Travel spending in Lane County tops $1B
Fueled by record-breaking visitor spending that surpassed $1 billion, Travel Lane County produced a report that highlights unprecedented achievements and a strategic vision for the future. Kari Westlund, Travel Lane County president/CEO, presented the organization’s annual report to the Lane County Board of Commissioners last month.
The fiscal year commenced with the World Athletics Championships Oregon22, uniting athletes, coaches, volunteers, and spectators from around the world. This multi-day event generated a direct economic impact of $153.4M.
Travel Lane County accepted the Governor’s Tourism Award for its role in this endeavor, alongside government agencies, the Oregon22 local organizing committee, and countless volunteers.
The visitor industry in Lane County is poised to be the region’s fastest-growing sector in the coming decade, according to Travel Lane County.
In addition to these successes, leisure travel took the lead, contributing significantly to the region’s record visitor spending. Accommodation spending, driven by lodging rates and room demand, reached an exceptional level. Food and beverage spending stole the show, with 35 cents of every visitor dollar being spent in this sector.
Lane County’s lodging supply experienced changes, including closures and the Valley River Inn fire, which temporarily removed hundreds of rooms from inventory. Lane County will be re-opening Valley River Inn and, the region’s first new hotel in several years, TownePlace Suites.
Lane Transit District earns $25K planning grant
Lane Transit District (LTD) was awarded a $250,000 grant from the Oregon Transportation and Growth Management Program (TGM) to create a Long-Range Mobility Plan to update its Long-Range Transit Plan.
Community growth, changes in land use regulations, and LTD’s focus on mobility management will be incorporated into the updated plan, said Tom Schwetz, the District’s director of mobility planning and policy.
The TGM program is a partnership between the Oregon Department of Transportation and the Oregon Department of Land Conservation and Development to help local jurisdictions plan for streets and land that lead to more livable, sustainable, and economically vital communities. This planning increases opportunities for transit, walking and bicycling.
Businesses: Enroll in storm drain cleaning program by end of the month
SPRINGFIELD — Springfield businesses are encouraged to take advantage of a recently launched Lane County program to clean storm drains on their property and keep local waterways healthy.
Lane County’s Stormwater Management Program recently partnered with Stormwater Protection Systems (SPS) to provide discounted storm drain cleaning. This voluntary program allows county businesses to clean their private storm drains for a reduced flat fee of $65 per drain.
Stormwater, also called urban runoff, is the main source of pollution in Springfield’s waterways, including the Willamette and McKenzie rivers. Stormwater often drains directly into rivers and streams without treatment, which introduces pollutants from parking lots and roadways, contributing to water quality issues. Springfield businesses cleaning and maintaining their privately owned storm drains ensures clean waterways by removing pollutants like oil, sediment, litter, pesticides, and fertilizers.
Businesses are eligible to sign-up each fall and spring in anticipation of heavy rainfall and more water entering the storm drain systems. To register a company for the fall program, visit lanecountyor.gov/SCAP and sign up by Oct. 31.
