If you are in east Lincoln County, keep an eye out for Community Deputies Rigo Vera and Bo Douglas working throughout the contract area.
The Siletz Area Law Enforcement Service District continues to support visible community policing and local engagement. In 2025, deputies conducted approximately 195 traffic stops, 600 area checks, and made 55 criminal arrests within the district.
The next Siletz Enhanced Budget Committee Meeting will be held: 📍 Siletz City Hall / Electronic Access 📅 May 27, 2026 🕕 6:00 PM
This year the Sheriff’s Office partnered with the community during National Night Out in August — an annual event focused on strengthening relationships between law enforcement and the community. Additional district funding helped expand the event with four bounce houses and community activities, while the Siletz Valley Charter School Culinary Class and Bristo’s food truck helped serve approximately 500 meals to attendees.
The 2025–2028 Strategic Plan centers around three overarching goals designed to promote team growth and development, organizational excellence and customer service, and community safety and collaboration.
The three goals in this plan are: (1) Enhance team safety, growth, and retention by creating a safer, more engaging and wellness-focused environment. (2) Foster organizational excellence, earn and maintain public trust, and deliver outstanding service through continuous improvement, transparency, and by prioritizing community needs. (3) Enhance community safety and improve quality of life for residents and visitors through proactive law enforcement, collaboration, and innovative solutions.
Photos are from the recent community meeting that covered services and reviewed project funding within the district. It was a great opportunity for community discussion, questions, and public feedback. If you missed it – you can provide input or ask questions anytime!
I spent many years serving Lincoln County as a Public Information Officer before becoming a commissioner. One of the greatest joys of that work was helping people — providing information, solving problems, and helping our community navigate government more effectively.
When we show up from an authentic space – we strengthen trust itself. People sense when someone is really listening and really trying to help.
One of the reasons I decided to run for county commissioner in 2022 was that I believed we could expand trust inside the organization and outward to the community. When I first took office, I spent much of my time listening and observing. What is secret sauce of relationships and ultimately our democratic ideals?
I began to recognize deeper organizational challenges. While many talented people work within county government, we had yet to develop a unified internal vision connecting departments, leadership, and public service goals.
Before my exile our internal teams were beginning to explore how we could improve our level of service to each other. There was hope and I felt optimistic despite the ongoing revelations of just how challenging change culture can be.
Healthy organizations — especially public institutions — need psychological safety. People should be able to ask questions, raise concerns, contribute ideas, and participate meaningfully without fear of exclusion or retaliation. That principle applies everywhere: families, workplaces, community organizations, and government alike.
People often ask me how I continue after 17 months of conflict, exclusion, and uncertainty.
The truth is: it has been difficult.
But this experience has also reinforced something important to me — democracy is tested less when times are good. We are all deeply tested when disagreement becomes uncomfortable. When we lose our resilience to remain open and collaborative things can spiral quickly.
I did not run for office because I believed governing would always feel good or because public service would always be affirming. I ran because I believe collaboration works best when:
questions can be asked openly,
processes are transparent,
people are treated respectfully,
staff, elected officials and the public can continue to engage
What keeps me going are the people who say, “Please keep asking questions.” At the same time, I really appreciate those who recognize that we are all neighbors, coworkers, and possibly friends. May we let curiosity be stronger than fear, strive to stay calm under pressure and use transparency to build empathy and trust.
Spring is bringing communities together across Lincoln County!
On May 16th, two incredible events are happening on the Central Oregon Coast celebrating healthy families, creativity, local businesses, and community connection.
Spring Family Fest Hosted by Lincoln County Oregon Public Health 📍 Yachats Commons 🕐 1–4 PM Families can connect with local programs supporting children, parents, and caregivers while enjoying free activities, resources, and community engagement.
Public health is rooted in the idea that everyone deserves the opportunity to be healthy, safe, and supported in their community.
