HB 3962 Could Effect Transient Lodging Tax
Oregon House Bill 3962 is moving forward in the Legislature, with a proposal that could significantly change how cities and counties use transient lodging tax revenue. The bill includes a directive for a statewide study on local taxation, but the real controversy lies in a key amendment that would shift how new tourism tax dollars are allocated. Under the change, cities could use up to 60% of new lodging tax revenue for general services like police, fire, or infrastructure—reducing the tourism promotion requirement from 70% down to 40%. Supporters say communities need more flexible funding to meet growing demands, but critics along the coast are pushing back. State Representative Boomer Wright told Coast Radio News he will vote no, saying, “Tourism is very important to the coast. I don’t believe sacrificing tourism is warranted.” He added that local governments need to be more transparent about how transient lodging taxes are currently used before shifting priorities. Florence Area Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Bettina Hannigan is also urging local residents to speak out. She encourages citizens to contact Representative Wright and Representative David Gomberg, who both represent parts of the coastal region. The Chamber has drafted a letter opposing the bill, calling for a no vote. Hannigan cites the importance of tourism to the local economy, noting that tourism tax revenues in Oregon exceeded $690 million in 2024. The bill has passed out of committee and now heads to the full House for consideration.
OCF Report
The Oregon Community Foundation’s 2024 Annual Report highlights a year of major philanthropic impact across the state, including Oregon’s South Coast. In 2024, OCF awarded $211 million in grants and scholarships, supporting areas like housing, education, health, and the arts. Locally, the Florence area benefits through South Coast initiatives such as youth development, nonprofit funding, and access to healthcare—especially through projects supported by OCF’s regional leadership councils and donor-advised funds. Though Florence isn’t mentioned by name, the report notes investments in Lincoln City, Coos Bay, and North Bend, all within regional proximity. Programs like the Oregon Coast Echo Lab and inclusive public parks reflect how donor generosity strengthens rural communities. OCF President Lisa Mensah says every initiative begins with a simple question: “What if?” The foundation encourages more Oregonians to turn their ideas into action by partnering with OCF to improve life in their communities.
DMV Experiences Brief System Break Down
Oregon DMV systems were down for several hours Monday morning due to a partner vendor issue, temporarily halting the issuance of licenses, ID cards—including REAL IDs—and vehicle registrations. The outage lasted from around 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. Services have since been restored, but the agency says it will take time to work through the backlog. SMS text messaging from the DMV remains unavailable as technicians continue repairs. DMV officials apologized for the inconvenience and thanked the public for their patience.