Corvallis e-News | September 2026

In this issue: In this issue: Budget gap town hall meetings, charter amendment FAQ, and more!

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Council to talk budget gap, new revenue at town hall meetings

The Corvallis City Council is working to develop sustainable solutions for stable, long-term city services in a way that is equitable, cost-effective, and transparent for the community. The Council is inviting the community to learn more about these efforts by attending one of several public outreach events planned for September and October.

The centerpiece of the community engagement will be a series of four town hall meetings at different locations around Corvallis. Each town hall will focus on a projected $20 million long-term budget gap that is anticipated to impact core services as early as 2027. The budget gap includes $4 million annually in operating costs and $16 million annually to address facility needs that have been unfunded for decades.

All nine members of the City Council, as well as the Mayor, will take part in the town hall meetings and related outreach.

The town hall meetings are planned for four dates:

• September 23, 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. at the Walnut Community Room, 4950 NW Fair Oaks Dr.
• September 29, 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. at C3’s Chandler Ballroom, 2601 NW Tyler Ave.
• October 6, 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. at the Library Main Meeting Room, 645 NW Monroe Ave.
• October 13, 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. at the Tunison Community Room, 365 SW Tunison Ave.

The budget gap is driven by the rising costs for existing City services as well as capital funding needed to address long-term facility needs that have been unfunded for decades.

At the town hall meetings, community members will have an opportunity to learn more about the structural problems that have created the budget gap, as well as the revenue solutions on the table to solve the problem in Corvallis. Without new revenue, the City Council will face budget cuts starting next year, with significant service reductions arriving in 2029 and beyond.

The Council also plans to supplement the outreach with a number of community engagement opportunities, including Government Comment Corner on Saturdays in September and October, and tabling at the Corvallis Farmers Market. Information about all outreach opportunities is available on the City website at www.corvallisoregon.gov/calendar.

For anyone who can’t make it to a public event, the information is available on the City website at www.corvallisoregon.gov/budgetgap.

November 2026 Charter Amendments - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

In November 2026, voters in Corvallis will have the opportunity to consider a ballot measure that proposes changes to the City of Corvallis Charter.

Here are answers to some common questions relating to the proposed measure.

Q: What is the City Charter?

A: The City Charter serves as the Constitution for the City of Corvallis. It is a governing framework that defines the organization, powers, functions and procedures of City government. It is adopted by voters and can only be amended or revised by voters.  The current version of the Charter was originally adopted in 1948 and was amended by voters most recently in May 2026.

Q: Was the Charter recently amended?

A: Yes. In May 2026, Corvallis voters passed four ballot measures that updated the Charter to more closely align with the League of Oregon Cities Model Charter. The May 2026 measures are already in effect. This new proposed amendment is an additional measure that has been referred for voter consideration.

Q: What is the measure that will be on the November 3, 2026 ballot?

A: If passed, Measure 2-159 would amend Corvallis City Charter to change City Council, wards and terms.

Q: What would Measure 2-159 do, if passed?

A: If passed, this measure would amend three (3) sections within the City Charter. Sections 8, 9, and 10 would be amended with the following changes:

• Change the number of City Councilors and Wards from nine to six
• Change Councilor terms of office from two to four years with staggered elections
• Set term limits of three consecutive terms for Councilors and the Mayor

Q:  What happens if the measure does not pass?

A: If the measure is not passed, the changes listed here would not be implemented, and the current version of the Corvallis City Charter would remain in place.

Q: How did this measure get on the ballot?

A: The City Council established a Charter Review Task Force in 2025 to review the existing City Charter and look for areas that could be revised. The Task Force was composed of three City Councilors, three community volunteers, and the Mayor. The Task Force held a series of public meetings and recommended referring a ballot measure to voters to update the structure of our local government. When considering these recommendations, the Task Force examined data from other cities in Oregon, as well as an analysis completed by a volunteer advisory committee on possible Charter changes.

Q: How does Corvallis measure up compared to other cities in Oregon?

