Eugene, OR – April 14, 2025 – What happens when your voice helps shape the future of your neighborhood? This Thursday, residents of Eugene will get the chance to do exactly that. The Eugene Public Health Standards Workshop, hosted by the City of Eugene, invites community members to weigh in on potential changes to local land use policies—changes designed to better protect public health, especially for those living near industrial zones and high-pollution areas.
This workshop isn’t just a public meeting—it’s part of a growing movement toward environmental equity, community-driven policy, and transparent local governance. Whether you’re a homeowner, renter, small business owner, or advocate, your perspective matters—and your participation could help reshape the environmental future of Lane County.
🏛 What’s It All About?
The Public Health Standards Project is a city-led initiative exploring how land use regulations can be updated to reduce health risks for people living or working near industrial or high-impact areas. Currently, zoning laws in Eugene permit various levels of industrial activity in close proximity to homes, schools, and parks. This has raised concerns about long-term exposure to:
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Airborne pollutants
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Noise pollution
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Chemical runoff
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Environmental degradation
The project aims to close the gap between what’s legal and what’s safe, especially in neighborhoods historically burdened by industrial development.
🗓 Workshop Details
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Date: Thursday, April 17, 2025
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Time: 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
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Location: Downtown Eugene Public Library
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Room: Bascom-Tykeson Room (1st Floor)
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Cost: Free and open to the public
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Hosted By: City of Eugene Planning Division
Attendees will learn about:
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Existing public health risks related to zoning
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Potential changes to land use codes and development criteria
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Data and community feedback gathered from past listening sessions
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How to get involved in shaping next steps
There will be time for questions, discussion, and public comment. City planners and public health experts will be on-site to provide background and answer questions.
🌍 Why It Matters: Public Health Meets Planning
This workshop is part of a larger effort by the City of Eugene to build a more resilient, equitable, and inclusive city, one where all residents—regardless of income or zip code—can breathe clean air and feel safe in their homes.
Past studies in Oregon and nationally have shown that low-income neighborhoods and communities of color are more likely to be located near industrial facilities or along traffic corridors. These same communities often face higher rates of asthma, heart disease, and environmental stressors.
By attending this workshop, participants help ensure that:
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Public voices guide future zoning and land use policy
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Environmental health becomes a core value in city development
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Transparency and trust are built between government and community
💬 Voices From the Ground
“This is about more than ordinances,” said Marissa Greene, a neighborhood leader from west Eugene. “This is about people. This is about families waking up every morning with questions about the air their kids breathe.”
She and others have long advocated for stronger local protections—calling for setbacks between industrial sites and homes, stronger air quality monitoring, and environmental impact reviews for new developments.
Workshops like this represent a turning point—an invitation for public input before decisions are made.
🧭 How to Prepare
If you plan to attend, here are a few tips:
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Visit eugene-or.gov to preview the agenda and supporting documents
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Bring written comments or questions if you’d like to speak
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Come early to grab a seat and meet other attendees
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Encourage neighbors or local organizations to attend with you
Snacks and accessibility accommodations are typically provided. You can also sign up to receive updates about future workshops and policy drafts.
🧡 Thriving Oregon’s Take on Eugene Public Health Standards Workshop 2025
This isn’t just another city meeting—it’s a conversation about how we care for one another, how we define public good, and how we build a more just, sustainable Lane County.
At Thriving Oregon, we believe in amplifying the kinds of events that truly shape the region’s future. This Thursday’s Public Health Standards Workshop is a chance to listen, speak up, and be part of that change. Your story, your questions, and your ideas could help craft a healthier Eugene—for generations to come.
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