A Message of Gratitude and Commitment
The Grants Pass Tribune Celebrates One Year of Journalism
By: John Oliver
As the Grants Pass Tribune turns one year old, we extend our deepest gratitude to our readers and supporters who have stood by us since our inaugural edition on January 14, 2024. It has been a remarkable year, marked by challenges, triumphs, and a steadfast commitment to bringing the truth to the community of Josephine County.
From the outset, we have remained resolute in our mission to report the facts, investigate claims, and provide a platform for voices from all walks of life. Lawsuits and other hurdles have tested our resolve, but they have only strengthened our dedication to fearless, independent journalism. We are proud to say that we will never censor contributions, nor will we cower to bullies or external pressures. The Grants Pass Tribune exists to serve the community with integrity and transparency, and we stand firm in that purpose.
This year, the Tribune has tackled stories that matter, from in-depth investigations into local governance and policy to features that highlight the triumphs and challenges of our neighbors. We’ve held a magnifying glass to violations brought to our attention by third parties and have worked tirelessly to ensure the public is informed about the issues that impact their lives. Your trust has been the cornerstone of our success, and we are honored to be a reliable source of information for Josephine County. This anniversary is as much about you — the readers — as it is about us. Without your engagement, feedback, and support, the Tribune would not have reached this milestone.
We are also thrilled to share that in 2024, our readership exceeded three million, a feat we are incredibly proud of.
For a new newspaper without any past history, achieving such a wide audience speaks volumes about the trust and interest our work has garnered. It is a testament to the dedication of our team and the invaluable support of our community.
As we look to the future, we are making an important change to better serve our readers and streamline our opera-
tions. Starting this January, the Grants Pass Tribune will transition from a Sunday edition to a Wednesday edition. This adjustment allows for a midweek publication, making it easier for readers to engage with the news during the workweek, whether over a lunch break or at the office. It also brings a much-needed balance for our team. Dara, our tireless designer who has worked seven days a week to ensure each edition reaches you, will now have her weekends off. She sends her heartfelt thanks to all of you for making this change possible and supporting her well-deserved respite.
As we celebrate our first year, we remain committed to serving the community of Josephine County with unwavering integrity. The Grants Pass Tribune is more than a newspaper; it is a platform for dialogue, a watchdog for accountability, and a voice for the unheard. Thank you for believing in us and for being part of this journey. Together, we will continue to shine a light on the issues that matter, advocate for truth, and build a stronger, more informed community. Here’s to another year of fearless journalism and community service!
The Lesson for Josephine County Commissioners –Respect Voters When Appointing the Next Commissioner
By: Jay Meredith, CPA
Last summer I was among a group of Republicans that started reaching out to many affected groups throughout the County that were being ignored by two of the three County Commissioners and then began drafting language for the recall petition for Josephine County Commissioner John West. The recall petition language was limited to 200 words, and we could not fit all our major concerns in 200 words.
So, we listed the main concerns generally along with a few of the more specific examples of those concerns. The final recall petition language began with the overall concern, “This Petition requests the recall of Commissioner John West for ignoring the will of the people and for
actions that have…”
I was asked in a recent video interview, what’s the difference between ignoring the will of voters and just taking a political position different from a group of people that are trying to accomplish something. I could write a long article on that topic alone, but when dozens of people call, email, or show up to City or County meetings and 95% are on one side of an issue, many times that reflects a broader view of the public. Those dozens of people represent many more out in the public. Those are just the citizens that were bold enough to speak out or willing to take a significant amount of time out of their day to attend a meeting and express their opinion on a topic. After taking a significant amount of
time out of your day to communicate with your elected officials and being completely ignored when you do so, the frustration builds and builds. Commissioners West and Baertschiger did this time and time again in 2023 and 2024. But even more concrete examples of “ignoring the will of the people” in the last two years were Commissioners West and Baertschiger’s attempts to dismantle or harm voter approved special districts and service districts. As stated in the recall petition, this included financial attacks by Commissioner West on the independent and voter-approved Josephine Community Library District and defunding the voter-approved Josephine County OSU Extension Service District.
Where Are All the Eggs?
By: Leaf Barret
Once a reliable and affordable grocery staple, eggs have become a scarce and shockingly expensive commodity for many Americans. Shoppers across the country are wondering: where are all the eggs, and why are prices climbing so steeply? The answer lies in a combination of supply chain disruptions, disease outbreaks, and market forces that have created a perfect storm in the egg industry.
