Springfield City Club regularly holds programs from noon to 1:00 p.m. on the first and third Thursday of each month (although there may be occasional adjustments). All programs are open to the public. We have returned to holding programs in person at the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce offices, 101 S. A Street. All meetings are also available on Zoom and are livestreamed on Facebook. Invitations are sent to all those on our mailing list, so please sign up if you wish to receive an invitation
September 5: Crisis in Child Care
Child care is a critical component of the basic infrastructure supporting our economy. The economic toll of the US child care crisis costs employers up to $3 billion a year and has amounted to $122 billion in lost earnings for working parents. For many parents – working mothers especially – lack of affordable, quality child care has forced many out of education and the workforce, fueled gender gaps, and kept workers in low-paying jobs. It will take all of us to tackle such an urgent need. In this program, we’ll share local data and highlight efforts in our community to increase access to quality, affordable child care.
Holly Mar-Conte serves as the Lane County Child Care Sector Strategist, housed at Onward Eugene, the economic development arm to the Eugene Area Chamber of Commerce. In this role, she supports child care providers, community based organizations, K-12 and higher education, government and elected officials, employers, parents and families to identify solutions to improve access to quality, affordable child care. She has over fifteen years of experience working in local and statewide early learning systems and holds a Masters in Planning, Public Policy and Management with an emphasis in Nonprofit Management from the University of Oregon.
Aug. 1: Workshop: Amplify Your Voice in Local Government!
Public comment is not just a formality. It’s a powerful tool that can shape the future of our community. Join this Springfield City Club workshop to learn how to use your voice in local government and community initiatives. Experienced local leaders will provide you with the knowledge and tools needed to effectively voice your opinions and contribute to our community’s decision-making processes.
You will learn about attending public meetings, including city council sessions and county commissioner meetings, and providing written comment. Additionally, you will learn how to effectively prepare and deliver public comments, understand the legislative process, and build relationships with local representatives.
Speakers
Kenny Weigandt, Community Engagement Director at Willamalane Park and Recreation District
Kenny Weigandt joined Willamalane in 2018 and became the community engagement director in 2022. He is a proud Oregon Duck and has a bachelor’s degree in Economics. He has about 17 years of experience in marketing and communication in various industries but has found his true passion in parks and recreation. Kenny’s favorite pastimes include kayaking, running, hiking, basketball, and spending time with his (wild and crazy) family.
Sam Kelly-Quattrocchi, Government Relations Manager at LTD
Sam Kelly-Quattrocchi is leading Lane Transit District’s legislative efforts as the Government Relations Manager. Having worked for both the City of Springfield and Eugene, Sam is has worked across the metro region.
Originally from Sant Rosa, CA, a graduate of both Oregon State University and the University of Washington, Sam tends to avoid wearing orange and purple during college football season and spends his free time playing board games with his friends or curled up on the couch reading.
Sam is most excited by the diversity of his work, and the opportunity to shape policy and development locally, while also utilizing relationships at the State and Federal level to provide more resources for Lane County.
September 5: Crisis in Child Care
Child care is a critical component of the basic infrastructure supporting our economy. The economic toll of the US child care crisis costs employers up to $3 billion a year and has amounted to $122 billion in lost earnings for working parents. For many parents – working mothers especially – lack of affordable, quality child care has forced many out of education and the workforce, fueled gender gaps, and kept workers in low-paying jobs. It will take all of us to tackle such an urgent need. In this program, we’ll share local data and highlight efforts in our community to increase access to quality, affordable child care.
Holly Mar-Conte serves as the Lane County Child Care Sector Strategist, housed at Onward Eugene, the economic development arm to the Eugene Area Chamber of Commerce. In this role, she supports child care providers, community based organizations, K-12 and higher education, government and elected officials, employers, parents and families to identify solutions to improve access to quality, affordable child care. She has over fifteen years of experience working in local and statewide early learning systems and holds a Masters in Planning, Public Policy and Management with an emphasis in Nonprofit Management from the University of Oregon.