A: According to information compiled by the Task Force, the most common size for similarly sized cities in Oregon is six Councilors, compared to nine in Corvallis. All comparator cities examined by the Task Force elected their officials to staggered four-year terms, compared to concurrent two-year terms in Corvallis. Corvallis is the only city in Oregon currently using concurrent two-year terms for its elected Councilors.

More information about the Task Force’s work is available on the City of Corvallis website.

Q: Where can I read the specific text changes that are proposed for these proposed Charter amendments?

A: The specific text changes for the proposed Charter amendment is available at https://www.corvallisoregon.gov/cm/page/november-2026-election-ballot-me...

For questions about voter registration, ballot return, or other election procedures, contact the Benton County Elections Office at 541-766-6756 or elections@bentoncountyor.gov.

City Unveils New Historic Design Guidelines

With the help of the Institute for Policy Research and Engagement at the University of Oregon, the City of Corvallis recently wrapped up a project to develop Historic Design Guidelines in order to help property owners navigate the historic permitting process while maintaining, modifying, and preserving their historic buildings.

The final Corvallis Historic Design Guidelines document is broken into two parts:

- Part I focuses on architectural styles and character-defining features

- Part II focuses on the Historic Preservation Process and common permitting issues.

The guidelines are available now in the Historic Preservation section of the Planning Division webpage and can be accessed directly from this link.

While property owners are the primary audience for this document, we hope that these design guidelines will also serve others who care about historic properties, including real estate agents, contractors, architects, Historic Resource Commission members, students, and the general public. The project was funded in part by the US Department of the Interior and the Oregon State Historic Preservation Office and is a key implementation step identified in the City’s Historic Preservation Plan (2017).

Big Band Performs Broadway Favorites in Vineyard Fundraiser for Historic Majestic Theatre

Broadway favorites, live big-band music and a beautiful Oregon vineyard will come together for one unforgettable evening as Big Band Majestique takes the stage at Lumos Winery on September 12 for Big Band on the Land, a one-night-only Majestic Theatre Gala fundraiser.

Featuring 16 exceptional professional musicians whose collective experience spans decades of performance, musical direction and theatre production, Big Band Majestique will bring the energy and excitement of Broadway to a gorgeous vineyard setting.

The evening will feature beloved showtunes and Broadway showstoppers performed by the ensemble and talented guest vocalists, offering audiences a unique opportunity to experience the sounds of the stage under the stars. 

“Big Band on the Land is about bringing people together through music while investing in the future of the Majestic,” said Christel Birdwell, Majestic Theatre Supervisor and head of Community and Cultural Engagement for the City of Corvallis Parks & Recreation. “Let’s bring together the community in a beautiful setting while helping ensure the Majestic Theatre continues to be a place where people can gather, experience incredible performances and create lasting memories.” 

One Night Only 

The limited-capacity event will take place at Lumos Winery, offering guests an intimate outdoor concert experience surrounded by the beauty of the vineyard. 

Only 200 seats will be available for the performance. 

Guests are invited to raise a glass, enjoy an evening of Broadway favorites and support the continued vitality of one of the community’s beloved cultural institutions.   

Proceeds from Big Band on the Land will support Majestic Theatre programming and facility improvements, strengthening its ability to serve the community and provide a home for the arts for years to come. 

Event Details 

What: Majestic Gala Fundraiser presents Big Band on the Land: Broadway Under the Stars 
Who: Big Band Majestique, featuring 16 professional musicians and guest vocalists 
Where: Lumos Winery 
When: Saturday, September 12 
Time: 5:00 PM 
Tickets: Buy Tickets Now 

With limited seating and only 200 tickets available, community members are encouraged to reserve their seats early. 

Join us for an unforgettable evening under the stars and help us keep the curtain rising at the Majestic Theatre.

Park Maintenance Facility Projects Gets Underway in Avery Park

Following the ceremonial groundbreaking in June at Avery Park, construction activity is ramping up at the work site. 

