Lane Community College Bond Oversight Committee members, Oct. 28, 2024
Major initiatives of the $121.5 million voter-approved bond measure passed in 2020 to “increase safety; repair, construct and improve facilities; update technology” at Lane Community College are on track according to the Oct. 28 meeting of the Lane Community College bond oversight committee. The bond committee seeks to ensure transparency in fund management and held a public meeting, via Zoom and streamed on YouTube Live.
On May 19, 2020, Oregon voters approved Measure 20-306, granting LCC the substantial $121.5 million bond addressing essential construction, repairs and technological updates across the campus. Funded through property tax revenue, this bond is dedicated to enhancing the college’s facilities, safety and overall learning environment.
The meeting’s main speaker, Jennifer Hayward, Vice President of Public Safety and Facilities, delivered updates on the bond’s impact and progress, standing in for LCC President Dr. Stephanie Bulger. Hayward highlighted what she called the college’s cost-effective approach to bond management, noting that only 3% of the funds are used for administrative expenses — a notable accomplishment, she said, given that many Oregon community colleges average around 5% for similar allocations.
“LCC’s bond administration expense is very lean,” Hayward said, attributing this efficiency to the commitment and expertise of the college staff.
The funds have been carefully allocated to optimize student and community benefits, with a focus on supporting programming and services rather than facility upkeep, she said. “The community passes bonds because they trust us to maintain our facilities responsibly,” Hayward said, emphasizing that the college’s low administrative costs help maximize funds for projects directly impacting students.
This bond has enabled LCC to support not only campus upgrades but also local economic growth, with contractors implementing apprenticeship programs that build both skills and teamwork among participants. Some contractors have achieved apprenticeship rates of up to 50%, giving local trainees critical on-the-job experience that positions them for lasting careers. According to project contractor Tanner Perrine of Lease Crutcher Lewis,“100% of our subcontractors are being paid a living wage.”
Perrine said that this process aligns with the college’s mission of commitment to inclusivity. This is done with the process for bidding, which prioritizes minority and disadvantaged businesses.
By partnering with these businesses, the bond supports equitable economic growth and ensures that the broader community benefits from the projects.
The meeting gave a detailed look at ongoing projects, with quarterly reports providing updates on both budget and schedule adherence. Major initiatives, like the construction of a new medical building, have progressed on time, with the building partially occupied since the summer of 2024. “The health professions building, We have had occupancy since the summer. I’ve got that listed as a finished project,” said Tom Goodhew as he shared documents with the numbers backing his claims up.
The committee said it expects it to be fully operational for students by December 2024, making it one of the first completed projects under this bond according to Goodhew.
During the meeting, the bond oversight committee emphasized its commitment to transparency, accountability and local workforce support. Members discussed how the bond aligns with LCC’s broader goals by promoting skill development, preparing students for long-term career paths, and supporting local business diversity. They said these priorities strengthen public trust in the college’s administration and demonstrate LCC’s responsiveness to the community’s educational and workforce needs.
Perrine highlights how LCC is positioned to remain a critical part of the community’s educational infrastructure, meeting evolving demands through updated facilities and technology.
The committee highlighted that the bond’s progress and how it ensures that students, staff and local businesses continue to benefit from the college’s improvements while fostering regional economic growth and building a skilled, inclusive workforce.
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