Lane County’s waste management and recycling activities will provide plenty to follow in 2026. The work will impact trash fees, the infrastructure for methane processing and the location of a new recycling hub.

Here’s a rundown: The county is putting pressure on Sanipac, a waste hauler that transports trash collected in Springfield and rural Lane County to a Medford-area landfill it owns. The county wants Sanipac to pay a fee for that trash, saying it’s required.

To collect the fee in Springfield, the county will need an intergovernmental agreement with the city. If Springfield’s council agrees, the fees to the county could start as early as July. 

Meanwhile, the county’s planned CleanLane recycling facility could end up going to Short Mountain Landfill instead of a site in Goshen. Commissioners approved $1.3 million for engineering costs to explore the landfill as an alternative site. 

But some commissioners are concerned about CleanLane because of a contract requirement that the recycling facility have at least 120,000 tons annually; if that threshold isn’t met, the county is on the hook for a portion of the costs. Without the volume from Springfield, it will be more of a challenge to reach that mark. 

Separately, commissioners approved a deal that will provide new, updated technology to process methane gas at the landfill, which will be sold on the natural gas market. The county will get royalties from the gas sales. 

Lane County approves affordable housing, braces for budget shortfall next year 

Rural affordable housing: Lane County commissioners approved a $5.5 million plan that will put about 20 small affordable homes in the McKenzie River valley, an area still recovering from the 2020 Holiday Farm Fire.

County budget woes ahead: Lane County leaders are estimating a $5 million shortfall in next year’s general fund budget, starting July 1. The options to bridge that gap are limited.

Attorney access for ICE detainees: Legal advocates argued in federal court for people to have “meaningful” attorney access while detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers. The case’s outcome could affect the agency’s Eugene office and ICE detainees. 

See you next year

Willamette Watch is taking next week off but will return to your email inbox Monday, Jan. 5, to keep you in the know about what should be a memorable year of Lane County politics, policy and power. Enjoy the holidays.

— Ben Botkin

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Inside Eugene City hall with Grace chinowsky

Eugene City Hall is quiet this week, but the building’s skybridge has been illuminated with a festive message. City councilors are still on winter recess, until Jan. 11. 

Are you a local celebrity? A community leader? An elected representative in Eugene, Springfield or the county? A neighbor that just feels like sharing? We want to hear your New Year’s resolutions. Send yours to annie@lookoutlocal.com by Tues, Dec. 30 for a chance to be included in Lookout’s newsroom compilation. 

Checking in on Springfield With lillian Schrock-Clevenger

The Springfield City Council is on winter recess until Jan. 5, 2026. 

But, we sat down with Springfield Mayor Sean VanGordon to talk about his 2025 accomplishments and lessons learned and what he’s looking forward to next year. 

Plus, be on the lookout for an upcoming story with New Year’s resolutions from notable locals. Hint: VanGordon will be included, and his resolution might have something to do with ice cream. 

beyond lane county

Benefits of recovery programs unclear: A state audit found widespread gaps in the Oregon Health Authority’s funding and tracking of drug addiction recovery programs established through Measure 110, Oregon Public Broadcasting reported.

Federal strings: The Oregon Capital Chronicle reports on a GOP-sponsored bill in Congress that could strip states of federal dollars if they prosecute federal agents, a move that Oregon is contemplating amid an uptick in problematic federal immigration enforcement activities and detainments.

Fuel tax increase on hold: A transportation funding referendum that likely will go to Oregon voters in 2026 will stop a 6-cent fuel tax increase and vehicle registration and title fee hikes that would have started in January, the Oregon Capital Chronicle reported. The Republican-led opposition to Gov. Tina Kotek’s passed transportation package gathered nearly 200,000 signatures to put it on the ballot; state elections officials are verifying the signatures, but there’s little doubt that referendum backers have gathered enough signatures.

Public Meetings this week

Looking for a break this week? You’re in luck. Government meetings slow down to a trickle during the holidays. 

If this bums you out, here’s our advice: Kick back, drink some frothy eggnog and don’t worry too much — 2026 will arrive soon enough.

Do you have story ideas or tips? Send them our way — ben@lookoutlocal.com | grace@lookoutlocal.com | lilliansc@lookoutlocal.com

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Ben Botkin covers politics and policy in Lane County. He has worked as a journalist since 2003, most recently at the Oregon Capital Chronicle, where he covered justice, health and human services and documented regional efforts to combat fentanyl addiction. Botkin has worked in statehouses in Idaho, Nevada, Oklahoma and, of course, Oregon. When he's not working, you'll find him road tripping across the West, hiking or surfing along the Oregon Coast.

Grace Chinowsky graduated from The George Washington University with a degree in journalism. She served as editor-in-chief of the university’s independent student newspaper, The GW Hatchet, and interned at CNN and MSNBC. Grace covers Eugene’s city government and the University of Oregon.