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WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 12, 2026

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Southern Oregon’s Forests, Farms and Working Lands Enter the Legislative Conversation

Oregon Climate Policy Takes Shape

By John Oliver Deep inside Oregon’s state policy process, work is underway that could eventually influence how lawmakers approach forests, farms, ranchlands, watersheds, transportation, energy and future climate spending across the state. The Oregon Climate Action Commission is developing its 2026 Report to the Legislature, and Tuesday’s meeting of the Natural Climate Solutions Committee places Oregon’s natural and working lands squarely within that discussion. For Southern Oregon, where forests, agriculture, water, wildfire and rural economies are closely intertwined, the recommendations that eventually emerge from this process could carry particular relevance. The Natural Climate Solutions Committee is scheduled to meet virtually Tuesday, August 11, from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. The meeting is part of a larger series being conducted between July and September as four Commission committees examine priorities and develop possible recommendations for the legislative report. The work remains preliminary, and the committee itself cannot create laws, impose regulations or authorize spending. Its recommendations, however, can move forward for consideration by the full Oregon Climate Action Commission and potentially become part of the formal report delivered to state lawmakers. The process is broader than Tuesday’s discussion. Committees are separately examining natural

Double the Music, Double the Characters climate solutions, transportation and energy, while a Report Committee is considering issues that cross those individual policy areas and helping assemble the Commission’s overall recommendations. Transportation held an initial meeting August 4, followed by the Energy Committee on August 7. Tuesday’s Natural Climate Solutions meeting completes the first round of discussions among the major subject committees, with additional meetings scheduled through early September. The legislative connection is established under Oregon law. The Climate Action Commission is required to submit a report by December 1 of every even numbered year describing Oregon’s progress toward its greenhouse gas reduction goals. The Commission also has authority to recommend statutory changes, administrative actions and other policy measures. That gives the biennial report a role beyond simply documenting state programs because recommendations developed through

the Commission can eventually be placed before legislators responsible for writing laws, approving budgets and determining whether proposed programs move forward. For Southern Oregon, natural climate solutions represent considerably more than a technical discussion about greenhouse gases. The term encompasses forests, agricultural lands, wetlands, grasslands and other natural and working landscapes capable of storing carbon. Oregon has been developing methods for measuring carbon stored across those landscapes and evaluating how management practices affect carbon storage over time. The state has also examined the workforce, training programs and infrastructure needed to implement natural climate projects, connecting environmental policy with employment, state investment and natural resource management. Those subjects intersect directly with the

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see CLIMATE, page 5

Record Wildfire Season Pushes Oregon’s Firefighting Network Toward Its Limits By John Oliver Southern Oregon residents are being urged to prepare for several days of dangerous heat as a Heat Advisory remains in effect across much of the region, bringing prolonged triple-digit temperatures, warm overnight conditions, and an increased risk of heat-related illness. The advisory is scheduled to remain in effect from 11 a.m. Tuesday through 11 p.m. Thursday, covering much of Josephine County, Jackson County, and eastern Curry County, where daytime temperatures are expected to range from 100 to 110 degrees, with some locations in the Klamath River Valley expected to climb even higher. Forecasters expect the hottest conditions to occur during the middle of the week, with the Rogue Valley experiencing several consecutive afternoons above the 100-degree mark. Medford is expected to approach or challenge daily temperature records, while Grants Pass, Cave Junction, Ashland, and surrounding communities will also endure dangerously hot conditions. Overnight temperatures are forecast to remain in the mid to upper 60s, providing little opportunity for homes and buildings to cool before another day of extreme heat begins. While Southern Oregon is accustomed to hot summers, extended periods of excessive heat become significantly more dangerous when temperatures remain elevated around the clock.

Normally, cooler nighttime temperatures allow the body to recover from daytime heat exposure. When overnight temperatures stay unusually warm, the cumulative effects of heat can increase the risk of dehydration, heat exhaustion, and potentially life-threatening heat stroke. Health officials encourage residents to stay well hydrated throughout the day, even before they begin to feel thirsty. Water remains the best defense against dehydration, while beverages containing alcohol or excessive amounts of caffeine should be limited because they can contribute to fluid loss. Anyone who works outdoors or plans strenuous activity should schedule those tasks during the early morning hours whenever possible and take frequent breaks in shaded or

air-conditioned locations. Air conditioning remains the most effective protection during prolonged periods of extreme heat. Residents without access to air conditioning are encouraged to spend part of the day in public buildings, community centers, libraries, or other cooled facilities whenever possible. Electric fans may provide some relief but become far less effective as temperatures climb well into the triple digits. The advisory also serves as an important reminder to check regularly on family members, friends, neighbors, and others who may be especially vulnerable during periods of extreme heat. Older adults, infants, young children, individuals with chronic medical conditions, people taking

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see FIREFIGHTING, page 3

Local Theatre Cast Prepares for October Show

By Ellen Ward One stage, two musicals and a cast preparing to become entirely different characters before the evening is over will give Southern Oregon audiences something a little different to experience this October. Auditions have wrapped, the cast has been chosen and rehearsals are moving ahead for “Two Great Musicals, One Great Show!,” an upcoming production that will combine the one-act musicals “Fairhaven” and “In Time” into a single evening of live community theatre. Rather than presenting one traditional musical from beginning to end, the production will give audiences two separate stories while asking many of the same actors to transform themselves into different characters for the second half of the show. That means the person audiences meet in “Fairhaven” may return later with a different name, personality and place in an entirely new story. For the actors, it creates the challenge of learning multiple roles, musical numbers, movements and characterizations. For the audience, it adds an entertaining twist to the evening as familiar faces reappear in unexpected ways. The recently completed auditions brought together a mixture of experienced performers and newcomers who will spend the next several months preparing for the October performances. Erik Rose will portray Director Marcus in “Fairhaven” before returning as Editor in “In Time.” Brooklyn Morrison will make the transition from Milly to Skye, while Naomi Drevenstedt will portray Stella and Colette. Michael Shomler will appear as Conner and Jake, Peter Goodwill will perform as Benedict and Daniel, Steve Roby will take on Malcolm and Lewis, and Anne Turner will portray Char and Wendy. Michele Spohn has been cast as Associate Brisk, Thomas Dale will portray Henry, and several performers will move between named characters and ensemble responsibilities. Rebekah Goodwill will portray Bertha and perform with the ensemble, Noah Dale will appear as Ralph and in the ensemble, Kara Dale will portray Aiden and join the ensemble, and Madison Heth will appear as Angel/ Guard and as an ensemble performer.

