaburg)

 

The new smart ballot drop box is the first of its kind in Oregon. It is able to scan the barcode on the outside of each return envelope to better track ballots returned at that location – increasing ballot security.

 

“We’re excited to be the first jurisdiction in Oregon to test this new technology,” said Gong. “One of the most compelling features is its ability to keep track of whose ballots were returned at that location, which in turn improves our chain-of-custody process for ballots and makes it possible or us to communicate with voters if something were to happen to the box and its contents before ballots had been collected by election workers.”

 

The smart ballot drop box will be located on the ground floor of the Lane County Public Service Building (125 E. 8th Avenue, Eugene). If the test is successful, the box will be moved to a different location before the next election.

 

The new ballot boxes will not appear on the list of official ballot drop boxes that accompany each ballot because the locations were confirmed too late in the ballot preparation process.

 

Ballots will be mailed to Lane County voters starting October 15. All returned ballots must be in drop boxes or postmarked by 8:00 p.m. on November 3. In response to service changes at the U.S. Postal Service delaying postmarking and delivery times for all mail, including ballots, voters are encouraged to use an official drop box or mail their ballots no later than October 27.

 

More information about the November 3, 2026 General Election, including election security, is available at www.LaneCountyOR.gov/elections.

 

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Love Is A Scream. Lane County Clerk’s Office Still Signing Couples Up For Halloween ‘scaremonies’ - 10/05/26

The Lane County Clerk’s Office is getting ready to conduct marriage ceremonies in spooky style on Halloween.

 

There are still several spots available to reserve on a first come, first served basis. Ceremonies will be conducted in 30-minute intervals from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 31, at the County Clerk’s Office at 125 E. 8th Avenue, Eugene.

 

The Clerk’s Office will perform marriage ceremonies in costume. Couples are also encouraged to dress in costume.

 

To schedule a scaremony, couples must first obtain a valid marriage license from the Clerk’s Office (125 E. 8th Avenue, Eugene). To obtain a marriage license, couples fill out the online Marriage License Application and then must visit the Clerk’s Office at least three days before the ceremony to complete the license process.

 

The marriage license fee is $60 and a marriage officiated by the County Clerk’s Office is $117. Additional details, including license requirements and scheduling information, can be found on the Lane County Clerk’s website.

 

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Love Is A Scream. Lane County Clerk’s Office Still Signing Couples Up For Halloween ‘scaremonies’ - 10/05/26

The Lane County Clerk’s Office is getting ready to conduct marriage ceremonies in spooky style on Halloween.

 

There are still several spots available to reserve on a first come, first served basis. Ceremonies will be conducted in 30-minute intervals from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 31, at the County Clerk’s Office at 125 E. 8th Avenue, Eugene.

 

The Clerk’s Office will perform marriage ceremonies in costume. Couples are also encouraged to dress in costume.

 

To schedule a scaremony, couples must first obtain a valid marriage license from the Clerk’s Office (125 E. 8th Avenue, Eugene). To obtain a marriage license, couples fill out the online Marriage License Application and then must visit the Clerk’s Office at least three days before the ceremony to complete the license process.

 

The marriage license fee is $60 and a marriage officiated by the County Clerk’s Office is $117. Additional details, including license requirements and scheduling information, can be found on the Lane County Clerk’s website.

 

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Are You Ready To Vote, Lane County? - 10/05/26

Election Day is quickly approaching, and the Lane County Elections office would like to encourage voters to register to vote or update their voter registration now, to be election-ready for the November 3, 2026 General Election. Voters in Lane County must register to vote no later than October 13, 2026.

 

“New Oregon voters must register by October 13 if they want to cast a ballot for the November 3 General Election,” said County Clerk Tommy Gong. “It’s also a great time for registered voters to double-check their registration details, especially if they have moved recently, to make sure we have all the information we need to send them a ballot.”

 

The voter registration deadline is October 13, 2026. If registering via www.oregonvotes.gov, it must be completed no later than 11:59 p.m. on October 13, 2026. If a voter registration form is hand delivered, it must be received no later than 5:00 pm at the Election Office (275 W 10th Ave., Eugene) on that day. If mailed, it must be postmarked no later than October 13, 2026.

 

Local ballots will be mailed starting on October 15, 2026.  To track the status of a ballot, visit www.oregonvotes.gov/MyVote.

 

Voters may return their ballot by regular mail, ballot drop box, or at the Elections Office. For ballot drop box locations, visit www.LaneCountyOR.gov/elections.  

 

Voters with questions can email elections@lanecountyor.gov or call 541-682-4234.

