Jim Brown

The City of North Bend Strategic Plan outlines its mission, vision, and values to guide its long-term direction. It identifies four strategic priorities: securing additional revenues for long-term sustainability, evaluating city services for efficiency and effectiveness, reviewing and revising mission and vision statements, and supporting the economic vitality of local businesses. The plan envisions an attractive, inviting, safe, and livable city that is well-governed, progressive, and welcomes business, industry, and tourism, while valuing natural beauty and citizen input.

The agenda for the North Bend Public Library Board meeting included the Librarian's Report, an update from the Coos Library Board, and general communications. A significant discussion point centered on the Library Budget Recommendation Process, outlining the structure, revenue sources, and major expenditure categories for the General Operating Fund. The Board will take formal action on the budget recommendation in April. Public input procedures were also detailed for both in-person and remote participation.

The Special Planning Commission meeting was scheduled to include a public hearing for CASE NUMBER 627-26-000001-PLNG, a Partition request to divide an existing parcel into two lots located at 790 Oregon Avenue. Additionally, the agenda included a work session for the comprehensive review and cleanup of the North Bend City Code to identify corrections and updates. The meeting also provided time for general public comment and commission comment.

The primary discussion involved the finalization of the Strategic Plan for 2026-2028, which was subsequently accepted by motion. The Librarian's Report highlighted personnel updates, including the start date of the new Children's Librarian and a staff member transitioning to the role of Cataloging Specialist. Public input focused on positive feedback regarding the ease of use of the Meeting Room reservation process.

The Special Planning Commission meeting included a continued Partition Hearing (Case Number 627-26-000001-PLNG) regarding a request to divide a parcel at 790 Oregon Avenue into two lots, which had previously been heard on February 23, 2026. Public comments raised concerns regarding ingress/egress, potential landslides, and the impact of multi-family versus single-family development. The Commission ultimately voted to extend the hearing to allow the applicant time to address raised issues. Other business included a City Planner Report detailing planning initiatives and a scheduled Planning Commission training session focused on the statutory and procedural framework governing land use decisions, conducted by staff from the Oregon Department of Land Conservation and Development (DLCD).