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see LOCAL, page 9

GRANTS PASS TRIBUNE

Wednesday, August 12, 2026

GRANTS PASS TRIBUNE

OREGON

38 Portland-Area Companies Earn National Recognition

Oregon’s Private Business Sector Shows Strong Pockets of Growth

By John Oliver Oregon’s economic landscape received a notable measure of positive business news Tuesday as 38 companies from the Portland metropolitan area were named among the fastest-growing privately held businesses in the United States, highlighting a segment of the state’s economy that has continued expanding despite slower employment growth, corporate relocations and other economic pressures. Originally reported by Inc. on Tuesday, Aug. 11, the Portland-area companies were recognized as part of the 2026 Inc. 5000, the publication’s annual national ranking of rapidly growing private businesses. The 38 companies recorded a median revenue growth rate of 145 percent between 2022 and 2025, placing businesses from Oregon and Southwest Washington among a much larger field of private companies experiencing substantial expansion across the country. The Inc. 5000 measures companies according to percentage revenue growth over a three-year period. To qualify for the 2026 ranking, businesses were required to be privately held, for-profit, based in the United States and operating independently rather than as subsidiaries or divisions of other companies. Companies also had to be established and generating revenue by March 31, 2022. The highest-ranking Portland-area company was Studson, a Sherwood-based manufacturer of industrial safety helmets, which placed No. 265 nationally. Zeal Logistics of Vancouver, Washington, ranked No. 349, followed by Portland-based Daniel House Club at No. 370. OMORPHO, a Portland fitness apparel company, ranked No. 461, while Portland Gear reached No. 492. Other businesses among the Portland metropolitan area’s highest-ranked companies included Boulder Care, a telehealth provider; The Hemp Collect, a cannabis products manufacturer; Opt Real Estate of Lake Oswego; Home Matters Caregiving of Beaverton; and Amplified Wireless Solutions of Vancouver.

The range of industries represented among the highest-ranking companies is significant to understanding the economic picture behind the numbers. The businesses operate in manufacturing, transportation, interior design services, consumer products, health care, real estate, senior care and communications infrastructure. Their inclusion indicates that rapid private-sector revenue growth within the Portland metropolitan economy has not been limited to a single industry. The recognition arrives during a complicated period for Oregon’s economy. Recent corporate relocations, layoffs and reductions in employment have raised questions about the state’s ability to retain employers and generate jobs. At the same time, state employment figures show that Oregon continues to produce new businesses even as employment growth has not kept pace with the increase in the number of business operations. Oregon Employment Department figures show the number of business units statewide increased from 156,144 during the first quarter of 2019 to 181,056 during the first quarter of 2025, an increase of 15.9 percent. Private-sector covered employment increased by approximately 1.9 percent during the same period. As a result, the average number of jobs per Oregon business unit declined from 10.8 to 9.5. More recent employment figures also illus-

trate the mixed conditions facing Oregon workers and employers. Private businesses reported approximately 45,400 job vacancies during spring 2026, essentially unchanged from the winter quarter but 11 percent below spring 2025. Oregon had approximately 103,600 unemployed residents in April, leaving more than two unemployed workers for every reported private-sector vacancy. Against that broader backdrop, the Portland-area companies appearing on the Inc. 5000 provide another measurement of Oregon’s private economy. Revenue growth does not necessarily translate directly into equivalent employment growth, and inclusion on the list does not measure the overall health of Oregon’s economy. It does, however, document substantial revenue expansion among dozens of privately owned businesses connected to the state’s largest metropolitan region. For residents of Southern Oregon, the development has relevance beyond Portland. The economic conditions that allow privately held businesses to start, expand and compete nationally can affect statewide supply chains, professional services, transportation networks and employment opportunities. Growing Oregon companies can purchase products and services from businesses elsewhere in the state, while successful business models developed in the Portland area can provide examples of

industries capable of expanding within smaller Oregon markets. Southern Oregon has a considerably different economic structure than the Portland metropolitan area, with communities including Grants Pass, Medford, Ashland and surrounding rural areas more dependent on combinations of health care, retail, tourism, manufacturing, construction, agriculture, forestry and small businesses. The Portland results therefore should not be interpreted as a direct measurement of economic conditions in Josephine or Jackson counties. They do, however, demonstrate that Oregon-based private businesses can achieve significant national growth from within the state. For entrepreneurs and existing businesses in Southern Oregon, continued expansion elsewhere in Oregon can potentially create additional vendor relationships, distribution opportunities, professional partnerships and markets for locally produced goods and services. The results are also notable because smaller and privately held companies make up an important part of Oregon’s broader business structure. The increase in the number of business units since 2019 indicates that business formation and operation have continued even while the average number of employees per business has declined. Oregon’s economic picture in 2026 therefore remains divided between several measurable trends. Job vacancies have fallen from previous levels, some established employers have reduced operations or relocated positions, and statewide employment growth remains a concern. Simultaneously, new businesses continue operating across the state, high-growth private companies are expanding revenue, and 38 businesses from the Portland metropolitan area have now earned placement on one of the nation’s most closely watched private-company growth rankings. The 2026 Inc. 5000 results do not erase the economic challenges facing Oregon or Southern Oregon. Instead, they add another piece to a broader economic picture, documenting a group of Oregon-area companies that expanded rapidly enough between 2022 and 2025 to compete with some of the fastest-growing privately held businesses in the nation.

Firefighting Network Pushed Toward Its Limits From page 1 medications that affect the body's ability to regulate temperature, and those who live alone face a greater risk of developing heat-related illnesses. A simple phone call, text message, or visit can help ensure someone has enough water, a cool place to stay, and assistance if it becomes necessary. Pet owners should also take additional precautions throughout the advisory period. Animals should always have access to plenty of fresh drinking water and shaded areas if they are outdoors. Walks should be limited to the early morning or late evening hours, as pavement and sidewalks can quickly become hot enough to burn sensitive paw pads. Pets should never be left inside parked vehicles, even for a few minutes, because interior temperatures can rise to deadly levels in a remarkably short period of time. Livestock owners are encouraged to monitor

animals closely, ensuring they have continuous access to clean water, shade, and adequate ventilation during the hottest portions of the day. The combination of extreme heat, low humidity, and exceptionally dry vegetation also continues to create dangerous wildfire conditions throughout Southern Oregon. Fire agencies remain on heightened alert as the region experiences elevated fire danger. Residents are encouraged to avoid activities capable of producing sparks, including mowing dry grass during the hottest part of the day, using equipment that may create sparks, or operating machinery in areas with dry vegetation. Existing fire restrictions remain in place across many public lands, parks, and forests. Smoke from ongoing wildfires may also drift into portions of the Rogue Valley and neighboring communities as wind patterns shift throughout

