To ensure that anyone who would like to participate is able to, and out of awareness of the need for social distancing related to COVID-19, the March 12 information and input session about the Lane County Justice Center planning has been postponed. To receive a notice when it is rescheduled, please sign up for eNews here.
In the spring of 2019, the community was asked to consider the future of the County Courthouse, which faces operational, structural and maintenance challenges. Voters rejected a bond measure that would have funded a new building. However, the need for a safe, secure and functional facility remains.
Since the vote, the County has sought to identify and address voter concerns, in order to determine the best path forward. Voters and residents have shared that there were too many outstanding questions about the project for the public to have enough confidence to approve funding. We are working to address questions, and to ask the community for feedback.
At a high level, the community has emphasized concerns about cost and voters want more details about the building and the associated costs. The project’s team of architects is working to test assumptions, as well as examine trade-offs and opportunities to decrease costs.
In the coming months, we will be sharing this exploration and demonstrating the work the building needs to do, and what is required to make that possible. We will continue to ask you to share your thoughts and questions as we move forward.
(You will notice we are referring to the building as the Lane Justice Center. This addresses the full range of services it provides, from housing the Sheriff’s Department and Victim Services to the Circuit Court and District Attorney. Previously, many people have not realized the number of services provided in this building.)
The County has confirmed a significant financial contribution from the state. It is conditional on local voter funding and if local funding is not available it will go to another county.
The County was able to formalize and complete the purchase of the location for the building. The final transaction took place on January 31, 2019 and removes any outstanding concerns about location.
The cost of construction projects is rising 5-6.5% a year.
Learn more and if you like, share your thoughts in person at the following events.
To be notified of opportunities, be sure to sign up for our eNews below. You are always welcome to speak to your elected leaders during the public comment portion of the Lane County Board of Commissioners meetings. For a full listing of meetings, click here. To find your Commissioner, click here.
Over the coming months, the County will be in the community to hear your thoughts. In the meantime, or if you are not able to attend, please share your thoughts here:
To tour the current courthouse or to request a speaker for a civic or other community group, please contact us here:
