City Council gathers on stage for the State of the City. Photo by Bryson Edlund.
The City Council of Eugene Oregon gathered almost a hundred residents for the city address on Jan. 4.
Mayor Lucy Vinis spoke about the accomplishments of 2022, including anecdotes of people who were helped because of the new safe sleeping sites the city provided. Homelessness is an ongoing issue in this state and the city of Eugene continues to address this at their State of the City addresses.
Mayor Vinis also spoke about the instability of housing in Eugene. Starting on Jan, 1, landlords could raise rent by 14.6%. According to Zillow median rent for a one bedroom in Eugene is $1449. If the price increase stays at 14.6% the price could increase to over $1600 next year. Minimum wage in Oregon is $13.50 and minimum wage workers who work 40 hours a week can make a little over $2,000 a month before taxes. “There is concern that increased regulatory requirements of landlords will reduce the number of rentals in our community — that regulation will create an insurmountable barrier.” Vinis spoke about a balance between regulation and making sure there is enough housing for people.
The City Council did pass a Middle Housing ordinance last May that allows for the building of duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes, row houses and cottage clusters. Mayor Vinis emphasized the importance of them being built near transportation corridors in coordination with Lane Transit District.
Public safety was the city’s third priority last year. “We are experiencing more gun violence; more guns in the hands of people with mental health issues; and more violence and threatening behavior associated with drug dealing and drug use.” She emphasized three tracks the city is taking to address public safety: hiring more police officers, contracts with organizations like CAHOOTS, and the Ad Hoc Committee’s Report on Public Safety.
She also spoke about reliance on local businesses in the community and that it is time the city comes up with an economic plan to help grow business in Eugene. Mayor Vinis’ full speech can be seen here.