the week. Individuals with asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, heart disease, or other respiratory conditions should monitor local air quality and limit outdoor activity if smoke becomes more concentrated. Drivers are encouraged to prepare before traveling by checking vehicle cooling systems, carrying extra drinking water, and packing emergency supplies if traveling through rural areas. Children, elderly passengers, and pets should never be left unattended inside a parked vehicle, regardless of how briefly a stop may seem. Emergency officials also encourage residents to recognize the warning signs of heat-related illness. Heavy sweating, dizziness, weakness, nausea, headaches, and muscle cramps may indicate heat exhaustion and should be treated immediately by moving to a cooler lo-

cation, drinking water, and resting. Heat stroke is a medical emergency that may include a high body temperature, confusion, loss of consciousness, or a lack of sweating despite extreme heat. Anyone showing signs of heat stroke should receive immediate medical attention by calling 911. Although temperatures are expected to gradually ease heading into the weekend, inland valleys across Southern Oregon are forecast to remain seasonably hot. Until cooler weather arrives, residents are encouraged to stay weather aware, remain hydrated, limit unnecessary outdoor activity during the hottest hours of the day, and look after neighbors, friends, family members, pets, and anyone who may need extra assistance during one of the hottest stretches of the summer.

GRANTS PASS TRIBUNE

Wednesday, August 12, 2026

RELENTLESS HEROES 13TH ANNUAL DEVASTATIONAL GOLF TOURNAMENT Saturday, September 19, 2026 Grants Pass Golf Club Shotgun Start • 9:00 A.M.

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES Support Southern Oregon veterans while showcasing your business to hundreds of golfers, families, and community members during one of Josephine County’s premier annual charity golf tournaments. • Sponsorships help Relentless Heroes continue providing emergency assistance and essential support to local veterans when they need it most. Your partnership directly helps fund programs that assist veterans facing unexpected hardships throughout Southern Oregon. • Businesses may also contribute raffle prizes, silent auction items, or other event donations to help maximize fundraising efforts. • Join the growing list of local businesses making a difference for those who have served our country. • Become a sponsor today and stand with our local veterans.

GOLFERS & TEAMS Gather your friends, coworkers, or family and register your team for a day of golf in support of Southern Oregon veterans. • Four-Person Team Entry: $250 • Enjoy a fun-filled day featuring golf, contests, raffles, silent auction opportunities, awards, food, and community fellowship while helping raise funds that stay right here in Southern Oregon. • Whether you’re an experienced golfer or simply looking to support a great cause, every swing helps make a difference. • Please remember: Collared shirts are required for all players. • Space is limited, so teams are encouraged to register early.

“EVERY VETERAN, EVERY DAY” Relentless Heroes is a Southern Oregon nonprofit organization dedicated to providing emergency assistance and support to veterans throughout our region.

For sponsorship information, player registration, or volunteer opportunities, visit:

www.RelentlessHeroes.org

Wednesday, August 12, 2026

GRANTS PASS TRIBUNE

OREGON Portland Braces for Five-Week Shutdown of Southbound I-5 Through Rose Quarter By Bryce Robinson A major interruption to Interstate 5 is approaching in Portland, where one of Oregon’s busiest and most complicated freeway corridors is scheduled to lose all southbound through traffic for approximately five weeks beginning September 11. The continuous closure through the Rose Quarter will reroute thousands of vehicles each day, close or restrict several important freeway connections and place additional traffic onto surrounding highways and Portland streets while construction crews undertake extensive repairs. The Oregon Department of Transportation is preparing to close the southbound through lanes of I-5 between Interstate 405 and Interstate 84 around the clock, seven days a week. The shutdown covers roughly two miles of freeway but sits at the center of a transportation network where I-5, I-84 and I-405 converge, making the effects considerably larger than the physical construction area. ODOT expects the work to continue for up to five weeks, placing the anticipated reopening sometime in October if construction proceeds according to schedule. This will not resemble the more familiar pattern of overnight construction, temporary lane reductions or weekend closures. Southbound through traffic will be removed from the affected section for the duration of the project, allowing construction crews continuous access to pavement and structures that carry some of the heaviest traffic in Oregon. One southbound lane is expected to remain available between the I-405 split and the Broadway and Weidler exit, maintaining access to the Rose Quarter, Moda Center, Oregon Convention Center and surrounding neighborhoods. That lane will serve local access rather than motorists attempting to continue south through Portland on I-5. The shutdown will reach beyond the interstate itself. Several ramps serving the Rose Quarter and surrounding freeway system are scheduled to close, including connections that normally funnel vehicles onto southbound I-5. The southbound I-5 connection to eastbound I-84 will also be affected, adding another complication for motorists attempting to move between Portland’s major interstate corridors. Northbound I-5 is expected to remain open during the project, although in-

creased congestion elsewhere in the freeway network could affect travel in both directions. The primary southbound detour will move traffic onto I-405 around the western side of downtown Portland before reconnecting with I-5. Motorists making longer regional trips may also be able to use I-205 to bypass central Portland, depending on their origin and destination. With large volumes of vehicles moving away from their normal routes, ODOT is preparing for congestion that could spread well outside the Rose Quarter and into other portions of the metropolitan transportation system. Traffic projections illustrate the potential scale of the disruption. ODOT has warned that trips through affected portions of the Portland region could take two to three times longer than normal when traffic volumes are heavy. Congestion could stretch north toward the Interstate Bridge and Vancouver, Washington, while increased traffic on I-405, I-205 and Portland surface streets could produce delays well beyond the immediate construction zone. Drivers attempting to avoid the closure by navigating city streets could also add pressure to neighborhoods and arterial roads that were not designed to absorb interstate-level traffic volumes. Behind the unusual closure is a roadway that has endured decades of intensive use. The pavement through the Rose Quarter has developed cracking, rutting, potholes and other deterioration, requiring work that goes substantially beyond filling individual defects or applying another temporary surface treatment. Construction will involve removing deteriorated material, repairing sections of the roadway and installing new concrete intended to

extend the service life of the freeway. Crews will also perform related structural and transportation improvements during the extended shutdown. The work is part of Phase 1A associated with the larger I-5 Rose Quarter Improvement Project and includes bridge work near the I-5 and I-84 interchange, stormwater improvements, highway signage and an extension of the southbound auxiliary lane between I-84 and the Morrison Bridge and OMSI exits. Those improvements are intended to address infrastructure needs within a corridor that carries passenger vehicles, commercial trucks, buses and regional traffic through the center of Portland. Closing an interstate continuously for more than a month represents a significant departure from the way highway construction is normally experienced by motorists, but the extended shutdown provides crews with uninterrupted access to the roadway. Alternatives involving repeated weekend closures or maintaining traffic immediately beside active construction would have extended the project and required construction zones to be established and removed repeatedly. Concentrating the work into a single construction window allows multiple operations to proceed while southbound through traffic is kept outside the work area. Weather also influenced the timing. Concrete and structural work require suitable conditions, and September provides a period when Portland historically has a better chance of avoiding prolonged winter rainfall while also moving beyond the hottest portion of summer. The construction window was selected around those requirements