One of the primary drivers of the current egg shortage is a devastating outbreak of avian influenza (bird flu). Over the past two years, this highly contagious virus has swept through poultry farms, killing millions of egg-laying hens or forcing farmers to cull their flocks to prevent further spread. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the 2022-2023 bird flu epidemic was the worst on record, wiping out over 58 million birds.
While farms have been working to repopulate their flocks, the process is slow and costly. Hens take about five months to reach egg-laying maturity, and farmers must also implement rigorous biosecurity measures to prevent another outbreak. This lag in production has left store shelves empty and wholesale egg prices inflated.
Even farms unaffected by avian influenza are grappling with rising operational expenses. Feed prices have skyrocketed due to global grain shortages, driven by geopolitical tensions, droughts, and reduced crop yields. Additionally, high fuel costs continue to affect transportation, making it more expensive to ship eggs from farms to retailers. These increased costs are inevitably passed on to consumers.
Demand for eggs remains steady, as they are a versatile and essential ingredient in many households. Eggs are also a go-to protein source for budget-conscious families during times of economic uncertainty. However, with fewer eggs in circulation and production costs surging, the gap between supply and demand has led to record-high prices.
In December 2023, the average retail price for a dozen eggs reached $5.50 in some areas, more than double the pre-pandemic average. Organic and specialty eggs have climbed even higher, sometimes exceeding $10 per dozen.
The holiday season compounds the issue, as
• see SOARING, page 5
Appointing the Next Josephine County Commissioner
And then came a significant act of disrespect for Josephine County voters by withdrawing General Fund revenues from the Sheriff’s office budget only six months after County voters approved a new tax rate for a new Law Enforcement Service District to support the Sheriff. Because in my experience, the only thing that annoys voters more than paying higher tax rates is paying higher tax rates and getting almost no additional services in return for those higher tax rates. The Sheriff was rightfully upset about last summer’s budget process because two of the three commissioners wouldn’t let him fulfill the promises he made to County voters when campaigning for the new law enforcement services district in 2023.
I could have written dozens of articles about all the false statements Commissioner West and the Central Committee leadership of the Josephine County Republican Party made while coordinating their campaigns against the recall. They sent out mailers in which almost every statement in the mailers were not true. They did the same with ads in certain newspapers. Too many false statements to count were made on radio and video interviews. Many of the statements are easily proven false by simple public records requests, clearly indicating a lack of respect for voters’ intelligence. And rather than ask forgiveness and move on, they decided to double and triple down on the false statements and then use a series of frivolous lawsuits to attempt to intimidate their political opponents.
Voters saw right through this and voted almost 2 to 1 to recall Commissioner John West from office in the December 17th vote. It was nearly a landslide vote in election terms.
It should not surprise me when just a few days after the vote, Commissioner West and Josephine County Republican Party Chair Holli Morton blamed the voting results on “confused” voters. But surprise me, it did.
After being recalled from office in a nearly landslide vote, in a local media interview just a few days after being voted out of office, Commissioner West completely dismissed the results of the vote. West stated he’s considering running again in 2026 and saying he had people come to him saying they were confused, and they wouldn’t have voted yes on the recall.
Holli Morton, Josephine County Republican Party Executive Committee Chair, was on the Bill Meyer radio show just three days after voters soundly kicked West out of office. Friday morning, December 20th Holli Morton called the recall petition a series of “wild allegations,” and said “all 17 ethics” complaints against Commissioner West had been dismissed, which is far from true. Morton also stated that West “sued petitioner Lily Morgan immediately as soon as he saw what she was putting out.” This is wildly false considering West waited 4 months after the petition language came out to bring his frivolous (in my opinion) lawsuit against the petition language.
Morton went on to claim a bunch of people came into the Republican office saying they wanted to change their vote. And then the grand finale of false statements by Morton, “they didn’t allow for the contesting of any of those recall petition points on the ballot.”
Yes, they did Ms. Morton, your candidate John West just chose not to use his 200-word statement of justification to contest any of those specific points. The recall petition was given 200 words to explain the reasons for recall, and Commissioner West was given 200 words on the ballot language to provide his ballot statement of justification. West simply chose not to argue any of the petition points on the ballot language. Morton ended the radio interview by saying “people are low information people; they didn’t know what’s really going on…” In other words, Commissioner West and JoCo Republican Party Chair Holli Morton blamed their election loss on confused voters. Apparently, they don’t even think the average voter can read a ballot measure and decide on their own how to vote. If there is a more obvious example of the lack of respect for the citizens and voters of Josephine County, I haven’t seen it.
