🚧 Lincoln City Infrastructure & Community Projects Update – August 2026

Multiple infrastructure, utility, transportation, and community projects are moving forward across Lincoln City. Here's a look at the major projects we're currently tracking.

🚰 Water System & Utility Updates

Citywide Smart Water Meter Upgrade

Status: Final Phase

Lincoln City's multi-year project to replace aging water meters with wireless radio-read meters continues toward completion in 2026.

The new meters are intended to improve billing accuracy, identify leaks faster, reduce manual meter reading, and modernize the City's water system.

💧 Water & Sewer Rate Changes

Status: Under Discussion

Water and sewer rates continue to be a major issue to watch.

The City has been reviewing changes to the rate structure while also planning for future water and sewer infrastructure needs.

For residents, the important questions remain:

• How much will monthly bills change?
• How will different levels of water use be affected?
• What future infrastructure is being built into the rates?
• How much of the cost will existing customers carry?

We'll continue following this as the proposal moves forward.

🚰 Lincoln 44 — Future Water Reservoir

Status: Property Acquired / Future Planning

The Lincoln City Urban Renewal Agency purchased the property commonly known as Lincoln 44 for $1.025 million.

The property has been identified for a future water reservoir as part of longer-term water system planning.

Lincoln 44 has also been identified as an alternate location being considered for the future City Hall and Library project, making this property one we'll continue watching closely.

🚧 Highway 101 Utility & Street Improvements

N. 33rd Street to NE Holmes Road

Work includes:

• New water main
• New sidewalks
• Storm drainage improvements
• Utility infrastructure upgrades

This project was scheduled to move into construction during Summer 2026.

🚧 NE Neptune Street Improvements

Location: NE Neptune Street between NE 63rd Street and NE 66th Street

Planned improvements include:

• Drainage improvements
• Mountable curbs
• Roadway improvements

This project was scheduled for construction beginning in Summer 2026.

🚰 Spring Lake Distribution Project

The City is constructing new water infrastructure connecting the existing distribution system with the Spring Lake Pump Station.

The project is intended to:

• Improve water-system reliability
• Increase service capacity
• Strengthen the City's overall water distribution system

🚰 Holmes Road Pump Station Upgrade

The Holmes Road Pump Station project is designed to increase sewer pumping capacity, reduce stormwater entering the sewer system, and improve monitoring and alarm systems.

This is another project to watch as the City continues investing in sewer capacity and reliability.

🏗️ Nelscott Infrastructure

Status: Long-Term Development & Infrastructure Planning

Nelscott continues to be an important area for future infrastructure investment.

Plans for the area involve transportation connections as well as water, sewer, stormwater and other public improvements.

This is especially worth watching alongside the City's future reservoir planning and other water-system investments.

🛣️ Upcoming Road & Infrastructure Projects

Several larger projects are also included in the City's current capital planning, including work involving:

• SE 19th Street
• SE 48th Place
• Gravel street paving
• Highway 101 improvements
• Traffic calming
• Sidewalk improvements
• Sewer inflow and infiltration projects

We'll continue adding individual project updates as construction schedules and costs become clearer.

🌲 Schooner Creek Discovery Park

Location: 4815 SE 51st Street

✅ Phase 1 — Complete

The first phase, including the inclusive and accessible playground, opened in December 2024.

🚧 Phase 2

Phase 2 includes:

• Entry plaza
• Event stage
• Flexible lawn
• Covered picnic shelters
• ADA restrooms
• Public art

🏟 Phase 3

Future improvements include:

• Permanent pickleball courts
• Covered multi-sports court
• Turfed sports field
• Walking paths
• Additional recreation amenities

🏛️ City Hall & Library

Status: Planning Continues

The future of Lincoln City's City Hall and Library remains one of the City's largest facility decisions.

Options have included renovating or redeveloping the existing Lincoln Square property as well as considering an alternate site.

Lincoln 44 has been identified as one of those alternate locations, even though the property was purchased for a future water reservoir.

We'll continue following the costs, funding options, site decisions and what ultimately goes before voters.

🧭 Lincoln City Comprehensive Plan 2043

Status: Ongoing

The Comprehensive Plan continues to guide long-term decisions involving:

• Housing
• Transportation
• Economic development
• Public facilities
• Parks and recreation
• Natural resources

Many of the projects residents see today connect back to these longer-range planning decisions.

🌊 Watershed & Environmental Projects

Work also continues around Lincoln City involving stormwater, water quality, habitat, creeks and watershed protection.

These projects may not always be as visible as road construction, but they can play an important role in future development and infrastructure planning.

👀 WHAT WE'RE WATCHING

✔ Water and sewer rates
✔ Future reservoir planning
✔ Lincoln 44
✔ Nelscott infrastructure
✔ Highway 101 improvements
✔ Water and sewer projects
✔ Schooner Creek Discovery Park
✔ City Hall & Library
✔ Project costs and funding sources

As projects move forward, we'll keep updating the facts, costs, timelines and decisions that affect Lincoln City residents.