City seeks input for area for population growth
July 17th, 2020
In the year 2062, data projects that Eugene's population will grow to 262,000 residents (currently 171,245 as of the 2018 census). The Urban Reserves project planning identifies land outside of Eugene’s urban growth boundary. Both the City and Lane County have created 4 potential areas for growth- to potentially expand into new homes, jobs, schools, and parks.
We ask citizens to view the possible plans and contribute any opinions to help better inform their decision.
LEARN MORE
In the year 2062, data projects that Eugene's population will grow to 262,000 residents (currently 171,245 as of the 2018 census). The Urban Reserves project planning identifies land outside of Eugene’s urban growth boundary. Both the City and Lane County have created 4 potential areas for growth- to potentially expand into new homes, jobs, schools, and parks.
We ask citizens to view the possible plans and contribute any opinions to help better inform their decision.
LEARN MORE
Policies to expect on Legislative Special Session
June 18th, 2020
The 2020 February legislative session fell short of any conclusive policy agreements, so Governor Brown has called the legislature into a special session next week to address number of urgent issues. We will be monitoring this agenda very closely as it aims to alter several policies to include COVID-19 related legislation and police accountability measures.
A few policies on the agenda:
The 2020 February legislative session fell short of any conclusive policy agreements, so Governor Brown has called the legislature into a special session next week to address number of urgent issues. We will be monitoring this agenda very closely as it aims to alter several policies to include COVID-19 related legislation and police accountability measures.
A few policies on the agenda:
- Technical fixes to the Commercial Activity Tax
- New emergency shelter provisions
- Limited immunity for hotels and motels for COVID-19 isolation requests
- Commercial/residential evictions and foreclosure protections
- Transparency of police discipline records
- Independent investigation of use of force
Protect businesses from opportunistic lawsuits
June 10th, 2020
The Oregon State Chamber of Commerce reached out to us for assistance, requesting employers petition congress for protection from opportunistic COVID-19 lawsuits. Businesses who follow the guidelines issued by public health authorities should be able to safely provide their goods and services without the fear of crippling liability.
We request you join our efforts to inform Congress of this rising concern. Businesses need support, understanding, patience, and a lot of kindness to pull through this economic crisis successfully.
PETITION HERE
The Oregon State Chamber of Commerce reached out to us for assistance, requesting employers petition congress for protection from opportunistic COVID-19 lawsuits. Businesses who follow the guidelines issued by public health authorities should be able to safely provide their goods and services without the fear of crippling liability.
We request you join our efforts to inform Congress of this rising concern. Businesses need support, understanding, patience, and a lot of kindness to pull through this economic crisis successfully.
PETITION HERE
Petition to Congress for Save Small Business Coalition
May 12, 2020
The Eugene Chamber is partnering with the Small Business Coalition to create funds for struggling businesses. We are calling on Congress to create America’s Recovery Fund – a relief fund for businesses to operate during this unprecedented crisis, retain and rehire employees, pay rent, meet debt obligations, and pay taxes. America’s Recovery Fund will be a vital lifeline to business, communities, workers, and state and local governments, which rely on our success to fund local economies.
The Eugene Chamber is partnering with the Small Business Coalition to create funds for struggling businesses. We are calling on Congress to create America’s Recovery Fund – a relief fund for businesses to operate during this unprecedented crisis, retain and rehire employees, pay rent, meet debt obligations, and pay taxes. America’s Recovery Fund will be a vital lifeline to business, communities, workers, and state and local governments, which rely on our success to fund local economies.
Plans to open State in collaboration with OHSU
May 5, 2020
Draft plans to reopen sectors of the economy have been released, and the Eugene Chamber is working in collaboration with statewide partners and business groups to advocate on behalf of business needs. Below are current draft sector plans issued by Governor Brown:
Childcare
Restaurants
Retail
Guidelines for Employers
Guidelines for General Public
Draft plans to reopen sectors of the economy have been released, and the Eugene Chamber is working in collaboration with statewide partners and business groups to advocate on behalf of business needs. Below are current draft sector plans issued by Governor Brown:
Childcare
Restaurants
Retail
Guidelines for Employers
Guidelines for General Public
Business voices needed in request to delay the Corporate Activity Tax
April 20, 2020
In partnership with the Springfield Chamber of Commerce, we have drafted a request to the state for swift action. We ask that you "sign" this letter with us to show your support for this cause. In a time of isolation, unity is more critical than ever and we need the voices of business owners to be heard.