 

About the Lane County Elections Office:

The Elections Office, located at 275 W. 10th Avenue in Eugene, is responsible for conducting elections in Lane County.  The elections office manages voter registration, the processing of mail ballots, recruitment and training of election workers, and certification of elections.

 

 

 

 

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Are You Ready To Vote, Lane County? - 10/05/26

Election Day is quickly approaching, and the Lane County Elections office would like to encourage voters to register to vote or update their voter registration now, to be election-ready for the November 3, 2026 General Election. Voters in Lane County must register to vote no later than October 13, 2026.

 

“New Oregon voters must register by October 13 if they want to cast a ballot for the November 3 General Election,” said County Clerk Tommy Gong. “It’s also a great time for registered voters to double-check their registration details, especially if they have moved recently, to make sure we have all the information we need to send them a ballot.”

 

The voter registration deadline is October 13, 2026. If registering via www.oregonvotes.gov, it must be completed no later than 11:59 p.m. on October 13, 2026. If a voter registration form is hand delivered, it must be received no later than 5:00 pm at the Election Office (275 W 10th Ave., Eugene) on that day. If mailed, it must be postmarked no later than October 13, 2026.

 

Local ballots will be mailed starting on October 15, 2026.  To track the status of a ballot, visit www.oregonvotes.gov/MyVote.

 

Voters may return their ballot by regular mail, ballot drop box, or at the Elections Office. For ballot drop box locations, visit www.LaneCountyOR.gov/elections.  

 

Voters with questions can email elections@lanecountyor.gov or call 541-682-4234.

 

About the Lane County Elections Office:

The Elections Office, located at 275 W. 10th Avenue in Eugene, is responsible for conducting elections in Lane County.  The elections office manages voter registration, the processing of mail ballots, recruitment and training of election workers, and certification of elections.

 

 

 

 

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Lane County Youth Services Preparing To Host Free Community Holiday Meal In December, Donations Welcome - 10/01/26

The free 16th Annual Community Holiday Meal with Lane County Youth Services is coming up on December 16. The free meal, which is open to everyone, also includes free raffle tickets for prizes and free food boxes to take home.

 

“The holiday meal is a highlight for our youth and for all the people who come to enjoy a meal together,” said,” said the event organizer, Senior Juvenile Justice Supervisor Shellye Reynoso. “Last year we served about 250 people and we hope to see at least that many come through the doors this year. Every contribution helps and it shows the youth who prepare the meal that our community cares.”

 

The event uses donations of food, services and financial contributions to help provide the food, sponsor the food boxes, and provide raffle prizes. Donations are tax deductible and donors are recognized on displays at the event.

 

Local companies or people interested in supporting the event through donations should contact Shellye Reynoso at 458-234-3180 or Shellye.Reynoso@LaneCountyOR.gov.

 

About the MLK Education Center

 

The Martin Luther King, Jr. Education Center is part of Lane County Youth Services and serves middle and high school students who have an active case with the division. This program is a collaboration between Youth Services and the Lane Education Service District (Lane ESD). In addition to academics, the MLK Education Center provides vocational opportunities, including in the culinary arts. The Culinary Arts Program offers youth the opportunity to learn different jobs involved in food service and catering. Students gain skills and learn to safely use the equipment in an institutional and commercial kitchen that prepares meals for youth in detention, a residential treatment program, and more. Students may participate in all aspects of catering including preparing foods, serving, and customer service.

 

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Lane County Youth Services Preparing To Host Free Community Holiday Meal In December, Donations Welcome - 10/01/26

The free 16th Annual Community Holiday Meal with Lane County Youth Services is coming up on December 16. The free meal, which is open to everyone, also includes free raffle tickets for prizes and free food boxes to take home.

 

“The holiday meal is a highlight for our youth and for all the people who come to enjoy a meal together,” said,” said the event organizer, Senior Juvenile Justice Supervisor Shellye Reynoso. “Last year we served about 250 people and we hope to see at least that many come through the doors this year. Every contribution helps and it shows the youth who prepare the meal that our community cares.”

 

The event uses donations of food, services and financial contributions to help provide the food, sponsor the food boxes, and provide raffle prizes. Donations are tax deductible and donors are recognized on displays at the event.

 

Local companies or people interested in supporting the event through donations should contact Shellye Reynoso at 458-234-3180 or Shellye.Reynoso@LaneCountyOR.gov.

