System Development Charge to be Reviewed
The Florence City Council will consider an ordinance next week that would amend the City’s system development charge, or SDC, deferral and exemption programs. Ordinance No. 3, Series 2026, would update Florence City Code Chapter 9-1, which governs programs that allow certain development projects to defer payment of SDCs or qualify for exemptions. City officials have not yet released the full text of the ordinance, but previous versions of the program were designed to encourage housing construction and affordable housing development by reducing upfront costs for builders. The City says the ordinance will be available for public review through City Hall and on the City’s website before Council action on June 15th.
Coastal Pride
Florence is getting recognition as a destination on the Oregon coast, with The Oregonian highlighting the city as a place that offers far more than its well-known history, pointing instead to its mix of natural beauty, coastal recreation, and small-town charm. The feature points to the Oregon Dunes, local lakes, and coastal trails, along with iconic stops like Heceta Head Lighthouse and Sea Lion Caves, as key attractions drawing visitors. It also highlights Old Town Florence for its shops, food, and riverfront setting. The Florence Area Chamber of Commerce says that kind of attention supports ongoing tourism efforts, promoting the community as a year-round destination for outdoor recreation, local events like the Rhododendron Festival, and a growing coastal culinary scene.
Summer EBT Benefits
Oregon’s Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer program has begun issuing benefits to eligible families, and households should begin seeing that assistance now. The program is designed to help reduce hunger when children are out of school and don’t have regular access to school meals. Families can check their EBT card balance at ebtedge.com to confirm receipt, with $120 provided for each eligible child to purchase food. State officials say the program is entering its third year and is expected to serve about 360,000 children statewide. Families who did not automatically receive benefits are encouraged to review eligibility requirements or apply through the state’s Summer EBT program. Oregon Department of Education Director Dr. Charlene Williams says access to nutritious food is essential to children’s health and learning, while Department of Human Services Director Liesl Wendt adds that the program helps ensure children don’t go hungry during the summer months and supports families in purchasing healthy food locally.