September 5: Crisis in Child Care
Child care is a critical component of the basic infrastructure supporting our economy. The economic toll of the US child care crisis costs employers up to $3 billion a year and has amounted to $122 billion in lost earnings for working parents. For many parents – working mothers especially – lack of affordable, quality child care has forced many out of education and the workforce, fueled gender gaps, and kept workers in low-paying jobs. It will take all of us to tackle such an urgent need. In this program, we’ll share local data and highlight efforts in our community to increase access to quality, affordable child care.
Holly Mar-Conte serves as the Lane County Child Care Sector Strategist, housed at Onward Eugene, the economic development arm to the Eugene Area Chamber of Commerce. In this role, she supports child care providers, community based organizations, K-12 and higher education, government and elected officials, employers, parents and families to identify solutions to improve access to quality, affordable child care. She has over fifteen years of experience working in local and statewide early learning systems and holds a Masters in Planning, Public Policy and Management with an emphasis in Nonprofit Management from the University of Oregon.
Aug. 1: Workshop: Amplify Your Voice in Local Government!
Public comment is not just a formality. It’s a powerful tool that can shape the future of our community. Join this Springfield City Club workshop to learn how to use your voice in local government and community initiatives. Experienced local leaders will provide you with the knowledge and tools needed to effectively voice your opinions and contribute to our community’s decision-making processes.
You will learn about attending public meetings, including city council sessions and county commissioner meetings, and providing written comment. Additionally, you will learn how to effectively prepare and deliver public comments, understand the legislative process, and build relationships with local representatives.
Speakers
Kenny Weigandt, Community Engagement Director at Willamalane Park and Recreation District
Kenny Weigandt joined Willamalane in 2018 and became the community engagement director in 2022. He is a proud Oregon Duck and has a bachelor’s degree in Economics. He has about 17 years of experience in marketing and communication in various industries but has found his true passion in parks and recreation. Kenny’s favorite pastimes include kayaking, running, hiking, basketball, and spending time with his (wild and crazy) family.
Sam Kelly-Quattrocchi, Government Relations Manager at LTD
Sam Kelly-Quattrocchi is leading Lane Transit District’s legislative efforts as the Government Relations Manager. Having worked for both the City of Springfield and Eugene, Sam is has worked across the metro region.
Originally from Sant Rosa, CA, a graduate of both Oregon State University and the University of Washington, Sam tends to avoid wearing orange and purple during college football season and spends his free time playing board games with his friends or curled up on the couch reading.
Sam is most excited by the diversity of his work, and the opportunity to shape policy and development locally, while also utilizing relationships at the State and Federal level to provide more resources for Lane County.
August 15: MWMC Recycled Water
The Metropolitan Wastewater Management Commission (MWMC) was awarded $4M in federal drought resiliency funds for recycled water development, by the Bureau of Reclamation this past May. The $4 million came from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act.
Todd Miller, who serves as an Environmental Services Supervisor over the Planning and Policy Support group for the Metropolitan Wastewater Management Commission (MWMC), will present on how the grant award will be used to upgrade existing infrastructure at the Eugene Springfield regional wastewater treatment plant for water filtering, disinfection, storage, and conveyance to deliver up to 1.3 million gallons of Class A recycled water per day for public works and industrial uses in our area.
Recycled water has a variety of applications that can help reduce the impacts on our rivers by providing water for landscaping, irrigation, and industrial processes that can consume high volumes of water or place strains on drinking water systems. The MWMC historically produces Class D recycled water, which is used to irrigate its poplar tree farm as part of its natural treatment system for wastewater. In 2023, the MWMC utilized more than 46 million gallons of Class D recycled water. Class A capabilities will allow the community to expand that use to virtually any other application not requiring potable water.
The mission of the Metropolitan Wastewater Management Commission is to protect the community’s health and the environment by providing high-quality wastewater services to the Eugene Springfield metropolitan area in partnership with Eugene, Springfield, and Lane County. Local representatives from each regional partner–Lane County, and cities of Springfield and Eugene– serve on the Commission.
The MWMC has progressively explored opportunities to expand recycled water usage over the past 15 years. With the Bureau of Reclamation grant, the program is becoming a reality. Learn more information at https://mwmcpartners.org/capital-improvements/recycled-water/.