 

About the MLK Education Center

 

The Martin Luther King, Jr. Education Center is part of Lane County Youth Services and serves middle and high school students who have an active case with the division. This program is a collaboration between Youth Services and the Lane Education Service District (Lane ESD). In addition to academics, the MLK Education Center provides vocational opportunities, including in the culinary arts. The Culinary Arts Program offers youth the opportunity to learn different jobs involved in food service and catering. Students gain skills and learn to safely use the equipment in an institutional and commercial kitchen that prepares meals for youth in detention, a residential treatment program, and more. Students may participate in all aspects of catering including preparing foods, serving, and customer service.

 

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ROAD CONSTRUCTION: Currin And Stewart Covered Bridges (Cottage Grove) - 09/29/26

Lane County Parks is working to stabilize Currin Covered Bridge and Stewart Covered Bridge, both east of Cottage Grove. The bridges have been closed to vehicle traffic for many years and are bypassed by concrete bridges. Both bridges remain closed to pedestrian access.

 

During the stabilization work, one lane of Layng Road and one lane of Garoutte Road near the construction may be closed at times. Traffic will be controlled by flaggers as needed.

 

Locations:

  • Currin Covered Bridge is located alongside the intersection of Layng Road and Row River Road
  • Stewart Covered Bridge is located alongside the intersection of Garoutte Road and Mosby Creek Road

 

Dates and Times: Now through December 31, 2026, Monday–Friday, between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.

 

Alternate Routes:

  • Currin Covered Bridge can be avoided by accessing Layng Road from Mosby Creek Road
  • Stewart Covered Bridge can be avoided by accessing Garoutte Road from Shoreview Drive

 

 

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ROAD CONSTRUCTION: Currin And Stewart Covered Bridges (Cottage Grove) - 09/29/26

Lane County Parks is working to stabilize Currin Covered Bridge and Stewart Covered Bridge, both east of Cottage Grove. The bridges have been closed to vehicle traffic for many years and are bypassed by concrete bridges. Both bridges remain closed to pedestrian access.

 

During the stabilization work, one lane of Layng Road and one lane of Garoutte Road near the construction may be closed at times. Traffic will be controlled by flaggers as needed.

 

Locations:

  • Currin Covered Bridge is located alongside the intersection of Layng Road and Row River Road
  • Stewart Covered Bridge is located alongside the intersection of Garoutte Road and Mosby Creek Road

 

Dates and Times: Now through December 31, 2026, Monday–Friday, between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.

 

Alternate Routes:

  • Currin Covered Bridge can be avoided by accessing Layng Road from Mosby Creek Road
  • Stewart Covered Bridge can be avoided by accessing Garoutte Road from Shoreview Drive

 

 

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Im(Perfect) Food Faceoff Celebrates Food Waste Prevention Week Oct. 3 - 09/29/26

Two local chefs will race the clock to turn imperfect and commonly wasted foods into delicious dishes during the first Im(Perfect) Food Faceoff, beginning at noon Saturday, October 3, at the Farmers Market Pavilion (85 E. 8th Ave., Eugene).

 

Held in celebration of Food Waste Prevention Week (Sept. 28 to Oct. 4), the free event is presented by Waste Wise Lane County (Lane County Waste Management) in partnership with City of Eugene Waste Prevention, Lane County Farmers Market, Burrito Brigade, Fossil Free Eugene, local chefs Garrett Kirsch (Seasoned) and Kathryn Nordgren (Sunriver Brewing Company) and market vendors—with sponsorship from the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ).

 

Just before this 20-minute competition begins, Kirsch and Nordgren will receive a surprise box of distressed, imperfect, or commonly wasted foods sourced with help from Lane County Farmers Market vendors. As the chefs cook, attendees will hear the stories behind the ingredients, learn simple ways to prevent food waste at home, and learn about local food resilience resources.

 

James Beard semifinalist Isaiah Martinez, chef and co-owner of Yardy Rum Bar, will emcee the event.

 

“Preventing food waste doesn’t have to be complicated,” said Daniel Hiestand, Lane County Waste Reduction outreach coordinator. “Sometimes it’s as simple as using what you already have, storing food so it lasts longer, or seeing possibility in something that doesn’t look perfect. This event gives us a fun way to bring those ideas to life while celebrating the incredible partners working throughout Lane County to keep good food from going to waste.”

 

Attendees can watch the competition (in person and streamed online via the @WasteWiseLaneCounty Facebook page), sample the finished dishes, and pick up practical tips for meal planning, food storage, freezing, using leftovers, and making the most of food already on hand. Learn more at wastewiselane.org/food.

 

Watch. Taste. Learn. Try it at home.

