Tracking major spending, development, and public funding in Lincoln City.

👉 Looking closer at spending activity across Lincoln City

Stay informed. Ask questions.

Your questions matter— Drop them below---I'll research, investigate, and help uncover the answers behind local spending activity.

💰 FOLLOW THE MONEY: TRANSIENT ROOM TAX (TRT)

Ever wonder where hotel and vacation rental taxes go in Lincoln City?

Here’s a breakdown of how those visitor dollars are being spent:

🏖️ 38% – Tourism Promotion

🚧 16% – Street Maintenance

🌲 16% – Parks & Recreation

👮 12% – Public Safety

🏢 8% – City Buildings

🌳 5% – Parks Capital Projects

📋 5% – Administration

🔍 0% – Review/Oversight

📊 What does this mean for residents?

A large portion goes toward bringing MORE visitors in…

while smaller portions go toward infrastructure and services.

💬 QUESTION FOR THE COMMUNITY:

Do you think this balance reflects what Lincoln City needs most?

✔️ Roads

✔️ Safety

✔️ Parks

✔️ Tourism

Let us know your thoughts above

📌 Offshore Wind in Oregon — What People Should Know

You may be hearing more about “offshore wind” along the Oregon coast.

Right now, nothing has been approved or built.

The state is working on a “roadmap” — which is a planning document to explore what offshore wind could look like in the future.

Here are a few key facts that aren’t always clearly explained:

👉 There is no idea of cost or budget yet
👉 The roadmap does not approve projects, but helps prepare for them
👉 Offshore wind would require major infrastructure (ports, transmission, grid upgrades)
👉 Construction and maintenance involve large vessels and equipment, not all of which are emission-free
👉 Once planning is complete, projects could still be proposed later

The roadmap also looks at different futures — including with turbines and without turbines.

💡 What this means:
This is an early stage, but it’s also where direction gets set.

The details that matter most — like cost, impact, and long-term effects — are still largely unanswered.

—

No matter where you stand, this is something worth paying attention to now — not later.

Email your thoughts or concerns- I will post anonymously below

Follow the money

🔎 Follow the Money – Lincoln County Schools

Lincoln County School District is currently working through a projected $5 million budget shortfall, and discussions have begun about potential staffing reductions and program changes.

As the community learns more about the situation, many residents are asking deeper questions about how school funding works and how district budgets are managed over time.

School funding in Oregon is tied heavily to student enrollment, and district leaders have pointed to declining enrollment as a major factor in the current financial challenges. At the same time, community members are interested in understanding the full financial picture — including spending trends, administrative costs, and how funding decisions are made.

📊 Some questions being discussed in the community include:

• What factors contributed to the current $5 million shortfall?
• How has district spending changed over the past several years?
• What options exist to protect important programs for students?
• What role does state funding and enrollment trends play in local budgets?

Lincoln City Connect will continue following this issue as more information becomes available and as the district moves forward with budget discussions.

💬 What questions do you think should be asked?

Get involved- send your questions to info@lincolncityconnect.com

Schedule

Design: 2022 - 2024
Construction: 2024 - summer 2026

Location

U.S. 101 |

Lincoln City | Milepost 112.3 to 118 and milepost 121.42 to 125.

Cost and Funding

Design and construction: $23,252,051

💰 Over $6.2 MILLION for the D’River Welcome Center

📍 Located in a tsunami zone

Before construction even begins…
👉 Over $900,000 in additional costs

Take a look at where the money is going 👇

💬 Do you think this project is worth it?
💬 What would YOU prioritize instead for Lincoln City?

🌌 Dark Sky Policies: A Balanced Look for Lincoln City

💡 What “Dark Sky” Policies Are

“Dark Sky” ordinances aim to reduce light pollution through:

Shielded fixtures
Lower brightness levels
Lighting time restrictions
Limits on certain signage

Often promoted by the International Dark-Sky Association, these policies focus on environmental and quality-of-life improvements—but come with real trade-offs.

⚖️ Side-by-Side: Pros vs. Concerns

1. 🌌 Night Sky Visibility vs. 🌥️ Coastal Reality

Pro:

Clearer views of stars and the night sky
Potential for astro-tourism and photography

Con:

Lincoln City frequently has fog, clouds, and marine layers
Star visibility may not significantly improve

2. 🛌 Health Benefits vs. 🚶 Safety Concerns

Pro:

Less light intrusion into homes
Supports better sleep and natural rhythms

Con:

Reduced lighting in:
- Parking lots
- Beach access points
- Walking paths
Could increase fall risks or reduce visibility for safety

3. 🐦 Environmental Protection vs. 🌊 Coastal Risks

Pro:

Helps protect wildlife and marine ecosystems
Reduces disruption to nocturnal animals

Con:

Darker beach access areas may increase risks from:
- Tides
- Driftwood
- Uneven terrain
Visitors unfamiliar with the coast may be more vulnerable

4. 💡 Energy Savings vs. 💸 Upfront Costs

Pro:

Lower energy use over time
Reduced long-term utility costs

Con:

Property owners may need to:
- Replace fixtures
- Install compliant lighting
Costs can reach hundreds to thousands of dollars

5. 🚗 Smarter Lighting vs. 🚓 Visibility for Enforcement

Pro:

Reduces glare and improves targeted lighting
Can improve visibility when done correctly

Con:

Dimmer environments may make it harder for:
- Law enforcement to monitor activity
- Emergency responders to assess situations

6. 🏡 Quality of Life vs. 🏪 Business Impact

Pro:

More peaceful, less intrusive nighttime environment
Preserves a natural coastal atmosphere

Con:

Reduced lighting may affect:
- Storefront visibility
- Signage effectiveness
- Evening foot traffic
Could impact tourism-driven businesses

7. 🌍 Environmental Impact vs. 📋 Enforcement Challenges

Pro:

Reduces light pollution and carbon footprint
Supports broader environmental goals

Con:

Requires monitoring of:
- Brightness levels
- Fixture direction
- Lighting schedules
Could lead to:
- Increased regulation
- Neighbor complaints
- Code enforcement challenges

What's your thoughts?💭

In a coastal town like Lincoln City, should policies prioritize environmental benefits and reduced light pollution, or maintain stronger lighting for safety, business visibility, and tourism?

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