as well as major events, holidays and other transportation projects. The closure comes on a section of interstate that functions as far more than a Portland commuter route. I-5 is the primary north-south transportation corridor through western Oregon and an essential connection between California, Oregon and Washington. Passenger vehicles share the highway with commercial trucks transporting food, retail merchandise, industrial supplies and other freight, making disruptions in Portland capable of affecting travel patterns throughout the region even when the construction itself remains confined to a relatively short stretch of freeway. Motorists heading into Portland during the closure will need to pay particularly close attention to freeway signs and changing traffic conditions because familiar connections may no longer be available. Travelers who normally depend on I-5 to move directly through central Portland may instead find themselves routed onto I-405 or another alternate corridor, and congestion could change considerably depending on the day and time. For Southern Oregon residents, the construction will not close or restrict I-5 through Grants Pass, Medford, Roseburg or Eugene. The concern begins for anyone traveling into or through the Portland metropolitan area after September 11, particularly motorists returning south from Portland or Washington. Travelers from Southern Oregon heading north for Portland International Airport, medical appointments, business, sporting events, concerts or other destinations should be prepared for unfamiliar detours and potentially substantial delays once they reach the Portland area. With the southbound shutdown expected to remain in place for approximately five weeks, Southern Oregon motorists planning Portland trips from September into October should check current highway conditions before leaving, allow additional travel time and avoid assuming that the route used to enter Portland will remain available for the return trip. The construction zone may cover only about two miles of I-5, but for travelers accustomed to moving straight through the Rose Quarter, September 11 will mark the beginning of a very different trip through Oregon’s largest metropolitan area.

Climate Policy Takes Shape as Southern Oregon From page 1 physical and economic landscape of Southern Oregon. Josephine, Jackson, Douglas and Klamath counties contain extensive public and private forestlands, farms, ranches, rivers and watersheds. Communities throughout the region routinely confront wildfire danger, drought, forest health concerns and complicated questions surrounding water availability. Forestry and agriculture remain economically important in many rural communities, while rivers and watersheds support fisheries, recreation, tourism, habitat and local businesses. Any future state policy involving natural and working lands therefore has the potential to reach communities well beyond Salem. Oregon has already committed public money to this policy area. House Bill 3409, approved by the Legislature in 2023, expanded the state’s natural climate framework and established the Natural and Working Lands Fund. Approximately $10 million was initially appropriated and distributed among the Oregon Department of Agriculture, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, Oregon Department of Forestry and Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board. Those agencies administer programs involving agriculture, forestry, wildlife, water-

sheds and restoration projects throughout Oregon, including substantial work in the southern portion of the state. Future recommendations could potentially address how that funding framework develops. Additional appropriations could support forest restoration, watershed improvements, agricultural conservation projects, technical assistance or incentives available to landowners. Recommendations could also address how Oregon measures carbon stored on natural lands, how agencies evaluate projects or which programs receive priority when state funding is allocated. Those possibilities remain under consideration, however, and none should be interpreted as an approved policy, new mandate, tax or restriction. That distinction is particularly important for farmers, ranchers, forestland owners and rural residents who may hear discussions about natural climate policy and assume regulatory changes are imminent. Tuesday’s meeting does not change Oregon law. The committee does not possess legislative authority, and the full Commission cannot independently enact statutes. Recommendations

would first have to survive the Commission’s internal process, and proposals requiring changes in law or additional appropriations would ultimately depend upon action by the Oregon Legislature. The next significant stage arrives Friday, August 14, when the full Oregon Climate Action Commission is scheduled to meet virtually from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Commissioners are expected to receive a preview of the Natural and Working Lands Fund Annual Report along with a summary of initial committee discussions concerning the 2026 legislative report. Written public comments submitted by 5 p.m. Tuesday are expected to be provided to commissioners before that meeting, allowing public input to become part of the record as the Commission continues developing its priorities. Committee work will continue through the end of summer. Transportation is scheduled to meet again August 25, followed by Energy on August 26 and Natural Climate Solutions on September 1. The Report Committee is scheduled to reconvene September 4. As those meetings progress, broad discussions are expected to become more specific as commissioners determine which ideas warrant

inclusion in the final report and which should be modified or left behind. The Commission is expected to move toward adoption of its recommendations in October before completing the report required for submission to lawmakers by December 1. Until recommendations are finalized, the precise effects on Oregon residents cannot be determined. The eventual report could contain proposals involving additional spending, changes to state programs, administrative actions or statutory changes, but those outcomes will depend on what the Commission adopts and what lawmakers subsequently decide to pursue. For Southern Oregon, the importance of the process rests in the region’s relationship with the land itself. Forest management can affect wildfire resilience and rural employment, watershed projects can influence rivers and fisheries, agricultural programs can reach farms and ranches, and state investments can determine where restoration and conservation work occurs. Those connections make the development of Oregon’s natural climate recommendations a state government process with potentially significant regional consequences.

GRANTS PASS TRIBUNEWednesday, May 6, 2026

Wednesday, August 12, 2026

GRANTS PASS TRIBUNE

NATIONAL

Compensation Dispute Deepens U.S.-Iran Standoff as Washington Turns Up Economic Pressure By Ellen Ward A growing dispute over wartime compensation is adding another layer of difficulty to efforts to resolve the conflict between the United States and Iran, as President Donald Trump increasingly turns toward economic pressure while keeping American military power available as leverage against Tehran. The latest disagreement centers on competing demands over responsibility for the financial and human costs of the conflict. Iran has sought compensation for damage caused by American military operations as part of negotiations surrounding a broader settlement. Trump has rejected the premise that compensation should flow only to Tehran, arguing instead that the United States would pursue its own claims against Iran for Americans killed or injured in attacks Washington attributes to Iran and Iranian-supported organizations. Iran has rejected the American counterargument, maintaining that its assets should not be used to compensate the United States or regional governments for wartime losses. The disagreement has transformed the compensation question from a secondary financial matter into another significant negotiating obstacle at a time when Washington and Tehran are attempting to determine whether a broader political settlement remains possible. The dispute is closely connected to negotiations involving the Strait of Hormuz, the narrow waterway connecting the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and Arabian Sea. Before the conflict began in February, roughly one-fifth of the world's oil supply moved through the strait, making unrestricted passage an economic concern extending far beyond Iran and the United States. Commercial traffic through Hormuz has fallen dramatically during the conflict, contributing to uncertainty across global energy and shipping markets. Shipping activity remained exceptionally limited this week. Traffic through the strait fell to six vessels Monday, compared with a recent 10-day average of approximately 11 and prewar traffic estimated at roughly 130 to 140 vessels. Negotiations involving regional intermediaries, including Qatar and Oman, have continued as governments attempt to establish conditions under which commercial shipping could move more freely through the waterway. The compensation dispute has complicated those diplomatic efforts. A preliminary peace framework developed earlier this summer contemplated measures involving Hormuz, Iranian ports and frozen assets, but subsequent fighting and disagreements prevented the framework from producing a lasting settlement. Washington and Tehran have continued communicating largely through intermediaries rather than through sustained direct negotiations, leaving regional governments with an important role in transmitting proposals between the two sides. The Trump administration is simultaneously increasing its reliance on financial pressure against Iran. After months in which military operations dominated American strategy, Trump has increasingly portrayed Iran's weakened economy as a source of negotiating leverage. His administration contends that restrictions on Iranian access to international financial markets, foreign currency and other economic resources can increase pressure on Tehran without immediately expanding American military operations. The Treasury Department has continued pur-