We now have two newly elected commissioners that will be sworn into office in less than 10 days. And they will be selecting the next Commissioner to appoint to Commissioner West’s seat when the recall vote is certified on January 8th (according to the County Clerk’s most recent elections update posted on the County website).
There is a way our two newly elected County Commissioners can honor both County voters and the County Charter in selecting the next County Commissioner appointment. The County Charter reads as follows:
FILLING OF VACANCIES
(1) The Board shall publish notice of a vacancy to be filled by appointment in newspapers of general circulation in the County. This notice shall request qualified individuals to apply to serve until the person elected at the next general election takes office by filing an application with the Board of Commissioners. The Board shall appoint a qualified person to the vacancy from the applications received. The Board shall fill a vacancy within 30 days after the occurrence of the vacancy.
If the Board does not have a quorum because of vacancies on the Board, the power to appoint, to fill such vacancy, is thereby transferred to a Temporary Board composed of the other elective administrative officers.”
Given the two new Commissioners will only have 30 days to
accept Commissioner applications and make the new Commissioner appointment, the best way to honor both voters and the County Charter would be to have the County’s other elected officials weigh in on the Commissioner appointment process. The County’s other elected officials include the Assessor, the Clerk, the District Attorney, Legal Counsel, Sheriff, Surveyor, and Treasurer. All County elected officials, representatives of the people in their respective County governance areas, should rank Commissioner applications and make a recommendation of their top candidate choices for Commissioner.
And our two newly elected Commissioners, Ron Smith and Chris Barnett, can then make their appointment based on the collective advice of all the County’s elected officials. This process would be a win-win for our two incoming Commissioners. It will honor voters by soliciting the advice of all County elected officials. It will also say to County department heads who serve at the pleasure of County voters, we honor and respect your opinions. And finally, it honors the spirit of the County Charter by using a process similar to the one that would be used if the two Commissioners could not agree on a commissioner candidate to appoint to the vacancy.
Both the process and the outcome of the Commissioner appointment to replace recalled Commissioner John West will set the stage for the Josephine County Board of County Commissioners for at least the next two years. We will soon find out if our two new County Commissioners respect the will of the people more than the special interest agenda which dominated the Board’s decision making in the last two years. Don’t be “confused,” because voters in this special recall election spoke loud and clear that they don’t want a repeat of the last two years.
NATIONAL
Mark Zuckerberg Addresses Rumors of ‘Doomsday Bunker’ in Hawaii Compound
By: Jason Foley
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg has found himself at the center of swirling rumors about a 5,000-square-foot underground structure built within his sprawling estate in Hawaii. While many have speculated that the mysterious addition is a "doomsday bunker," Zuckerberg has come forward to dismiss the claims, insisting that the structure is neither apocalyptic nor sinister in nature.
The underground facility is part of Zuckerberg's extensive property on the island of Kauai, where he owns over 1,400 acres of land. The compound has already drawn attention in the past due to land disputes with local residents and concerns over access to public beaches. Now, this latest development has reignited scrutiny of the tech billionaire’s activities on the island.
According to anonymous sources and leaked construction plans, the underground structure is highly fortified, featuring reinforced concrete walls and high-tech ventilation systems. These features have led some to believe that it is designed to serve as a survival bunker for catastrophic events. However, Zuckerberg denies these claims, calling the rumors “wildly exaggerated” in a recent statement.
“The underground facility is not a ‘doomsday bunker’ or anything remotely close to it,” Zuckerberg explained. “It’s simply a utility and storage area that supports the operations of the property. There’s nothing mysterious or alarming about it.”
Zuckerberg’s representatives further clarified that the structure includes utility systems, storage space for equipment, and a small wine cellar. They argue that its size and scale are consistent with the needs of a large estate and not indicative of a secret survivalist agenda. Despite these assurances, skepticism remains among critics and conspiracy theorists, who point to the billionaire's access to advanced technology and resources as evidence of preparation for global crises.