Now MWMC is entering an exciting new era of recycled water use by enhancing our capabilities to provide high-quality Class A recycled water to the community. Initial uses of Class A recycled water will demonstrate how this resource is useful to the construction industry and to maintaining our public green spaces. Demonstration projects will include sand and gravel operations, street tree watering, and irrigation of landscaping surrounding the wastewater treatment plant.
Todd Miller serves as an Environmental Services Supervisor over the Planning and Policy Support group for the Metropolitan Wastewater Management Commission (MWMC) and the City of Springfield’s Environmental Services Division of the Development & Public Works Department. In this role, he oversees planning-level efforts associated with the MWMC’s Capital Improvement Program, as well as several of the MWMC’s sustainability initiatives, which support the MWMC’s mission to protect the community’s health and the environment and vision to be recognized as a leader in protecting water quality through sustainable and fiscally responsible programs and practices.
Before beginning work for the City of Springfield and MWMC in 2007, Todd served as the Executive Director for the Siuslaw Watershed Council. He also was a geologist and hydrogeologist for consulting firms focused on groundwater, wetland, and soil contamination investigations and cleanup. Todd holds a BS in Biology-Geology from the University of Rochester and an MS in Environmental Studies from the University of Oregon.
July 18: Springfield Climate Friendly Areas
The City of Springfield, like other larger Oregon cities, has been working to develop solutions to comply with a mandate from the Department of Land Conservation and Development to designate “climate friendly areas” (CDAs) within the city. While Springfield and some other jurisdictions have challenged the requirements in court and are now awaiting a decision by the Oregon Supreme Court on whether or not to review the case, staff have continued efforts to devel0op strategies that comply. City staff provided a briefing to City Club on July 18, following presentations to the Springfield Planning Commission and City Council.
What became clear in the presentation is that while staff has identified ways in which the City could change its land use requirements to meet the DLCD standards, there is no assurance that the private sector will find the new requirements acceptable in terms of bringing construction to market. If this becomes the case, the new rules could actually impede future development rather than encourage it.
Boiled down to the essence, the new requirements direct the city to designate one of more CFAs, whose purpose is to foster denser development, expand mixed use development and create walkable communities that do not require cars. There would be two classes of CFAs. In the first class, minimum residential density would be 25 units per acre, and construction of buildings up to 85 feet in height (seven stories). In the second class, minimum residential density would 15 units per acre and maximum building height would be increase to 50 feet (four stories). To comply with the rules, the City must designate at least one first class CFA mad as many second class areas as desired. The net effect of designation these areas would need to be that 30 percent of the current residential housing demand measured by long term comprehensive plans could be met by construction within the CFAs. While doing this, the City must also avoid risks of displacing current residents who are low income. City staff reported that nearly one half of current Springfield residents are low income.
Springfield has been studying four potential CFAs: (Glenwood riverfront (with a subset for the current Glenwood Master Plan area), downtown, (which runs east as far as about 21st street). Mohawk, and the area near the Peace Health Hospital at Riverbend. Each of these areas, while potentially meeting the requirements, have substantial infrastructure needs which would have to be addressed before there is any possibility that the level of dense development contemplated could be built.
Recently doff presented four different scenarios to the Planning commission and Council that might be suitable: scenario A would make the Glenwood Master Plan area primary and all other areas secondary; scenario B would make the entire Glenwood riverfront area primary and all other areas secondary; scenario C would make the downtown area primary and designate no other areas; scenario D would designate the Glenwood riverfront area as primary and a part of the downtown area as secondary.
Staff work continues on developing more information to permit the Council to make a decision sometime next year. Thie next task for staff will be to identify strategies that might produce the desired level of housing and evaluate other tradeoffs that will necessarily follow.
To watch the entire presentation, click here: CFA Presentation
Aug. 1: Workshop: Amplify Your Voice in Local Government!
Public comment is not just a formality. It’s a powerful tool that can shape the future of our community. Join this Springfield City Club workshop to learn how to use your voice in local government and community initiatives. Experienced local leaders will provide you with the knowledge and tools needed to effectively voice your opinions and contribute to our community’s decision-making processes.