suing Iranian financial networks accused of circumventing U.S. sanctions. Recent enforcement actions have targeted networks Washington says facilitate international currency transactions and other mechanisms used to move Iranian money outside established banking channels. American officials have also focused on digital financial systems that they contend have been used to support organizations associated with Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and other sanctioned entities. Economic sanctions, however, operate differently from direct military action. Iran has lived under varying forms of American financial restrictions for decades and has developed methods for conducting portions of its international commerce outside conventional Western banking systems. Sanctions can restrict revenue and increase the cost of conducting international transactions, but their ability to produce immediate political concessions remains uncertain. Trump has publicly described Iran's economic condition as increasingly severe while maintaining that stronger military action remains an available option. That combination places economic isolation and military deterrence alongside negotiations as parallel elements of the administration's current strategy rather than treating sanctions as a replacement for American military capabilities in the region. The Pentagon remains deeply involved in the conflict even as economic pressure receives greater attention. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told senators in July that the Iran war had cost the United States approximately $37.5 billion at that point. The administration has sought substantial additional military funding, including money intended to replenish weapons and other resources consumed during operations in the Middle East. American forces have continued operating throughout the region, while U.S. Central Command maintains responsibility for military operations involving Iran and surrounding waterways. Maritime security has become particularly important because disruptions involving Hormuz, Iranian ports and other shipping routes can affect energy supplies and commercial traffic throughout the Middle East. The financial consequences extend beyond the governments directly involved in the conflict. Oil prices have remained sensitive to developments surrounding Hormuz, with Brent crude trading near $88 per barrel Tuesday and U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude near $82. Pro-

longed restrictions on Persian Gulf shipping can increase transportation and insurance expenses and place additional pressure on international energy markets. For American consumers, sustained increases in petroleum costs can eventually reach far beyond gasoline stations. Petroleum prices influence freight transportation, aviation, manufacturing, agriculture and the movement of consumer goods, making the security of Hormuz a domestic economic issue as well as an international security concern. The compensation disagreement also raises questions that would become increasingly complicated if negotiations advance. Any formal reparations arrangement would require the parties to establish which wartime losses qualify for compensation, how damages would be calculated and which government bears responsibility. American claims extending to Iranian involvement in attacks occurring over several decades could make those negotiations substantially broader than compensation for destruction during the current conflict. Iran would face similar requirements if its demand moved from a negotiating position to a formal compensation mechanism. Damage

to military installations, infrastructure and civilian property would have to be documented and evaluated, while questions involving responsibility for individual attacks could become subjects of prolonged diplomatic and legal disagreement. Despite the widening list of unresolved issues, diplomatic efforts have not ended. Pakistan and Qatar have indicated that progress toward an arrangement remains possible, while discussions involving Oman continue over commercial passage through Hormuz. Those negotiations are occurring alongside continued military activity, sanctions enforcement and competing demands from Washington and Tehran. The emerging U.S. strategy therefore combines three forms of pressure: continued military capability, increasingly aggressive economic restrictions and negotiations conducted through regional intermediaries. Iran is countering with its own negotiating leverage, including control over access to Hormuz, demands for sanctions relief and claims for compensation arising from American military action. Whether those competing positions can ultimately be incorporated into a comprehensive settlement remains unresolved. For now, the compensation dispute has expanded the list of issues separating Washington and Tehran at the same time that restricted shipping through one of the world's most important energy corridors continues to give the conflict economic consequences reaching far beyond the Middle East. The policies themselves have not yet been written, and no legislative outcome is predetermined. What is happening now is the development stage, when commissioners are examining information, identifying priorities and deciding what they believe should be placed before Oregon lawmakers. As the committee process moves through August and September and toward a final report later this year, Southern Oregon residents will have a clearer picture of whether the Commission’s recommendations translate into proposed funding, new programs, administrative changes or legislation affecting the forests, farms, ranchlands and watersheds that define much of the region.

GRANTS PASS TRIBUNE

Wednesday, August 12, 2026

THE SOUTHERN OREGON GOVERNMENT WATCH BY JAY MEREDITH, CPA | INVESTIGATIVE JOURNALIST

Herman Baertschiger Needs to Get His Facts Straight Before Lecturing Josephine County THERE COMES A POINT when being a former elected official no longer gives someone license to speak as though yesterday’s political résumé automatically makes today’s assertions credible. Herman Baertschiger first served in the Oregon Legislature and later returned to local government as a Josephine County commissioner from 2021 to 2024. That background certainly gives him experience with both state and county government, but experience does not excuse anyone from keeping up with the facts before stepping behind a microphone and criticizing the people currently doing the job. Baertschiger appeared on the Bill Meyer radio show program Tuesday morning this week discussing the proposed renewal of Josephine County’s Adult Jail and Juvenile Detention levy. The problem was not that he expressed an opinion, because he is entitled to one just like every other resident. The problem is that portions of the discussion appeared disconnected from the public process that has actually been taking place surrounding the levy. When someone speaks publicly about an issue involving public safety, millions of taxpayer dollars and a decision ultimately belonging to Josephine County voters, getting the current facts straight should be the minimum requirement. The existing Adult Jail and Juvenile Detention local-option levy is 93 cents per $1,000 of assessed property value. It supports both the county jail and juvenile detention operations, and county commissioners have been publicly discussing what should happen when that levy comes up for renewal. This issue did not suddenly materialize behind closed doors this week. Commissioners have publicly discussed future funding for the Adult Jail and Juvenile Detention for at least two months, including the possibility of renewing the levy, changing its structure and examining alternative methods of financing these essential public-safety services. More recently, commissioners considered whether the levy should be reduced slightly and directed primarily toward jail operations, with juvenile detention addressed through another funding mechanism. That possibility was discussed publicly as officials worked through the financial realities confronting both operations. Government discussions change as new numbers, alternatives and consequences are considered, and anyone commenting publicly on those discussions has a responsibility to distinguish between an idea that was considered last week and the direction commissioners appear to be taking today. Based on the commissioners’ most recent public deliberations, the direction now appears to be considerably simpler: renew the existing levy at the same 93-cent rate and continue using it for the same general purposes of supporting the Adult Jail and Juvenile Detention system, subject ultimately to voter approval. If that proposal moves forward to the November ballot, Josephine County voters will make the decision, which is precisely where the final decision belongs. Against that backdrop, complaints suggesting that the current Board of Commissioners has somehow failed to discuss the matter publicly deserve serious scrutiny. Baertschiger is certainly free to criticize the current commissioners, and former elected officials do not surrender their First Amendment rights when they leave office. However, having once occupied an elected po-