Hosted by the Maternal Child & Family Health Community Advisory Board in partnership with Oregon Health Insurance Marketplace, Yachats Commons, and IHN-CCO.
5th Annual Bloom Newport Hosted by Oregon Coast Council for the Arts 📍 Newport Performing Arts Center 🕒 3–7 PM
Bloom Newport is a vibrant, free community festival celebrating local artists, makers, musicians, nonprofits, conservation groups, food, creativity, and connection. From workshops and performances to interactive experiences and family-friendly activities, this event highlights the incredible spirit and talent of our coastal communities.
What began as a Leadership Lincoln community project has grown into a celebration of diversity, resilience, collaboration, and new beginnings.
Whether you spend the day in Yachats, Newport, or both — May 16th is a great opportunity to support local organizations, celebrate community, and enjoy everything that makes Lincoln County special.
Valuable insights and community-driven work highlighted at a recent Rotary Club of Newport meeting:
McKenzie River Trust
A nonprofit land trust founded in 1989, working to protect critical habitats and scenic lands—from the McKenzie River basin to coastal headlands, rivers, streams, and lakes stretching from Reedsport to Lincoln City. Their work is a strong reminder of how conservation and community go hand in hand. (https://mckenzieriver.org/)
Lincoln County Solid Waste Disposal Service District
Staff shared updates on the County’s RV Abatement Program—an effort to remove abandoned RVs and vehicles from public roads and partner with cities and private property owners to address derelict units.
I had the opportunity to spend some time with Guy, a dedicated advocate for reducing microplastics on our beaches. Through Rotary-led efforts, individuals and groups can take part in hands-on beach cleanups along the Oregon Coast.
Our meeting was hosted at this impressive facility operated by the Lincoln County Historical Society.
The center offers a multi-purpose meeting space and serves as an interactive cultural hub—connecting visitors to our working waterfront, maritime history, and educational programming.
It was truly a pleasure to be part of Newport’s Loyalty Days parade this year!
Thank you to everyone who came out, shared kind words, and brought such positive energy. A big thank you to the organizers, sponsors, and volunteers who make this event possible every year.
I was a little anxious going into it. The past year and a half hasn’t been easy, but seeing familiar faces, hearing your encouragement, and having my nephews jump in was genuinely affirming.
Some people have asked me lately: why keep going?
The answer is simple. Over 13,000 of you trusted me to serve in 2022, and I don’t take that lightly. That responsibility means showing up, staying honest, and continuing the work – even when it’s difficult.
I believe Lincoln County Government can reflect the professionalism, transparency, and trust our community deserves. That’s what keeps me going. “We” have more to accomplish together. Mindset matters.
Commissioner Update: Federal Forest Lands and Lincoln County’s Role
At the recent meeting of the Association of Oregon Counties (AOCC), counties from across Oregon discussed the future of federally managed forest lands, particularly those overseen by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). These conversations are important to Lincoln County, both now and in the years ahead.
Participation in the MOU does not commit Lincoln County to specific funding or staffing obligations. Any future level of engagement would be determined by the Board. At its core, the MOU is about access, communication, and awareness.
Why This Matters to Lincoln County
Federal forest lands influence a wide range of outcomes in our community. Over the past five years, Lincoln County has received approximately $460,000 in federal forest-related funding. By comparison, counties such as Lane County have received between $18 million and $30 million during the same period. While the scale differs, the same federal land management decisions still affect all counties.
Beyond revenue, how these lands are managed influences wildfire risk and community safety, ecosystem health and wildlife habitat, and the broader working forest economy. Forest-related activity supports jobs, local businesses, and regional supply chains.
Federal forest lands also support recreation that is central to Lincoln County’s identity and economy. Activities such as hiking, fishing, hunting, camping, and tourism depend on accessible and well-managed public lands, contributing to local businesses and overall quality of life.
