Homeless: Repeal HB 3115 with Ballot Initiative 2026-054

A critical ballot initiative is coming that could restore local control in Oregon. HB 3115 forces cities to meet a vague “objectively reasonable” standard before acting, leaving them vulnerable to costly lawsuits and unable to protect their communities.Initiative 2026‑054 puts power back in the hands of voters. In November 2026, Oregonians can repeal HB 3115 and give cities the ability to enforce commonsense policies that protect neighborhoods, public spaces, and public safety. Some background:What Would…

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A Recap of an Excellent United Conservatives Lunch & Learn — November 6th

The United Conservatives’ Lunch & Learn on November 6th was a full and lively event, bringing together wonderful people who share a common interest in understanding how politics shapes our everyday lives. Guest Speaker: Rhiannon Henkels — Josephine County ClerkWe were honored to hear from Rhiannon Henkels of the Josephine County Clerk’s Office. It was impressive to learn about the wide range of services her office provides and her extensive experience in public service. Rhiannon…

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Concerns of RFP Noncompliance and Oregon Procurement Law

Dear City Attorney, City Council and Mayor It has come to my attention that one or more applicants in the recent competitive grant process did not meet the mandatory submission requirements outlined in the city’s Request for Proposals. Specifically, the RFP required that all proposals: Identify the zoning of the proposed location and demonstrate consistency with allowed uses; Include signed documentation from the property owner if the applicant did not have possession or control of…

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Detailed Reason Why A Homeless Grant Applicant Should be Disqualified

The Request for Proposals clearly states that applicants “must” identify the zoning of any proposed location, provide signed documentation from the landowner if they do not have possession or control of the property, and describe a clear pathway to obtaining all required approvals, permits, or variances. These are mandatory submission requirements, not optional guidelines. Failure to meet any of these conditions renders an application incomplete and noncompliant under the stated terms of the RFP. Allowing…

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City Council Decision on Homeless Grant Raises Transparency Concerns

As reported in an NBC Channel 5 news article on October 23, 2025, the homeless grant applicant Pathway to Stability appears to have not yet satisfied a critical requirement for their grant, a condition established by the City Council in September. The official Request for Proposal (RFP) clearly outlines the necessary terms. On pages 5-6, under the heading D. Project Requirements, it states: “Applicants that do not have possession and control of the location at…

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Grants Pass City’s Mishandling of the $1.2 Million Homeless Grant Process

The City offered a $1.2 million competitive grant for a homeless project. This grant came with a detailed set of rules and procedures designed to ensure a fair and transparent process, one free from favoritism and bias. The grant was ultimately awarded to Pathway to Stability, but this decision has sparked backlash and serious concerns regarding how the process was handled. Among the issues that have raised red flags: Lack of a secured location:The grant…

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Grants Pass City Council Proceeds with Pathways to Stability Homeless Grant

The Grants Pass City Council voted today to award the Addressing Homelessness Grant to Pathways to Stability, moving one step closer to establishing a managed homeless encampment in the city. The designated location for the encampment will be at the end of N Street, located at 1798 S.E. N Street. Concerns were raise on location since it is located next to Riverside Elementary School. The property is owned by Josephine County, the Board of County…

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Grants Pass “Addressing Homelessness Grant” Process Raises Fairness Concerns

After reviewing the current Homelessness Grant concerns from various sources and the related process, I’ve put together a brief summary highlighting several areas of concern: Summary: The City of Grants Pass reissued its Addressing Homelessness Grant on Sept. 5, 2025, including a rule (Section 9.F) prohibiting applicants from contacting the Mayor, City Council, or staff during the open application period. All communication was to go only through City Recorder Karen Frerk; any outside contact could…

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Grants Pass Renews Effort to Establish Managed Homeless Shelter Site

After reading the Daily Courier article about new homeless shelter applications, here’s a quick summary I put together:• The City of Grants Pass is offering up to $1.2 million for an organization to create a managed homeless shelter for about 150 people. The funds can only be used for start-up costs such as land or building acquisition, not for ongoing operations.• Four applications were submitted by the deadline:1. Elk Island Trading Group (Roseburg) - later…

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Multi-Layer Crisis: Rural Josephine County Struggles with Crime, Drugs, and Policy Fallout

Once known for its scenic charm and tight-knit community spirit, Grants Pass and the greater Josephine County area are now facing a growing storm of crime, drug addiction, and homelessness, a problem may be rooted in a tangle of state policies and local limitations. Let's take a closer look at this multi-layer problem. All these problems point to a “multi-layer” crisis, where statewide legislation and local resource shortages combine to create a revolving door for…

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