sition does not transform outdated information, incomplete information or political rhetoric into fact, particularly when public meetings and county records provide residents with an opportunity to examine what commissioners have actually been discussing. Despite being a member of the Josephine County Board of Commissioners the last time this levy was renewed in 2021, the day before the current Board was to meet to finalize the levy renewal ballot language and terms, Baertschiger claimed on the radio the current levy renewal discussions lacked transparency by the current Board, there was no telling how much of the levy goes to the jail versus the juvenile justice detention program, and essentially criticized the current Board for discussing the possibility of a slight reduction to the levy rate and making it just for the adult jail operations. Except Baertschiger was ignorant to the discussions by the current Board just the day before, when the Board essentially agreed to simply put forward a ballot language proposal which would renew the levy at same rate and for the same purposes. And the current Board’s reasoning was similar to last week’s Southern Oregon Government Watch article here in the Grants Pass Tribune. Baertschiger claimed on the radio that the Board was about to approve a slightly smaller levy ballot measure that was only for jail operations, which was not true and not the most current information. Baertschiger’s state and local government experience should produce greater care when discussing current county business, not less, because a former officeholder invoking years of government experience carries an additional responsibility to make certain the information being presented to the public is current. A former officeholder often also carries with it a certain amount of credibility even if not earned, as many in the public don’t have time to follow closely the finer details of what the various levels of government are doing on a day-to-day basis. This is part of why radio, video and print media exist. For anyone that is paying close attention, Baertschiger seems to be playing a dirty political game rather than serving as a subject matter

expert in a very important public safety funding discussion. In other words, Baertschiger’s agenda on the Bill Meyer Show, in my opinion, was to try and make the current Board of Commissioners look bad rather than to initiate a realistic debate about the terms of the current proposed levy renewal. If a former commissioner intends to use his previous position to lend authority to his commentary about what today’s commissioners are doing, there is a corresponding responsibility to know what today’s commissioners are actually doing. That means watching the meetings, reviewing the documents, following the discussions and understanding how the proposal has evolved before criticizing the final direction. Criticism based on current facts is healthy in representative government; criticism based on an incomplete understanding of the current record contributes little beyond confusion. What Josephine County does not need is another round of political noise generated from incomplete information while residents are trying to understand a legitimate public-policy question involving millions of dollars and two critical components of the county’s public-safety system. The Adult Jail and Juvenile Detention operations affect corrections personnel, deputies, police officers, juvenile justice employees, defendants, victims, families and taxpayers. Decisions involving those services remain long after a radio interview ends, which is precisely why the discussion deserves something more substantial than political rhetoric. There are legitimate questions voters should ask about the levy, including how much money it will generate, how that money will be divided, whether expenditures are properly controlled, what happens to jail capacity without the levy and how juvenile detention would be financed if it were removed from the funding structure. Residents can also reasonably ask whether either operation could be provided more efficiently and whether county government has adequately demonstrated the need for the money. Those are substantive questions worthy of vigorous public debate, and people on either side of the levy should be encouraged to ask them. Josephine County has endured enough political warfare in recent years without former officeholders unnecessarily contributing to the confusion. Former legislators and commissioners can provide valuable perspective when they bring experience, institutional knowledge and accurate information into a public discussion. When they instead rely on outdated assumptions or characterize current government actions without adequately following the proceedings, their previous titles should not shield those statements from scrutiny. Baertschiger is no longer a Josephine County commissioner and acknowledging that reality is neither disrespectful nor personal. He also no longer represents Southern Oregon in the state Legislature. The current commissioners are responsible for determining what levy proposal moves forward, and Josephine County voters are responsible for deciding whether they will approve it. Baertschiger may advocate for or against that proposal like any other citizen, but his former positions do not give his assertions greater factual weight when the public record demonstrates something different.

Another thing missing from recent discussions of the jail and juvenile justice detention levy is what Grants Pass and Josephine County looked like the last time there was very little funding for both of these programs between 2012 and 2017. Lawbreakers would get a ticket for a relatively serious crime from Grants Pass Police and tear it up right in front of the officer because they knew they wouldn’t be taken to jail. Calls for police in Josephine County outside the City of Grants Pass often went unanswered. Dozens of people would show up at Grants Pass City Council meetings demanding something be done about the lawlessness in the downtown and other areas of Grants Pass and Josephine County. During the 10-years this 93-cent levy has been in place after voter approval, memory of the tough times may have faded. But today Josephine County voters deserve accurate information from everyone participating in this debate. They deserve commissioners willing to explain exactly what they intend to place on the ballot and where the money will go, journalists willing to examine those claims and opponents willing to challenge the proposal with facts rather than rhetoric. Most importantly, voters deserve the opportunity to decide for themselves whether maintaining the Adult Jail and Juvenile Detention levy at its existing rate is worth the cost. My personal opinion is that it is worth the cost, partially because I’ve seen the cost of going without jail and juvenile detention services. But I’m also concerned about relatively new state laws approved by the legislature that make it harder for professionals that work in our local justice system and also make it more costly to operate these programs. In the case of the adult jail, Oregon SB 48, which went into effect July 1, 2022, is a prime example of a state law that needs to be either repealed or substantially amended. Josephine County has enough serious issues demanding informed public discussion without recycling yesterday’s political battles through today’s microphones. Former elected officials who genuinely want to contribute should bring facts, experience and solutions to the table rather than adding another layer of confusion to an already contentious political environment. When the information is not current, the responsible choice is simple: do the homework before speaking or make room for those who have. Baertschiger’s opinion about the current Board lacking transparency only makes one thing clear, Baertschiger doesn’t watch all the televised County Board meetings anymore. Someone that doesn’t even watch all the Board meetings should not be held up as a subject matter expert on Board decisions. For any citizens that want to testify to the Board before the levy renewal ballot language is finalized, there will be one final opportunity. Tonight, Wednesday August 12th, at 5:30pm in the Anne Basker Auditorium, the Board will finalize the levy renewal ballot language after hearing public comments. Photo Disclaimer: Photo obtained from a publicly accessible social media account and used for news reporting and informational purposes. All applicable rights remain with the original photographer or rights holder.