Looking Ahead: Long-Term Planning
Federal land management is guided by long-range Resource Management Plans (RMPs), developed by the Bureau of Land Management. These plans typically span 15 to 20 years and establish direction for land use allocations, timber and harvest levels, conservation areas, recreation uses, and overall management priorities.
These planning processes shape long-term outcomes for counties, communities, and ecosystems, which is why early engagement is important.
Lincoln County’s role is not to control federal lands, but to ensure our community is represented in the conversation. The AOCC Lands MOU helps ensure that counties are included early in discussions, can communicate local fiscal and community impacts, and have an opportunity to inform decisions that affect county revenue and public services.
Engaging early allows us to bring forward local knowledge and priorities before decisions are finalized.
Community Input
This is an early step, and there will be additional opportunities for discussion and input as these processes move forward. Community perspectives are important in shaping how these lands are managed.
If you would like to share your thoughts or receive updates on this topic, I welcome the conversation.
As Lincoln County’s representative to AOCC, my role is to bring our county’s voice into statewide discussions and to bring that information back to the Board and the public. My goal is to ensure that Lincoln County is not simply reacting to decisions, but is part of the conversation shaping them.
I recently met with local workforce leaders from WorkSource Oregon and Northwest Oregon Works — including Katrina Sturgeon, Niki Price, Corey Habiger, and Jason Bradford — to stay connected to the systems that support both our workforce and our local businesses.
These organizations play a critical role in our community:
– WorkSource Oregon helps individuals find jobs, build skills, and access training opportunities
– Northwest Oregon Works invests federal, state, and local resources to strengthen our regional economy and align workforce programs with real community needs
Together, they bridge the gap between employers and job seekers — helping people get back to work faster and helping businesses grow with a skilled workforce.
As a county commissioner, it’s important that I understand and advocate for both sides of this system — the individuals seeking opportunity and the businesses working to thrive.
Strong workforce partnerships mean stronger communities.
WorkSource Oregon – Helping people find jobs and businesses find talent. Jobe seekers – Find the right opportunity. Businesses – find the right candidate: https://worksourceoregon.org
NW Oregon Works – Collaborates closely with local educational institutions, businesses, and government partners at the local, state, and federal levels. https://nworegonworks.org
Katrina Sturgeon, Workforce & Community Development Manager at NW Oregon Works.
Great to spend time with Katrina Sturgeon, Workforce & Community Development Manager at NW Oregon Works. Workforce development boards like NWOW collaborate closely with local educational institutions, businesses, and government partners at the local, state, and federal levels. These partnerships help align our regional workforce strategies with real opportunities for residents and employers.
I appreciate Katrina taking the time to deepen my understanding so I can be an effective commissioner representative for Northwest Oregon Works. We discussed educational pathways, talent pipelines, and how our region can continue supporting key sectors like manufacturing, healthcare, maritime, transportation, and hospitality. NWOW invests in people: youth exploring first careers, adults retooling for new opportunities, and workers seeking long-term stability.
In addition to rapid response services, NW Oregon Works and WorkSource Oregon deliver comprehensive workforce development across Clatsop, Columbia, Tillamook, Lincoln, and Benton counties. Together, they connect job seekers (especially youth ages 16–24) and employers with training, career coaching, job placement, and supportive services through the Oregon Employment Department to build a skilled workforce and strengthen local economies.
Katrina’s recent work with the WorkSource Oregon Rapid Response Team ensured that workers affected by the sudden closure of Rogue Brewery were informed and connected with critical services. And while workforce partners mobilized quickly, it’s important to recognize that Rogue did not close because it lacked qualified workers. The shutdown was the result of financial collapse, debt obligations, declining markets, and other structural conditions far beyond the reach of any training or talent initiative.
Workforce Boards exist to ensure that workers remain resilient during economic shifts. Rogue’s story is a powerful reminder that while no workforce system can guarantee market stability or prevent business closures, we can strengthen community resilience. We prepare people for new opportunities, help employers access talent, and support workers when industries evolve or businesses fail.
