State Chamber Releases Legislative Report Card
The Oregon State Chamber of Commerce has released its 2025–2026 Legislative Report Card, outlining proposals that could directly affect Florence’s visitor‑driven economy. Among the key issues are multiple bills that would raise the state transient lodging tax to 2.75% and allow cities and counties to shift more local lodging tax dollars away from tourism promotion and into general services. Those changes could impact how Florence markets itself to visitors and funds tourism‑related infrastructure. The Chamber also opposed the Legislature’s $4.3 billion transportation package, which relied on higher gas taxes and vehicle fees and is now headed to voters. The report says decisions made in Salem could have long‑term effects on coastal communities like Florence that depend on tourism and small business activity.
Cape Perpetua Visitor Center to Reopen
The Cape Perpetua Visitor Center is reopening following an extensive remodel, with the reopening now expected on May 20. The parking lot, restrooms, and trails in the Cape Perpetua Scenic Area have remained open during the project. An information booth at the Devil’s Churn Day Use Area is open Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday from 10am to 3pm. Cape Perpetua offers 26 miles of hiking trails through old‑growth forest, past tidepools, Native American shell middens, and iconic viewpoints including Devil’s Churn.
Balanced Budget For Lane County at a Cost
Lane County’s proposed Fiscal Year 2026–2027 budget is balanced, preserving core services while addressing reduced state and federal funding. County Administrator Steve Mokrohisky says about 60 percent of the budget has historically come from outside sources, and those revenues continue to decline, challenging the County’s ability to maintain services. The proposal includes eliminating 15 full‑time equivalent positions, nine of which are currently filled, but there are no cuts in the Sheriff’s Office, District Attorney’s Office, or Assessment and Taxation. The budget also uses $4.8 million in unallocated transient lodging tax reserves to maintain current rural sheriff patrol levels for the next 2 years, while more than $11.4 million in lodging taxes will continue to support tourism countywide.
Hospital and ED Phycians Reach Agreement
PeaceHealth and Eugene Emergency Physicians have reached a renewed contract agreement, ending a dispute that disrupted emergency care in Eugene. Jonathan Garcia, an associate professor of public health at Oregon State University, said the conflict damaged community trust and reduced access to care, contributing to longer emergency room wait times after the University District Hospital closed. Garcia said the agreement is a positive step, but also highlights broader concerns about healthcare access and relationships between hospitals, physicians, and communities. Details of the new contract have not been released. The Oregon Nurses Association welcomed the resolution. Registered nurse Kylie Shorack said the dispute strengthened bonds between nurses and physicians, while PeaceHealth said its focus remains on providing safe, reliable emergency care.