Wednesday, August 12, 2026

GRANTS PASS TRIBUNE

COMMUNITY New Fuel Up Delivers a Surprisingly Good Post Workout Smoothie By Nik Martin After getting my workout in this morning, I decided to make a quick stop at the new Fuel Up shakes, smoothies and coffee shop next door. I was looking for something refreshing after exercising, but I also wanted something substantial enough that I would not be hungry again 20 minutes later. With plenty of choices on the menu, the Strawberry Cheesecake Protein Smoothie immediately caught my attention. Strawberry cheesecake in smoothie form already sounded like a pretty good combination, but then I noticed something I was not expecting. Cottage cheese is part of the base. I will admit, that gave me a moment of hesitation. Cottage cheese is not exactly the first ingredient that comes to mind when I think about a smoothie, especially one that is supposed to taste like strawberry cheesecake. I like trying different foods and combinations, but I was not completely sure how cottage cheese was going to work blended into a drink. As it turns out, I did not need to worry. The Strawberry Cheesecake Protein Smoothie was really good. The strawberry flavor came through immediately, followed by that creamy cheesecake taste that made it feel a little more indulgent than the average protein smoothie. At the same time, it was not overly rich, excessively sweet or so heavy that I regretted drinking it after a workout. It managed to be refreshing while still having enough substance to leave me feeling satisfied.

5 DAY OUTLOOK SOURCE: WEATHER.COM

WEDNESDAY Partly cloudy 88/57

THURSDAY

Partly cloudy 89/57

The cottage cheese ended up being one of the most interesting parts of the smoothie. If I had not known it was there, I am not sure I would have immediately identified it. Instead of overpowering the other ingredients, it helped give the smoothie a thicker, creamier texture that fit surprisingly well with the strawberry cheesecake flavor. What sounded a little strange on the menu actually made a lot more sense once I tasted it. For me, that balance matters when it comes to a post workout drink. I want something that tastes like something I would actually choose to order, not something I have to convince myself to finish simply because it is supposed to be good for me. I also want it to be filling enough to feel worthwhile. This smoothie checked both of those boxes.

Overlay Project Brings Rolling Closures and Traffic Delays Through August City of Grants Pass Motorists traveling through portions of Grants Pass should prepare for changing traffic patterns, temporary closures and delays through the end of August as construction crews carry out a street overlay project along Churchill Street, Gladiola Street and sections of N Street. The project began Monday, Aug. 10, and is scheduled to continue through Monday, Aug. 31. Work will progress through several stages, beginning with utility preparation before crews move into grinding and paving operations on individual streets. Utility adjustments are scheduled to follow the paving work later in the month. Crews are lowering utilities from Aug. 10 through Aug. 14 in preparation for the roadway improvements. The next phase is scheduled to begin Monday, Aug. 17, when crews will grind and pave sections of N Street. Grinding operations will then move to Churchill Street on Tuesday, Aug. 18, followed by Gladiola Street on Wednesday, Aug. 19. Paving is scheduled to begin on Gladiola Street Thursday, Aug. 20, with Churchill Street scheduled for paving Friday, Aug. 21. Following completion of the primary paving operations, crews are expected to return Aug. 24 through

GRANTS PASS WEATHER

Aug. 28 to raise utilities to match the newly completed roadway surfaces. Drivers should expect conditions to change as construction moves from one street and phase of the project to another. Lane closures, temporary road closures and traffic delays may occur throughout the construction period, and motorists traveling through the affected areas should watch for construction crews, equipment, signs and traffic-control measures. Because different portions of the project are scheduled on different days, access and traffic patterns may vary throughout the remainder of August. Drivers who regularly use Churchill Street, Gladiola Street or N Street should allow additional travel time and be prepared to use alternate routes when closures or construction activity affect their normal route. The construction schedule extends through Aug. 31, although individual operations are scheduled to occur at different locations throughout the project area. Motorists are encouraged to exercise caution when approaching active work zones and follow all posted traffic-control directions. Additional information about the project and construction activity is available from Pilot Rock Excavation at 541-779-4916.

Fuel Up offers shakes, smoothies and coffee, making it an easy option whether you are coming out of a workout or simply looking for something different during the day. Based on my first visit, I will definitely be interested in going back and exploring more of the menu. If you are skeptical about cottage cheese showing up in your smoothie, I understand. I was too. My advice is to give it a chance before judging the combination, because sometimes the ingredients that sound the strangest on paper are the ones that work surprisingly well together. My verdict on the Strawberry Cheesecake Protein Smoothie is simple. It is creamy, refreshing, filling and definitely worth trying.

FRIDAY Mostly sunny 90/57

SATURDAY Mostly sunny 91/60

SUNDAY Mostly sunny 92/60

Local Theatre Cast Prepares for October Show From page 1 The actors, however, represent only part of what is happening as the production begins taking shape. More than 25 people are currently involved in bringing the two musicals to the stage, turning the next several months into a coordinated community effort involving acting, music, choreography, costumes, scenery and production work. Sets must be constructed, costumes designed and fitted, songs rehearsed, movements coordinated and scripts memorized before the house lights can dim and the first performer walks onto the stage. It is the kind of work audiences rarely see but that makes live theatre possible. The production team is now moving “full-throttle,” according to organizers, as cast and crew members begin working both independently and together. Music directors and performers will develop the musical portions of the shows while choreography is rehearsed and refined. At the same time, set builders and costume designers will be creating the physical world surrounding the performers. Combining two one-act musicals into a single program also gives the production its own personality. Instead of spending an entire evening inside one story, audiences will get two theatrical experiences, with the company promising a mixture of humor, emotion and music intended to send theatergoers home “happy and humming.” There is also a distinctly local character to

the undertaking. Community theatre depends on people willing to contribute evenings, weekends and countless rehearsal hours long before an audience arrives. With more than two dozen people already participating, the October production is becoming as much a collaborative effort behind the curtain as it will be a performance in front of it. The company presenting the production is a nonprofit, faith-affirming theatre organization, and the upcoming performances provide an opportunity for families, friends and local theater supporters to spend an evening enjoying live entertainment while supporting community performing arts. Tickets for the October performances are already available, giving audiences plenty of time to make plans before opening night. For now, the seats are empty and much of the scenery has yet to take its final form. Over the next few months, however, scripts will become conversations, rehearsed notes will become songs, costumes will find their characters and two separate stories will gradually become one complete evening of theatre. By October, the work of more than 25 local performers and production volunteers will come together under the lights. Two musicals. Two sets of characters. One cast and crew. And one October show designed to give Southern Oregon audiences twice the story in a single night at the theatre.