Northwest Oregon Workforce Plan: Building Opportunity and Economic Resilience (2024–2028)
As a county commissioner and representative on Northwest Oregon Works, this local board plan is important because it provides the strategic framework for how workforce investments are aligned with real economic conditions, industry needs, and community priorities across our region. It shows how decisions about funding, training programs, and partnerships are guided by data, labor market trends, and measurable outcomes—ensuring accountability for how public resources are used.
At the same time, it reinforces my role in helping connect education, employers, and workforce systems so that residents have access to meaningful career pathways and employers can find the talent they need.
For the community, this plan communicates that there is a coordinated, regional effort focused on building economic opportunity, supporting key industries, and expanding access to jobs—especially for individuals facing barriers to employment. It emphasizes that workforce development is not a single program, but a collaborative system designed to strengthen both people and the broader economy, while advancing equitable access and long-term economic self-sufficiency across Northwest Oregon. (Review the Plan)
I am proud to continue this work with NW Oregon Works and all our regional partners. A few examples of your dollars at work!
For example: MARITIME SECTOR – Total Maritime Funding: $248,822.00
Oregon Coast Community College (OCCC) –$103,747.00
Funded new instructors in Aquarium Science and Welding. Expanded programming to include Aquaculture Technician training focused on land-based systems. Welding instruction increased capacity by 68students, each earning a Shipbuilding & Repair Level II certificate.
Oo-Nee Sea Urchin –$60,150.00
Trained 4 divers, 6 part-time processors, and 2 aquaculture interns to support kelp restoration and urchin processing. Funding advanced efforts to build sustainable coastal supply chains and long-term employment.
Newport Fishermen’s Wives –$44,925.00
Purchased safety gear and permits to support ~300 fishermen during the Winter crab season, retaining skilled workers and supporting new entrants into the fishing industry.
Local Ocean Seafoods –$40,000.00
Developed a zero-waste fish processing model. Hired a business development manager and staff to expand operations, aiming to create 8 full-time jobs.
There were many wonderful moments last night at the Pearls of Wisdom fundraising event for Oregon Coast Community College.
Every dollar raised helps OCCC expand scholarships, strengthen workforce training, and create opportunities for students to build careers right here at home in Lincoln County.
I had the chance to reconnect with many people who have advocated for our community college for years. It was amazing to reflect on how far OCCC has come since its early days along Highway 101 in Newport more than 20 years ago — when I was a student myself. I found myself thinking about those humble beginnings and sharing those memories with others who helped build this college into what it is today.
My own community college journey began at Yuba College in the early 1990s. Later, in the early 2000s, I enrolled at OCCC as a proud Shark.
Oregon Coast Community College played an important role in my own path. When I became self-employed, the coursework available at OCCC helped me develop the practical skills I needed to run a small business here in Lincoln County while continuing to grow professionally.
Without that opportunity, I’m not sure my path would have unfolded the same way.
Community colleges provide accessible education, practical training, and the confidence people need to move forward with their goals. My story is just one example of what happens when those opportunities are available.
That’s why I believe we must continue to protect, support, and strengthen community colleges — especially our own Oregon Coast Community College.
Thank you to the donors, board members, community partners, and volunteers who support OCCC and help create opportunities for others.
Your investment ensures that students across Lincoln County can access education, gain skills, and build successful lives right here in our community. Thank you for believing in the power of education.
The OCCC Foundation provides vital scholarships for economically challenged students and supports the growth of new academic programs to meet the evolving needs of our community. We could not do it without the support of generous donors like you.
Reach out to Jeanette Campagna, Director of Advancement, at 541-867-8531
Last week I had the opportunity to attend the ribbon cutting for the Coast Vineyard Village tiny home project in Lincoln City. It was a gratifying moment for many reasons — not only because of the homes themselves, but because of what they represent for our community.