Local residents have expressed mixed feelings about the compound and its latest addition. Some view it as a symbol of wealth disparity and an unwelcome imposition on the island’s culture and environment. Others are less concerned about the underground structure, focusing instead on Zuckerberg’s efforts to support the local com-
Big Lots Secures Deal to Avoid Closure of Hundreds of Stores
By: Ellen Ward
Big Lots, the popular discount retailer that filed for bankruptcy in September, announced on Friday that it has reached a deal with an investment firm to keep hundreds of its stores open. The agreement with Gordon Brothers Retail Partners aims to transfer Big Lots’ brand, stores, and distribution centers to new operators, potentially providing a lifeline for the struggling chain and preserving jobs.
The Columbus, Ohio-based retailer had recently warned of plans to shutter its remaining 963 locations after a previous acquisition deal with private-equity firm Nexus Capital Management fell through. The new arrangement, however, shifts the company’s trajectory, with Variety Wholesalers stepping in to acquire between 200 and 400 Big Lots stores, as well as up to two of its distribution centers. Variety Wholesalers, a company that owns over 400 retail stores under brands such as Bargain Town, Bill’s Dollar Stores, and Maxway, expressed interest in integrating the Big Lots locations into its portfolio.
This development could have significant implications for Big Lots employees. Variety Wholesalers indicated it may retain store and distribution center workers, as well as some corporate staff, offering hope to thousands of employees who were facing uncertain futures. While specific terms of the agreement were not disclosed, the transfer of operations is expected to help stabilize the retailer and prevent widespread layoffs.
Big Lots, known for offering budget-friendly home goods, furniture, and seasonal items, has faced mounting challenges in recent years. Increased competition from e-commerce giants, shifting consumer habits, and economic pressures contributed to its financial struggles. Filing for bankruptcy was a last-ditch effort to restructure its operations and find a path forward.
The partnership with Gordon Brothers Retail Partners reflects a growing trend in the retail industry, where firms specializing in restructuring and asset management step in to salvage distressed companies. By facilitating the transfer of Big Lots’ assets to Variety Wholesalers, the deal could not only preserve parts of the chain but also provide opportunities for growth under new management.
Retail analysts view the agreement as a positive step, though challenges remain. “This is a lifeline for Big Lots, but it doesn’t guarantee success,” said Emily Grayson, a retail consultant. “The new ownership will need to modernize operations, adapt to consumer trends, and improve its competitive edge to ensure longterm viability.”
For customers, the news offers reassurance that Big Lots locations will remain open in many communities, maintaining access to the chain’s affordable products. The transition process is expected to take several months as stores and distribution centers are transferred to Variety Wholesalers and other potential operators.
While the deal does not save all of Big Lots’ locations, it represents a significant opportunity to retain a portion of its presence in the retail market and protect thousands of jobs. As the restructuring unfolds, the focus will shift to how effectively the new owners can rejuvenate the brand and position it for success in an evolving retail landscape.
munity. In recent years, Zuckerberg and his wife, Priscilla Chan, have donated millions of dollars to education and conservation initiatives in Hawaii.
Experts in the field of real estate and luxury development note that underground facilities of this nature are not uncommon among ultra-wealthy homeowners. Many high-net-worth individuals opt for subterranean structures to house wine collections, art storage, or emergency resources. The trend has grown in recent years, fueled by global instability and the COVID-19 pandemic, though not all such projects are tied to survivalist concerns.
Zuckerberg’s Hawaiian estate has long been a subject of fascination and controversy. The property, which includes a working cattle ranch and expansive private beach access, has drawn criticism for perceived privatization of public spaces and its impact on local ecosystems. Despite the backlash, Zuckerberg maintains that he has taken steps to honor local traditions and minimize disruption.
While the debate over the underground facility may linger, Zuckerberg appears unfazed by the speculation. “At the end of the day, this is about creating a sustainable, functional property for my family,” he said. “The rest is just noise.”
As questions persist, one thing is clear: the compound and its enigmatic underground structure will remain a focal point of public curiosity and debate for the foreseeable future.
Soaring Prices and Empty Shelves
From page 1
consumers purchase eggs in bulk for baking and festive meals. Retailers often struggle to keep up with demand, leading to temporary shortages in many stores. Some shoppers report seeing limits on egg purchases, reminiscent of pandemic-era restrictions on staples like toilet paper and hand sanitizer.
Experts predict that egg prices may stabilize by mid2025 as poultry farms recover from avian flu losses and increase production. However, this timeline is contingent on avoiding another outbreak and seeing relief in feed and fuel costs.