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Wednesday, August 12, 2026

August 10, 2

August 10, 2026 Post

Wednesday, August 12, 2026

GRANTS PASS TRIBUNE

Wednesday, August 12, 2026

Wednesday, July 1, 2026

GRANTS PASS TRIBUNE

16 ON MONDAY, MAY 18TH the Josephine County Board of Commissioners hosted a presentation from the Grants Pass & Josephine County Chamber of Commerce about the results of the most recent BR&E Survey (Business Retention & Expansion Survey). A collaborative effort between the Chamber, the City of Grants Pass, and Josephine County, the BR&E Survey has generally been done every three years since the year 1999. A total of 77 local businesses participated in this survey over the last year. This award-winning program heavily uses volunteers, and they generally go out in pairs of 2 and discuss an extensive questionnaire with businesses. The survey takes 45 minutes to an hour to complete and covers wide-ranging topics like concerns, opportunities, how well are the city and county departments doing in the provision of the various services from each department, actual and expected sales/revenue growth, and much more. The general philosophy behind the survey is that the best way to improve the economic vitality of a community is to help the businesses already in that community to grow and expand and the survey should help identify ways we can do that. In this year’s survey, three of the four top “concerns” of businesses were things largely out of our control at the local level such as worries about a recession, decreasing consumer confidence, and inflation. Availability of qualified workers was the number three concern, and that is somewhat in our control at the local level. Only 43 percent of companies surveyed said their industry sales/production levels were increasing as compared to 61 percent when the last survey was done a few years ago. This percentage was as high as 78% back in 2017. In various questions about innovations and changes made by businesses, “expanded use of technology” saw the highest percentage of businesses doing this or expecting to do this. Local resident Chuck Rund, Consultant with Long Research Consultants, LLC who made the BR&E survey presentation, remarked that technology and AI are the biggest trends affecting businesses nationwide today. Mr. Rund then remarked about how few of the businesses surveyed have internet sales making up a larger percentage of their business sales. Only 14% of businesses surveyed had over 50% of their sales internet-based and only 9% had 25-50% of their sales from the internet. And 42% of businesses surveyed had zero internet sales. The tone implied local businesses

GRANTS PASS TRIBUNE may not be leveraging technology enough compared to our peers across the nation. The top three workforce issues were problems recruiting employees, availability of childcare, and availability of workforce housing. In the Community Disadvantages category, “Housing/Homelessness” was number one and “Governance/Leadership” made the top four of local community disadvantages. One standout was how well businesses rated services from the various Grants Pass and Josephine County departments. While not pictured on the slides here, the best ranked county department was the Sheriff, followed by the Fairgrounds and the County Clerk’s office. For the City, Police and Fire services topped the best ranked departments. At the very bottom for the County was the Board of County Commissioners, with only 20% giving good ratings and for the City the City Council only received 12% good ratings. Budgets and Urban Renewal Agencies Speaking of economic development, which this survey was all about, budgets and urban renewal agencies (for cities in Oregon) play a big role how well services and infrastructure can be delivered and what incentives can be made at the city level to help with business developments. The City of Grants Pass budget committee recently reviewed and approved the City’s budget in near record time, with only one notable adjustment related to the City’s urban renewal agency. More money was directed from the urban renewal agency to help pay for bond payments related to the City’s wastewater treatment plant upgrade which was done several years ago. This is good because it follows the plan for what the City’s urban renewal agency was supposed to do when it was created nearly 10 years ago and frees up a little more money for the City’s Wastewater utility to tackle a very long list of needed wastewater infrastructure projects. Urban renewal agencies (URAs) are allowed to cover no more than 25% of the acreage inside a city, and the basic way they work is all the growth in assessed value on properties within the urban renewal zones go to the URA and then the URA funds projects that over time should help incentivize developments and increase property values even more than if those incentives didn’t exist. URAs are hard to explain, but here’s one way to look at how they work for cities in Oregon and why EVERY city of any size in Oregon should

have one. The growth in assessed values takes a little tax money away from the other taxing districts while the URA is in place. So it does slightly impact the City and all other taxing districts. But the portion of the tax coming from the local school district permanent tax rate doesn’t directly take tax revenue away from the school district. Allow me to explain as simply as possible. The state has a school funding formula that essentially backfills the local tax amounts so that all districts get the proper amount of funding per student. And due to the unique state constitutional laws about how property taxes work, all school districts have different local tax rates. So anything a city URA would take away from the school district’s property tax revenues essentially gets backfilled from state tax dollars. From the City’s perspective, a URA is almost the equivalent of free grant money, due to how the state school district property taxes work. And it’s like having local control of some of our state tax dollars with limited strings. The main limitation is the URA funds have to be spent on the type of projects in the approved URA plan. In the case of the Grants Pass URA, the Wastewater Plant expansion project and the new Water Treatment Plant being built today were both significant projects within the URA plan. The City’s URA boundaries were largely drawn around many of the main commercial corridors of Grants Pass and when formed was intended to benefit mainly economic development and business developments. This was and still is a business-centric URA. But the project list and boundaries of the URA have been adjusted slightly over time to include housing development incentives and a couple new projects. Grants Pass, during the life of its URA, will receive the equivalent of tens of millions of increment tax revenues, much of which are the nearly “free” grant money from state tax dollars that can be controlled at the local level. Of course, it’s all our tax money so nothing is free, but there is big value to getting local control of some of our state tax dollars. And on the flipside, if a city chooses not to use an urban renewal agency, it will essentially be allowing some of our tax dollars to be used somewhere else in the state. That is of course the hook with all state and federal grant or tax dollars…if we don’t use them someone else will. This brings us to Cave Junction, the only other incorporated city in all of Josephine Coun-

Wednesday, May 13, 2026 ty. I recently learned that the City of Cave Junction was considering forming an urban renewal agency recently and in the end the city council chose not to form it. I highly recommend reconsideration of forming a URA in the City of Cave Junction as it could make a huge positive difference over a 20-30 year lifetime of the average URA. As for budget matters of Josephine County, while the City of Grants Pass budget process is just about done, Josephine County only had its first budget committee meeting on Tuesday, May 19th. As opposed to some of the false and misleading campaign rhetoric coming from the commissioner candidate John West, according to this year’s budget officer Arthur O’Hare, the operating expense portion of the recommended budget for next fiscal year is over $2 million less than the current fiscal year. And there are about 20 less staff positions in this recommended budget as compared to the approved staffing positions in the current year’s budget. In my opinion, this is pretty much the opposite of John West’s recent accusations that the current commissioners growing government and growing the budget. So once again, I recommend not believing anything coming from the John West commissioner campaign without doing your own research. In my opinion, the false and misleading statements from John West are just as prevalent as they were before Josephine County voters recalled him from office 18 months ago.