Recovery can and does happen. But, it’s a painfully long process and restoration may never make us whole in the way we hoped. Yet, these tiny homes are finally here and they are indicative that we can and will continue to support each other in Lincoln County.
Projects like this do not happen overnight. They are the result of years of work by nonprofit organizations, community partners, local governments, and state and federal programs all working together toward a common goal: helping people regain stability through safe and accessible housing.
The Coast Vineyard Village development, led by Northwest Coastal Housing and built in partnership with Coast Vineyard Church and other community partners, provides small, efficient homes designed to support neighbors who were displaced by the 2020 Echo Mountain wildfire and individuals experiencing housing instability.
Standing at that ribbon cutting, I was reminded that this single project is part of a much larger story unfolding in Lincoln County.
A Framework Emerging from Crisis
When the Echo Mountain wildfire struck in 2020, hundreds of families in North Lincoln County lost their homes. Like many rural communities, we faced the challenge of how to support recovery while also addressing the broader housing shortage that existed long before the fire.
Over the past several years, Lincoln County has been quietly building what is becoming one of the more thoughtful rural housing recovery frameworks in Oregon.
This framework has taken shape through a series of key steps.
The County adopted policies to support wildfire rebuilding and help families recover their homes. We worked with state housing agencies to bring disaster recovery resources into the community. We helped coordinate housing navigation services so displaced households could connect with available programs and support.
At the same time, nonprofit housing developers, faith-based organizations, and community partners began bringing forward projects that addressed different parts of the housing spectrum.
Some projects focused on transitional housing, such as motel conversions that created dozens of units for people moving out of homelessness. Others focused on affordable rental housing for working families, seniors, and people living on fixed incomes. Habitat for Humanity and other partners have helped expand opportunities for homeownership and disaster recovery housing.
The tiny homes at Coast Vineyard Village represent another important piece of that larger system — providing a smaller-scale, community-oriented housing option that can help people regain stability and move forward.
The County’s Role: Connector, Partner, and Steward
One important thing for residents to understand is that most housing construction funding does not come directly from the county itself.
One recent example is the County’s Community and Economic Development Grant Program.
Lincoln County receives funds from the Oregon Lottery based on the play of video lottery in the county. The Board of Commissioners has elected to use this resource to help with local community and economic development projects through our own unique grant construct.
The 2025–26 Community and Economic Development Grant Program, two housing projects received direct funding: Northwest Coastal Housing – Olalla Meadows: $50,000. Habitat for Humanity of Lincoln County – Forest Lake Park: $50,000.
Lincoln County also uses it’s lottery funds to support the Economic Development Alliance of Lincoln County and the Small Business Development Center; and provide low interest loans to small businesses through Cascades West Council of Governments.
Large housing developments are typically financed through state housing programs, federal disaster recovery funds, nonprofit developers, and private financing tools such as housing tax credits.
The role of county government is often different — but no less important.
Lincoln County serves as a connector between partners, a coordinator for state and federal housing resources, and a steward of policies that help make housing projects possible. We administer grants, support partnerships, and work with cities, nonprofits, and service providers to bring projects to life.
Sometimes the County contributes modest local funding that helps leverage larger investments. Often our role is helping align partners and ensuring projects move forward in a responsible and sustainable way.
In many ways, the County helps provide the framework that allows these efforts to take shape.
Supporting Stability While Living Within Our Means
As a County Commissioner, I believe strongly that housing stability is one of the foundations of a healthy community. When people have a safe place to live, they have the opportunity to work, care for their families, and participate in community life.
At the same time, county government must always operate responsibly within its financial means. Our goal is not to overcommit local resources, but to support partnerships and policies that bring the right mix of funding and expertise into our community.
When we do that well, we can help create real solutions without placing unnecessary strain on county budgets.
Looking Forward
The ribbon cutting at Coast Vineyard Village is a meaningful milestone, but it is also just one step in a longer journey.