You will learn about attending public meetings, including city council sessions and county commissioner meetings, and providing written comment. Additionally, you will learn how to effectively prepare and deliver public comments, understand the legislative process, and build relationships with local representatives.
Speakers
Kenny Weigandt, Community Engagement Director at Willamalane Park and Recreation District
Kenny Weigandt joined Willamalane in 2018 and became the community engagement director in 2022. He is a proud Oregon Duck and has a bachelor’s degree in Economics. He has about 17 years of experience in marketing and communication in various industries but has found his true passion in parks and recreation. Kenny’s favorite pastimes include kayaking, running, hiking, basketball, and spending time with his (wild and crazy) family.
Sam Kelly-Quattrocchi, Government Relations Manager at LTD
Sam Kelly-Quattrocchi is leading Lane Transit District’s legislative efforts as the Government Relations Manager. Having worked for both the City of Springfield and Eugene, Sam is has worked across the metro region.
Originally from Sant Rosa, CA, a graduate of both Oregon State University and the University of Washington, Sam tends to avoid wearing orange and purple during college football season and spends his free time playing board games with his friends or curled up on the couch reading.
Sam is most excited by the diversity of his work, and the opportunity to shape policy and development locally, while also utilizing relationships at the State and Federal level to provide more resources for Lane County.
August 15: MWMC Recycled Water
The Metropolitan Wastewater Management Commission (MWMC) was awarded $4M in federal drought resiliency funds for recycled water development, by the Bureau of Reclamation this past May. The $4 million came from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act.
Todd Miller, who serves as an Environmental Services Supervisor over the Planning and Policy Support group for the Metropolitan Wastewater Management Commission (MWMC), will present on how the grant award will be used to upgrade existing infrastructure at the Eugene Springfield regional wastewater treatment plant for water filtering, disinfection, storage, and conveyance to deliver up to 1.3 million gallons of Class A recycled water per day for public works and industrial uses in our area.
Recycled water has a variety of applications that can help reduce the impacts on our rivers by providing water for landscaping, irrigation, and industrial processes that can consume high volumes of water or place strains on drinking water systems. The MWMC historically produces Class D recycled water, which is used to irrigate its poplar tree farm as part of its natural treatment system for wastewater. In 2023, the MWMC utilized more than 46 million gallons of Class D recycled water. Class A capabilities will allow the community to expand that use to virtually any other application not requiring potable water.
The mission of the Metropolitan Wastewater Management Commission is to protect the community’s health and the environment by providing high-quality wastewater services to the Eugene Springfield metropolitan area in partnership with Eugene, Springfield, and Lane County. Local representatives from each regional partner–Lane County, and cities of Springfield and Eugene– serve on the Commission.
The MWMC has progressively explored opportunities to expand recycled water usage over the past 15 years. With the Bureau of Reclamation grant, the program is becoming a reality. Learn more information at https://mwmcpartners.org/capital-improvements/recycled-water/.
Now MWMC is entering an exciting new era of recycled water use by enhancing our capabilities to provide high-quality Class A recycled water to the community. Initial uses of Class A recycled water will demonstrate how this resource is useful to the construction industry and to maintaining our public green spaces. Demonstration projects will include sand and gravel operations, street tree watering, and irrigation of landscaping surrounding the wastewater treatment plant.
Todd Miller serves as an Environmental Services Supervisor over the Planning and Policy Support group for the Metropolitan Wastewater Management Commission (MWMC) and the City of Springfield’s Environmental Services Division of the Development & Public Works Department. In this role, he oversees planning-level efforts associated with the MWMC’s Capital Improvement Program, as well as several of the MWMC’s sustainability initiatives, which support the MWMC’s mission to protect the community’s health and the environment and vision to be recognized as a leader in protecting water quality through sustainable and fiscally responsible programs and practices.
Before beginning work for the City of Springfield and MWMC in 2007, Todd served as the Executive Director for the Siuslaw Watershed Council. He also was a geologist and hydrogeologist for consulting firms focused on groundwater, wetland, and soil contamination investigations and cleanup. Todd holds a BS in Biology-Geology from the University of Rochester and an MS in Environmental Studies from the University of Oregon.