While waiting for prices to normalize, consumers can explore alternatives like plant-based egg substitutes or powdered eggs for cooking and baking. Supporting local farmers or joining community-supported agriculture (CSA) programs may also offer a more reliable and cost-effective way to source eggs.
For now, the humble egg remains an unlikely symbol of the complex challenges facing the global food system. As shoppers grapple with higher prices and empty shelves, the situation underscores the fragile balance between supply chains, agriculture, and consumer needs.
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NEWS DESK
FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK
A Critical Look at Joe Biden’s Recent Actions
By: John Oliver
President Joe Biden’s recent actions have left many Americans questioning his judgment, priorities, and even his grasp on reality. Over the past two weeks, the decisions coming from the White House have not only been puzzling but, in the view of some, childish, petty, dangerous, and shameful. From controversial pardons to baffling moves on border policy, Biden’s leadership — or lack thereof — is raising alarms about the direction of the country.
The most glaring incident is the president’s pardon of his son, Hunter Biden, along with what appears to be a sweeping clemency for other family members and associates. This unprecedented move has been criticized as a blatant abuse of presidential power, undermining the justice system and eroding public trust. While the White House has defended these actions as being within the president’s constitutional authority, many Americans see it as a self-serving attempt to shield his family from accountability. Worse, the pardons extend beyond personal connections, reportedly including violent and non-violent criminals who, critics argue, did not deserve clemency. This broad, indiscriminate use of the pardon power sends a troubling message: if you’re connected to the right people, the rules don’t apply to you.
Compounding the controversy is Biden’s latest move regarding the sale of unused border wall materials. Critics see this as a symbolic slap in the face to taxpayers who footed the bill for these materials during the Trump administration. Instead of repurposing the resources for national security or infrastructure projects, the administration has chosen to liquidate them— seemingly out of spite for policies associated with the previous administration. This decision not only wastes taxpayer dollars
but also further weakens an already precarious border situation.
The border crisis, a topic of fierce debate for years, has reached new heights under Biden’s watch. His administration’s inconsistent policies have left states and border communities to bear the brunt of an unprecedented influx of migrants. Selling off wall materials feels less like a policy decision and more like a petty jab at political opponents. It’s a move that many interpret as prioritizing partisan posturing over practical solutions to a national issue.
These actions come at a time when Americans are still struggling with rising costs of living, a housing crisis, and global instability. Instead of addressing these pressing concerns, the administration appears mired in actions that reflect poorly on its leadership and priorities. For a president who campaigned on restoring dignity and unity to the office, these decisions seem to embody the very opposite.
Questions about Biden’s competency have been circulating since before his presidency began. Critics have pointed to gaffes, missteps, and moments of apparent confusion as evidence that he may not fully grasp the gravity of his role. While some defend him as being mischaracterized by opponents, his recent actions do little to inspire confidence in his ability to lead effectively.
Leadership requires more than authority; it demands accountability, vision, and a commitment to serving the people. Biden’s recent behavior suggests a troubling disconnect from these ideals. The American people deserve a president who prioritizes their well-being over personal interests and political vendettas. If this is the best he can offer, perhaps it’s time for a serious conversation about the future of this administration and its ability to deliver on its promises.
GRANTS PASS WEATHER
5 DAY OUTLOOK
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THURSDAY Partly sunny 45/32 Cloudy 43/38 Cloudy, light rain 45/43
Cloudy, rain 49/37 Cloudy, rain 53/44
TAKE A BREAK
December 30, 2024
Posting Date
December 30, 2024
NEWS DESK
A Time for Celebration, Responsibility, and Reflection
New Year’s Eve Falls Midweek
By: Leaf Barret
This year, New Year’s Eve lands on a Wednesday, throwing a curveball into the usual rhythm of the week. For partygoers, it presents the unique challenge of celebrating in the middle of a workweek. For others who prefer quieter evenings, it disrupts the flow of business as usual. Whether you plan to go out or stay in, the midweek celebration calls for a little extra planning and a lot of responsibility.
For those who like to “party hardy,” the key is to do so responsibly. If you’re heading out to toast the end of 2024, make sure you have a designated driver or use a rideshare service. Driving under the influence isn’t just reckless — it’s illegal and potentially life-changing in all the wrong ways. If you can, consider staying home. A cozy evening surrounded by loved ones can be just as fulfilling as a night out. If you do
decide to venture out, plan ahead and stay safe.