The progress we are seeing now is the result of many partners working together — nonprofit housing organizations, faith communities, cities, state agencies, and local residents who care deeply about the future of Lincoln County.
I am grateful to everyone involved in making this project possible and proud of the role Lincoln County continues to play in supporting solutions that help our community recover, grow, and remain a place where people can build stable and productive lives.
Lincoln County Animal Shelter: A Community Commitment Delivered
It is an absolute pleasure to see the new Lincoln County Animal Shelter come together. Lincoln County works to protect animals, support pet owners, and partner with community organizations to ensure animals are treated humanely and have the opportunity to find safe homes.
At the end of the day, this project represents something simple but important: delivering on the commitment you entrusted us with — caring for animals in Lincoln County.
Projects like this never happen because of one person. They happen because many people show up over time, bringing their experience, patience, and dedication to the table.
For me personally, the weekly meetings during the design phase — for more than a year — were both a learning experience and an opportunity to participate in project management from the ground up, helping shape a facility that truly serves its purpose.
I would be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge former Commissioner Kaety Jacobson, former Sheriff Curtis Landers, and Assistant County Counsel Brian Gardner, all of whom were instrumental in helping bring this effort together.
The County also utilized a Construction Manager/General Contractor (CM/GC) delivery model for the project. After the County issued a Request for Proposals, DSL Builders joined the effort during the contractor selection and pre-construction planning phase, helping guide the project toward construction and completion.
So many individuals invested significant time and effort long before the ribbon cutting. Their work formed the foundation that made the new shelter possible. To finally walk through a facility that once existed only as diagrams on paper is truly a great joy.
Public projects are long journeys. Many hands carry the torch along the way. When a community commits to something important — and people stay the course — good things happen.
Thank you to everyone who helped make this possible for the animals and residents of Lincoln County.
The Mission of the Lincoln County Animal Shelter
The Lincoln County Animal Shelter’s core mission is to provide a safe haven for abandoned, stray, abused, and neglected animals in our county.
The shelter works to rescue, reunite, rehabilitate, and rehome animals, while also promoting responsible pet ownership through licensing and public education.
This means the County is responsible for ensuring animals that have nowhere else to go receive:
Safe housing
Food and daily care
Veterinary assessment
Rehabilitation and adoption opportunities
A Day in the Life of an Animal Care Specialist
Animal shelter standards estimate an average of 15 minutes per animal per day for feeding and cleaning alone. But the work goes far beyond basic care.
A typical day may include:
Phone calls and emails from residents
Walk-in assistance
Adoption counseling
Pet licensing support
Animal intake examinations
Behavior assessments
Veterinary appointments
Food bank coordination
Kennel cleaning and sanitation
Humane euthanasia when necessary
Laundry and facility maintenance
Data entry and record keeping
Community outreach and education
Managing donations and volunteers
Behind every adoption or reunion is a dedicated team working every day to care for the animals entrusted to us.
How the Animal Shelter is Funded
Prior to 2010, Lincoln County Animal Shelter services were funded through a combination of sources:
County General Fund dollars (the largest single source)
Contracts with the Cities of Lincoln City and Newport for animal control services
Fees and fines from enforcement of dog ordinances
Animal licensing fees
During the 2009–2010 fiscal year, Lincoln County experienced a significant reduction in General Fund resources. At that time, the County faced the possibility of reducing animal services to a limited impoundment function.
The community responded.
The organization Friends of Lincoln County Animals (FOLCAS) worked with the Board of Commissioners to develop a long-term funding solution to keep animal shelter services operating.
Key milestones included:
FOLCAS helping sustain operations for FY 2009–2010
Measure 21-134 (a five-year levy) passed with 71% voter support
$0.11 per $1,000 of assessed property value
A home assessed at $200,000 contributes about $22 per year
In 2011, voters approved making the levy permanent
Today, this dedicated funding source helps ensure Lincoln County can continue providing animal care and shelter services to the community.