July 18: Springfield Climate Friendly Areas
The City of Springfield, like other larger Oregon cities, has been working to develop solutions to comply with a mandate from the Department of Land Conservation and Development to designate “climate friendly areas” (CDAs) within the city. While Springfield and some other jurisdictions have challenged the requirements in court and are now awaiting a decision by the Oregon Supreme Court on whether or not to review the case, staff have continued efforts to devel0op strategies that comply. City staff provided a briefing to City Club on July 18, following presentations to the Springfield Planning Commission and City Council.
What became clear in the presentation is that while staff has identified ways in which the City could change its land use requirements to meet the DLCD standards, there is no assurance that the private sector will find the new requirements acceptable in terms of bringing construction to market. If this becomes the case, the new rules could actually impede future development rather than encourage it.
Boiled down to the essence, the new requirements direct the city to designate one of more CFAs, whose purpose is to foster denser development, expand mixed use development and create walkable communities that do not require cars. There would be two classes of CFAs. In the first class, minimum residential density would be 25 units per acre, and construction of buildings up to 85 feet in height (seven stories). In the second class, minimum residential density would 15 units per acre and maximum building height would be increase to 50 feet (four stories). To comply with the rules, the City must designate at least one first class CFA mad as many second class areas as desired. The net effect of designation these areas would need to be that 30 percent of the current residential housing demand measured by long term comprehensive plans could be met by construction within the CFAs. While doing this, the City must also avoid risks of displacing current residents who are low income. City staff reported that nearly one half of current Springfield residents are low income.
Springfield has been studying four potential CFAs: (Glenwood riverfront (with a subset for the current Glenwood Master Plan area), downtown, (which runs east as far as about 21st street). Mohawk, and the area near the Peace Health Hospital at Riverbend. Each of these areas, while potentially meeting the requirements, have substantial infrastructure needs which would have to be addressed before there is any possibility that the level of dense development contemplated could be built.
Recently doff presented four different scenarios to the Planning commission and Council that might be suitable: scenario A would make the Glenwood Master Plan area primary and all other areas secondary; scenario B would make the entire Glenwood riverfront area primary and all other areas secondary; scenario C would make the downtown area primary and designate no other areas; scenario D would designate the Glenwood riverfront area as primary and a part of the downtown area as secondary.
Staff work continues on developing more information to permit the Council to make a decision sometime next year. Thie next task for staff will be to identify strategies that might produce the desired level of housing and evaluate other tradeoffs that will necessarily follow.
To watch the entire presentation, click here: CFA Presentation
May 2: District 7 Candidate Forum
Two individuals are running in the Democratic Primary for election to House District 7, which includes much of Springfield. John Lively is the incumbent representative and Ryan Rhoads has filed to run. Mr. Lively has accepted the City Club invitation to appear at the forum on May 2, Mr. Rhoads has not yet responded to our invitation.
Mr. Lively has submitted a statement describing his candidacy:
Springfield City Club Statement – House District 7
I am honored to have served the citizens of Springfield and HD 7 now for 12 years. During that time much has changed, but how to best represent the district in the legislature has not changed.
Key issues I have worked in cooperation with the leaders and constituents in Springfield include transportation funding, land use changes and funding to support development of housing, infrastructure funding to offset costs to the local community, 0-12 education funding and policies to address the ever-changing challenges of our families and students. In addition, recently with my role as Chair of the Higher Education committee the focus has been on addressing strategies to fund additional support for students to offset the need for so much student borrowing.
Besides serving as Chair of the Higher Education Committee, I also this past two sessions served as chair of the Gambling Regulation Committee, served on the Economic Development and Small Business Committee. Also served on the Infrastructure Finance Authority with Business Oregon, the Road User Fee Task Force, the Oregon Growth Board, and others in addition to regular legislative duties.
Priorities moving forward is transportation system funding, continued work on to address the crisis in addiction and treatment, homelessness, and housing, managing the state budget to support the ongoing priorities, and finding new strategies to address the ever-increasing consequences of climate change.
John Lively