In Grants Pass, there’s no shortage of ways to ring in the New Year. As we’ve highlighted throughout the week, local events cater to a variety of tastes. One standout option for a more subdued and sophisticated celebration is a night at 115 Broiler. Known for its classy yet relaxed atmosphere, it’s a perfect spot for those seeking a quieter way to welcome 2025. Pair a delicious meal with a glass of champagne, and you’ve got yourself an elegant New Year’s Eve.
For families or those who prefer staying home, there’s nothing like a night of board games to bring everyone together. Dust off Monopoly, set up Scrabble, or dive into a new game you’ve been meaning to try. The beauty of staying home is that it allows for quality time with loved ones in a safe and familiar environment. It’s a reminder that the best celebrations often come from the simplest moments.
For those who have to work on New Year’s Eve, take so-
lace in the likelihood of having New Year’s Day off. Enjoy the slower pace that often comes with January 1st. It’s a great time to reflect on the past year, set intentions for the new one, and recharge before diving back into the post-holiday grind.
Regardless of how you choose to celebrate, the most important thing is to prioritize safety. New Year’s Eve is one of the most dangerous nights on the road due to impaired driving. If you’re hosting a party, encourage guests to stay over or arrange for their safe transportation home. If you’re out and about, avoid distractions and stay alert.
As the clock ticks toward midnight on Wednesday, let’s remember that New Year’s is about more than just parties and resolutions. It’s a time to connect, reflect, and set the tone for the year ahead. Whether you’re out at a local hotspot like 115 Broiler, at a community event, or enjoying a quiet evening at home, we wish you a safe, joyful, and meaningful New Year’s celebration. Here’s to 2025!
Oregon Governor Tina Kotek’s Bold Plan to Address Homelessness and Affordable Housing
Oregon is grappling with a homelessness crisis that has reached alarming levels, and Governor Tina Kotek is making bold moves to confront the issue head-on. In her recently unveiled $39.3 billion biennial budget, Kotek has prioritized historic investments in homeless services and affordable housing, aiming to tackle the root causes of the crisis and provide long-term solutions.
Released on December 2, the budget outlines approximately $2 billion in funding dedicated to addressing homelessness and housing insecurity. A substantial $217.9 million is allocated to bolstering statewide shelter systems, ensuring they can meet the growing demand for safe spaces. These funds will support existing shelters, expand capacity, and enhance services for the unhoused.
An additional $188.2 million is set aside to assist individuals and families transitioning from homelessness to stable housing. These funds will be directed toward essential services, including case management, rental assistance, and employment support. Recognizing the importance of prevention, Kotek has earmarked $173 million for programs designed to stop homelessness before it
starts, addressing issues such as eviction and economic instability.
“Oregon cannot afford to ignore the crisis unfolding on our streets,” Kotek stated during the budget’s release. “This funding is a down payment on a better future, one where everyone has a safe place to call home.”
The governor’s plan also takes a forward-looking approach by addressing the state’s chronic shortage of affordable housing. A whopping $780 million will be invested in the construction of new affordable housing units, with a focus on increasing access for low-income families, seniors, and individuals with disabilities. In addition, $100 million is dedicated to improving essential infrastructure—such as roads, sewers, and utilities—that will support housing development, particularly in underserved areas.
These investments represent some of the most ambitious state-level funding commitments for homelessness and affordable housing in the United States. Advocates praise Kotek’s approach for its breadth and depth, tackling not just immediate needs but also the systemic issues that have fueled Oregon’s housing crisis for years.
However, critics have raised ques-
tions about the feasibility of implementing such a sweeping plan. Concerns include the state’s capacity to quickly mobilize resources, navigate bureaucratic challenges, and ensure funds are used efficiently. Others worry that even this historic level of investment may not be enough to fully address the magnitude of the problem, particularly in urban centers like Portland, where homelessness is most visible.
Despite the challenges, local organizations and housing advocates remain optimistic. “This is the kind of leadership we need right now,” said Maria Lopez, director of a nonprofit focused on housing equity. “It’s not just about dollars—it’s about the state recognizing that housing is a fundamental human right.”
As Oregon moves forward with Kotek’s ambitious plan, the success of these initiatives will depend on collaboration among state agencies, local governments, nonprofits, and the private sector. With homelessness rates continuing to climb, the stakes couldn’t be higher. For now, Kotek’s budget signals a renewed commitment to tackling one of Oregon’s most pressing challenges, offering hope to thousands of Oregonians struggling to find a place to call home.
GPT news desk