 

Food Waste Prevention Week highlights the environmental, economic and community benefits of preventing wasted food. When food goes uneaten, the resources used to grow, process, transport, refrigerate and prepare it are also wasted.

 

The Faceoff also highlights the local partnerships that make food waste prevention possible. Burrito Brigade brings its experience in food rescue and community food access, while Lane County Farmers Market and participating vendors connect the competition to local food producers and ingredients. Fossil Free Eugene donated induction burners for the chefs, BRING created a trophy with used materials, while Lane County Waste Wise and City of Eugene Waste Prevention will provide education and resources residents can use to prevent food waste at home.

 

The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality is providing financial sponsorship as part of Food Waste Prevention Week.

 

Event details

When: Saturday, Oct. 3, at noon

Where: Farmers Market Pavilion & Plaza

What: Live two-chef cooking competition featuring imperfect and commonly wasted foods, tastings, storytelling, and food-saving tips

Cost: Free

 

The event takes place during the Lane County Farmers Market, which is open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Learn more about the competing chefs and food waste prevention at wastewiselane.org/food.

 

About Food Waste Prevention Week

Food Waste Prevention Week brings together communities, organizations, businesses, and individuals around practical ways to prevent wasted food. Learn more at foodwastepreventionweek.com.

 

 

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Im(Perfect) Food Faceoff Celebrates Food Waste Prevention Week Oct. 3 - 09/29/26

Two local chefs will race the clock to turn imperfect and commonly wasted foods into delicious dishes during the first Im(Perfect) Food Faceoff, beginning at noon Saturday, October 3, at the Farmers Market Pavilion (85 E. 8th Ave., Eugene).

 

Held in celebration of Food Waste Prevention Week (Sept. 28 to Oct. 4), the free event is presented by Waste Wise Lane County (Lane County Waste Management) in partnership with City of Eugene Waste Prevention, Lane County Farmers Market, Burrito Brigade, Fossil Free Eugene, local chefs Garrett Kirsch (Seasoned) and Kathryn Nordgren (Sunriver Brewing Company) and market vendors—with sponsorship from the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ).

 

Just before this 20-minute competition begins, Kirsch and Nordgren will receive a surprise box of distressed, imperfect, or commonly wasted foods sourced with help from Lane County Farmers Market vendors. As the chefs cook, attendees will hear the stories behind the ingredients, learn simple ways to prevent food waste at home, and learn about local food resilience resources.

 

James Beard semifinalist Isaiah Martinez, chef and co-owner of Yardy Rum Bar, will emcee the event.

 

“Preventing food waste doesn’t have to be complicated,” said Daniel Hiestand, Lane County Waste Reduction outreach coordinator. “Sometimes it’s as simple as using what you already have, storing food so it lasts longer, or seeing possibility in something that doesn’t look perfect. This event gives us a fun way to bring those ideas to life while celebrating the incredible partners working throughout Lane County to keep good food from going to waste.”

 

Attendees can watch the competition (in person and streamed online via the @WasteWiseLaneCounty Facebook page), sample the finished dishes, and pick up practical tips for meal planning, food storage, freezing, using leftovers, and making the most of food already on hand. Learn more at wastewiselane.org/food.

 

Watch. Taste. Learn. Try it at home.

 

Food Waste Prevention Week highlights the environmental, economic and community benefits of preventing wasted food. When food goes uneaten, the resources used to grow, process, transport, refrigerate and prepare it are also wasted.

 

The Faceoff also highlights the local partnerships that make food waste prevention possible. Burrito Brigade brings its experience in food rescue and community food access, while Lane County Farmers Market and participating vendors connect the competition to local food producers and ingredients. Fossil Free Eugene donated induction burners for the chefs, BRING created a trophy with used materials, while Lane County Waste Wise and City of Eugene Waste Prevention will provide education and resources residents can use to prevent food waste at home.

 

The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality is providing financial sponsorship as part of Food Waste Prevention Week.

 

Event details

When: Saturday, Oct. 3, at noon

Where: Farmers Market Pavilion & Plaza

What: Live two-chef cooking competition featuring imperfect and commonly wasted foods, tastings, storytelling, and food-saving tips

Cost: Free

 

The event takes place during the Lane County Farmers Market, which is open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Learn more about the competing chefs and food waste prevention at wastewiselane.org/food.

 

About Food Waste Prevention Week

Food Waste Prevention Week brings together communities, organizations, businesses, and individuals around practical ways to prevent wasted food. Learn more at foodwastepreventionweek.com.

 

 

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