Oregon Lawmaker Proposes $1 Million Fund for Small Cities Facing Budget Crises
Rep. Paul Evans, D-Monmouth, announced a plan to introduce legislation during the 2027 Legislative session to create a $1 million fund. This fund, to be housed at Business Oregon, the state's economic development agency, would provide grants or low-interest loans of up to $50,000 to cities with populations under 20,000. The purpose of this financial assistance is to help these small cities maintain essential community spaces such as parks, libraries, and museums when they encounter budget shortfalls. The proposal was prompted by the city of Independence temporarily closing five of its parks due to insufficient maintenance funding, though two have since reopened after receiving a $30,000 grant from the nonprofit Friends of Community Parks. 
