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: Lincoln City Parks Facing $30 Million in Deferred Maintenance

Lincoln City's draft Parks & Recreation System Plan identifies approximately $30 million in deferred maintenance and future capital needs across the city's parks, beach accesses, trails, restrooms, recreation facilities, and public spaces.

While the plan does not approve spending, it provides a roadmap for projects that could compete for future city funding, grants, system development charges, urban renewal dollars, tourism-related funds, and potentially future voter-approved measures.

📊 The Big Number

Estimated Deferred Maintenance & Capital Needs:
💵 Approximately $30 million

This includes repairs, replacements, accessibility upgrades, facility improvements, and future development projects throughout the park system.

🏖️ Beach Access Projects Identified

Potential projects include:

• ADA beach access improvements at SW 65th Street
• Parking lot upgrades at Grace Hammond Wayside
• Restroom repairs and replacements
• New paved beach access at NW 68th Street

These projects focus primarily on accessibility, safety, and maintenance of existing public assets.

🌲 Parks With Major Needs Listed

The draft plan identifies improvement projects at:

• Dorchester Park
• Holmes Road Park
• Kids Park
• Regatta Park
• Sandpoint Park
• Siletz Bay Park
• Skate Park
• Taft Bayfront Park
• Wecoma Park

Proposed work ranges from playground replacements and restroom repairs to dock reconstruction, basketball court improvements, fencing, irrigation systems, and accessibility upgrades.

🌿 New Projects Under Consideration

Additional projects include:

• Canyon Drive Park picnic area and trail connections
• Nesika Park disc golf course development
• Completion of Schooner Creek Discovery Park

These projects represent potential future expansion rather than maintenance of existing facilities.

🏢 Community Center Improvements

The draft plan also identifies needs at the Community Center, including:

• Electrical system upgrades
• Irrigation improvements
• Basketball court resurfacing
• Future building expansion
• Seismic upgrades for emergency shelter use

These improvements could carry significant costs depending on the final scope.

🚻 Citywide Restroom Upgrades

The plan calls for:

• Replacement of remaining metal restroom doors
• Painting and rehabilitation of restroom facilities
• Major renovation of the SW 50th Street restroom

While less visible than playgrounds or new parks, these projects affect facilities used daily by residents and visitors.

📈 What Taxpayers Should Watch

The draft plan raises several questions:

❓ Which projects are considered the highest priority?

❓ How much of the $30 million will be funded through grants versus local dollars?

❓ Will tourism-related funds be used for park improvements?

❓ Could future bond measures or levies be proposed?

❓ How will projects be prioritized if funding is limited?

❓ Which projects are maintenance needs versus entirely new amenities?

🔍 Why This Matters

The Parks & Recreation System Plan is not a spending authorization.

However, it often serves as the foundation for future grant applications, budget requests, capital improvement projects, and long-term funding decisions.

In short: today's plan can become tomorrow's budget request.

Lincoln City Connect will continue tracking the discussion, funding sources, and project priorities as the draft plan moves through the review process.

Your Voice Matters: If only a portion of these projects can be funded, which should come first?

💰 FOLLOW THE MONEY: Where Does Lincoln City's Hotel Tax Go?

Every time a visitor stays in a Lincoln City hotel, motel, or vacation rental, they pay a Transient Room Tax (TRT).

For FY 2026-27, the City expects to receive approximately $13.1 million in TRT revenue. According to the proposed budget, here's how those visitor-generated dollars are planned to be spent:

🏖️ 38% Tourism Promotion
Promoting Lincoln City and attracting visitors.

🚧 16% Street Maintenance
Road repairs and transportation infrastructure.

🌲 16% Parks & Recreation
Park operations, recreation programs, and facility maintenance.

👮 13% Public Safety
Police and emergency services support.

🏢 8% City Buildings & Facility Improvements
Maintenance and improvements to City-owned facilities.

🌳 5% Parks Capital Projects
Major park improvements and construction projects.

📋 5% Administration
Administration of the TRT program.

🔍 Less than 1% Review & Compliance
Ensuring compliance with TRT regulations.

📊 What Does This Mean?

The largest single share of TRT revenue is dedicated to tourism promotion, while the remaining funds help support roads, parks, public safety, and city facilities. TRT revenue is projected to be one of Lincoln City's largest revenue sources, generating over $13 million this fiscal year.

💬 Your Voice Matters

If you could redirect future TRT dollars, where would you prioritize spending?

✔️ Roads & Infrastructure

✔️ Public Safety

✔️ Parks & Recreation

✔️ Tourism Promotion

✔️ Public Facilities

Lincoln City Connect will continue reviewing city budgets and tracking where public dollars are allocated.