Heading into the fall, we expect that Avery Park Lane will be closed for the foreseeable future, impacting access to picnic shelters in the park. Detour signage will be posted at key intersections directing visitors to the nearest parking areas for the shelters. Avery Park Lane will reopen on weekends and be available for through traffic.

Flagging operations will be in place at the intersection of Avery Avenue and Allen Street the week of August 31 for utility excavation.

Permitting of the existing maintenance facility site restoration at the north end of the park is currently underway and expected to be completed by the end of the year.

Funding for this project was provided by a bond, which was authorized by the City Council at the end of 2024.

This project is part of the long-range Citywide Facilities Strategy that was developed in 2021.

Read more about the Park Maintenance Facility: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) 

Upcoming City Council Meetings

Catch up with your elected officials at their regularly scheduled meetings and work sessions. Upcoming meetings are listed below, along with links to calendar entries with more information. You don't have to attend to share feedback on any topic that's important to you. Feel free to use the Public Input Form to get in touch with the Council anytime, anywhere. 

Government Comment Corner at the Library

Meet your local government officials and chat about whatever's on your mind at Government Comment Corner. Each two-hour session takes place at the Corvallis-Benton County Public Library, 645 NW Monroe Ave., from 10 a.m. to noon most Saturdays. A rotating cast of elected leaders from Corvallis and Benton County will be available for open, honest, one-on-one conversations with anyone who wants to stop by. Bring your questions about public services, and learn more about how to volunteer and get involved!

Here's the schedule (subject to change):

FYI: Council Three-Month Calendar

The City Council's three-month calendar is a good way to track topics and learn about upcoming business items. The three-month calendar is available on the City website.

The schedule is subject to change, so be sure to contact your City Councilor to learn more about any particular topic you see on the calendar.

What's new at the Library this month?

• Storytime:  10:30am Tuesday-Friday, Main Meeting Room .  Tuesdays: Infant, Wednesdays: Toddler,  Thursdays: Preschool, Fridays, Family.  Drop in. Starts September 8.
• Nurturing Parenting Education Class:  Tuesdays, 2:-3:30pm, Main Meeting Room.  Presented by Family Tree Relief Nursery.   Registration required 541-223-1522 or eking@familytreern.org.
• Tech Help Lab:      1st and 3rd Wednesday   2nd floor classroom, Drop in for free, basic, one-on-one tech help from a library staff member. Bring your computer or device or use one of ours
• Random Review:   Sept 9 ,12-1pm, Main Meeting room and streamed online    The Correspondent: A Novel by Virginia Evans reviewed by Marjorie Sandor.
• Craft Night for Adults:  Sept 15, 5:30-7pm, Main Meeting Room  For ages 16+.     This month’s craft: macramé.
• Family Lotería:  Sept 19, 1-2pm, Main Meeting Room Join us to learn more about of this traditional Mexican game with a brief history lesson from our friends at Casa Latinos Unidos.  Stay to play!
• Meet Science Writers from your Community and Beyond:  Sept 19, 4:30-5:30pm, Main Meeting Room.  Q&A with some of  the writers and editors who make science stories come to life.
• Free Computer Classes:  2-3pm, Classroom.  1^st and 3^rd Monday through December. Everyone is welcome at these free computer classes provided by instructors from Goodwill Job Solutions Career Center
• Family Crafternoon: 4-5:30pm, Main Meeting Room. Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with us at the library! Join us for a night of crafting featuring traditional crafts from Mexico including hojalata, paper flowers and more!
• Get a Library Card: Sign up for a library card and get access to all services and materials including placing holds on materials,  downloadable books, audiobooks, magazines, streaming movies and more!
• Home Delivery Service:  Get your holds delivered to you!  Delivery is available to patrons with current library cards who live within the library service district.
• Books & More from Home:  Read ebooks, download audiobooks and magazines, or watch streaming video all from the comfort of your home with your library card!
• Library Newsletter: Want to get monthly updates, upcoming events, and other library news straight to your inbox? Sign up for our email newsletter!