READ THE LETTER HERE
In partnership with the Springfield Chamber of Commerce, we have drafted a request to the state for swift action. We ask that you "sign" this letter with us to show your support for this cause. In a time of isolation, unity is more critical than ever and we need the voices of business owners to be heard.
READ THE LETTER HERE
Advocating for a delay in the Corporate Activity Tax
March 29, 2020
The Oregon Employer Community has called on state legislators to recognize the incredible burden employers are facing in light of COVID-19 and the impact of continuing to collect on the Corporate Activity Tax in this time of crisis.
The Eugene Chamber joins partners in advocating that the Corporate Activity Tax be delayed for the first two quarters of 2020 or to provide employers with an option of filing at a reduced rate. You can read the full letter below.
CAT Letter
The Oregon Employer Community has called on state legislators to recognize the incredible burden employers are facing in light of COVID-19 and the impact of continuing to collect on the Corporate Activity Tax in this time of crisis.
The Eugene Chamber joins partners in advocating that the Corporate Activity Tax be delayed for the first two quarters of 2020 or to provide employers with an option of filing at a reduced rate. You can read the full letter below.
CAT Letter
Update on City Payroll Tax
March 11, 2020
The Public Safety Payroll Tax will become effective January 1, 2021, no longer in July 2020.
It is expected to generate $23.6 million annually to provide faster, more efficient safety responses, deter crime, connect people to services, engage and help at-risk youth, support more investigations and court services, and add jail beds to reduce capacity-based releases and hold those who commit crimes accountable.
Here are some resources provided by the city for more information:
What is the payroll tax going to accomplish?
How will the payroll tax affect my business?
The Public Safety Payroll Tax will become effective January 1, 2021, no longer in July 2020.
It is expected to generate $23.6 million annually to provide faster, more efficient safety responses, deter crime, connect people to services, engage and help at-risk youth, support more investigations and court services, and add jail beds to reduce capacity-based releases and hold those who commit crimes accountable.
Here are some resources provided by the city for more information:
What is the payroll tax going to accomplish?
How will the payroll tax affect my business?
Eugene Chamber Endorses Measure 20-302
October 30, 2019
Back on June 10, with the full support of the Chamber Board and Local Government Affairs Council, the Eugene City Council enacted a payroll tax on employees and employers working in Eugene, to fund critical gaps in our public safety system.
The Chamber's support of the Community Justice Funding Initiative was thoroughly researched and vetted and came with several caveats, including what is now coming to Eugene voters in the form of Measure 20-302.
This measure will establish caps on the tax in the amounts of .0044% on employees and .0021% on employers. It also ensures that the revenues collected by the tax can only be used to fund community safety services and tax administration.
This past week, the Chamber's Board of Directors unanimously voted to support Measure 20-302 and we would encourage our members to support this measure as well.
Questions can be directed to our Director of Business Advocacy, Tiffany Edwards, at tiffanye@eugenechamber.com.
Back on June 10, with the full support of the Chamber Board and Local Government Affairs Council, the Eugene City Council enacted a payroll tax on employees and employers working in Eugene, to fund critical gaps in our public safety system.
The Chamber's support of the Community Justice Funding Initiative was thoroughly researched and vetted and came with several caveats, including what is now coming to Eugene voters in the form of Measure 20-302.
This measure will establish caps on the tax in the amounts of .0044% on employees and .0021% on employers. It also ensures that the revenues collected by the tax can only be used to fund community safety services and tax administration.
This past week, the Chamber's Board of Directors unanimously voted to support Measure 20-302 and we would encourage our members to support this measure as well.
Questions can be directed to our Director of Business Advocacy, Tiffany Edwards, at tiffanye@eugenechamber.com.
Growing Capital Access for Small Businesses
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September 18, 2019
Advocating for dedicated funding sources to help businesses grow This past Monday, our Director of Business Advocacy, Tiffany Edwards, spent time in Salem to meet with Legislators, the State Treasurer and Governor Brown on how we can grow capital access for Oregon small businesses. The Eugene Chamber advocated for dedicated funding sources for businesses who encounter barriers when trying to access funds that would help them create jobs, grow and expand. |
We asked that the Legislature act during the 2020 session to better address the capital needs of small and emerging businesses across Oregon, especially women and minority-owned businesses that face additional barriers.