🌊 Offshore Wind in Oregon — What Residents Should Know

You may be hearing more discussion about offshore wind development along the Oregon Coast.

At this time:

✅ No offshore wind projects have been approved in Oregon.

✅ No offshore wind turbines have been built off the Oregon coast.

✅ The State of Oregon is currently working on an Offshore Wind Roadmap, which is a planning document intended to evaluate opportunities, challenges, and potential future scenarios.

What the Roadmap Does

The roadmap:

• Does not approve any wind projects

• Does not authorize construction

• Does not select specific project locations

• Helps state agencies, communities, tribes, industries, and residents evaluate potential future impacts and opportunities

What We Know So Far

If offshore wind were pursued in the future, it would likely require:

• Port improvements

• Transmission and electrical grid upgrades

• Specialized vessels and equipment

• Long-term maintenance infrastructure

• Additional environmental and economic review

What We Don't Know Yet

Several important questions remain:

❓ What would future projects cost?

❓ Who would pay for infrastructure upgrades?

❓ What impacts could occur to fisheries, recreation, tourism, marine ecosystems, and coastal communities?

❓ What economic benefits or jobs could be created?

❓ What long-term environmental impacts would occur?

Why It Matters

The roadmap itself does not build anything.

However, planning decisions made today can influence future policy discussions, permitting decisions, and development proposals.

Whether you support offshore wind, oppose it, or are still gathering information, this is the stage where public input can help shape the conversation.

💬 What questions do you have about offshore wind in Oregon?

📧 If you'd like to share your thoughts, concerns, or questions, email Lincoln City Connect. Comments can be shared anonymously.

🔎 FOLLOW THE MONEY: Lincoln County Schools Facing a $5 Million Budget Gap

Lincoln County School District is currently working to address a projected $5 million budget shortfall, prompting discussions about staffing reductions, program adjustments, and other cost-saving measures.

District officials have cited declining student enrollment, rising operational costs, and state funding challenges as major factors affecting the budget.

As budget discussions continue, many community members are asking questions about both the immediate shortfall and the district's long-term financial outlook.

📊 Questions Residents Are Asking

💰 What factors contributed to the projected $5 million shortfall?

👨‍🏫 How many positions could be affected, and which departments are being reviewed?

📉 How has student enrollment changed over the past five to ten years?

🏫 How does enrollment impact the amount of state funding the district receives?

📈 How have district expenditures changed over time?

🏢 What percentage of the budget is spent on administration versus classroom instruction?

🎓 What programs and services could be impacted?

💵 Are there reserve funds available, and what is their intended purpose?

📋 What options are being considered to reduce the shortfall?

🔮 What is the district's long-term financial plan?

🏫 Why It Matters

The Lincoln County School District serves thousands of students across the county, and budget decisions can affect:

• Classroom staffing
• Student programs
• Academic support services
• Athletics and activities
• Transportation
• Facility maintenance

Understanding how funding works—and where dollars are being spent—helps the community stay informed as decisions are made.

💬 Your Voice Matters

What questions would you like district leaders to answer?

📧 Send your questions to info@lincolncityconnect.com

Lincoln City Connect will continue following the budget discussions and sharing publicly available information as it becomes available.

This post is intended to encourage public understanding and discussion of school district finances. Lincoln City Connect is not affiliated with Lincoln County School District.

♿ U.S. 101 ADA Curb Ramp Improvement Project

📍 Location: U.S. Highway 101 through Lincoln City
Mileposts: 112.3–118 and 121.42–125

💰 Project Cost: $23.25 million

📅 Design: 2022–2024
🚧 Construction: 2024 – Summer 2026

What's Included?

• Replacement of non-compliant ADA curb ramps

• Improved pedestrian crossings

• Accessibility upgrades at intersections

• Sidewalk and crossing improvements

• Signal and push-button upgrades where needed

Why It Matters

This project is designed to bring Highway 101 pedestrian facilities into compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), improving access and safety for:

✔ Residents

✔ Visitors

✔ Seniors

✔ People with mobility challenges

✔ Families using strollers and mobility devices

What Residents May Notice

• Temporary lane closures

• Night construction in some areas

• Intermittent sidewalk closures

• Traffic control at active work zones

Follow the Money

💰 Total Project Cost: $23,252,051

This is one of the larger transportation projects currently underway in Lincoln City and represents a substantial investment in accessibility and pedestrian infrastructure along the Highway 101 corridor.

🔎 LCC Follow the Money Question

With over $23 million invested in ADA and pedestrian improvements along Highway 101, what additional safety improvements would residents like to see next?

🚶 More sidewalks

🚦 Additional crossing signals

🚲 Bike lane improvements

💡 Better lighting

🚸 School-area safety upgrades

💰 FOLLOW THE MONEY: D River Welcome Center

Lincoln City has budgeted approximately $6.25 million for design and construction of the proposed D River Welcome Center. According to the FY 2026-27 proposed budget, the project is expected to be funded through Transient Room Tax (TRT) revenues and a state grant.

📍 Location: D River area

🌊 Located within the tsunami inundation zone

Budgeted Project Cost

🏢 Welcome Center Design & Construction: $6,254,107

The City Manager's budget message also references a total construction cost of approximately $7.15 million, with funding coming from lodging tax revenues and a state lottery grant.

Questions Residents Are Asking

❓ Is the D River area the best location?

❓ How will the facility operate during a tsunami evacuation event?

❓ What will the annual operating costs be?

❓ What economic benefits are expected?

❓ Are there alternative projects that should take priority?

❓ How much TRT revenue will ultimately be used?

💬 Your Voice Matters

If Lincoln City had $6+ million available for a major community project, what would you prioritize?

🚧 Roads & Infrastructure

🚰 Water & Sewer Improvements

👮 Public Safety

🌲 Parks & Recreation

🏘️ Housing Initiatives

🏢 D River Welcome Center

Lincoln City Connect will continue tracking project costs, funding sources, and future council discussions as additional information becomes available.

🌌 Dark Sky Policies: A Balanced Look for Lincoln City

As communities across the country explore ways to reduce light pollution, some residents have asked whether Lincoln City should consider "Dark Sky" principles in future lighting decisions.

Dark Sky policies generally encourage:

💡 Shielded lighting fixtures

💡 Directing light downward where it's needed

💡 Reducing unnecessary glare

💡 Limiting light spill into neighboring properties and the night sky

💡 Using lighting that balances visibility, safety, and environmental concerns

⚖️ Potential Benefits vs. Community Concerns

🌌 Night Sky Visibility vs. Coastal Conditions

Potential Benefits

✔ Reduced light pollution

✔ Better visibility of stars and celestial events

✔ Preservation of natural nighttime character

Community Concerns

⚠ Lincoln City frequently experiences cloud cover, fog, and marine layers

⚠ Night sky visibility may vary significantly depending on weather conditions

🛌 Residential Comfort vs. Public Safety

Potential Benefits

✔ Less light entering homes

✔ Reduced glare from overly bright fixtures

✔ Improved nighttime ambiance

Community Concerns

⚠ Residents may have concerns about lighting levels in:

• Parking lots

• Beach accesses

• Parks and trails

• Pedestrian areas

⚠ Adequate lighting remains important for visibility and safety

🐦 Wildlife Protection vs. Coastal Access

Potential Benefits

✔ Reduced impacts on wildlife

✔ Less disruption to nocturnal species

✔ Improved environmental stewardship

Community Concerns

⚠ Visitors unfamiliar with local beaches may rely on lighting for navigation

⚠ Coastal hazards such as tides, driftwood, uneven surfaces, and weather conditions still require careful consideration

💡 Energy Efficiency vs. Upgrade Costs

Potential Benefits

✔ Reduced energy consumption

✔ Potential long-term utility savings

✔ More efficient lighting technology

Community Concerns

⚠ Existing fixtures may need replacement over time

⚠ Upgrade costs could affect public agencies, businesses, and property owners

🚓 Visibility vs. Light Pollution

Potential Benefits

✔ Well-designed lighting can reduce glare and improve targeted visibility

✔ Light is focused where needed rather than scattered

Community Concerns

⚠ Residents may question how lighting changes affect:

• Public safety

• Emergency response

• Visibility in public areas

🏪 Business Needs vs. Nighttime Character

Potential Benefits

✔ Reduced visual clutter

✔ Preservation of Lincoln City's coastal atmosphere

✔ Improved neighborhood compatibility

Community Concerns

⚠ Businesses may have concerns regarding:

• Sign visibility

• Customer wayfinding

• Evening activity

• Tourism-related impacts

💬 Your Voice Matters

If Lincoln City were to consider Dark Sky principles in the future, what should be the priority?

🌌 Protecting the night sky

🐦 Supporting wildlife and environmental goals

🚶 Maintaining public safety and visibility

🏪 Supporting local businesses and tourism

⚖ Finding a balance between all of the above

What do you think would work best for a coastal community like Lincoln City?

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