Candidates to address transportation issues April 14

from Claire Roth, Better Eugene Springfield Transportation

The community is invited to hear perspectives on transportation issues from Eugene City Council Ward 4 and Ward 5 candidates Tuesday, April 14 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Los Dos Amigos Hacienda, 4730 Village Plaza Loop, Eugene.

Hosted by Better Eugene-Springfield Transportation (BEST), this informal transportation forum is one of a series of five total forums this month and is intended to educate members of the public and candidates about key transportation issues affecting our community.

Attendees will have a chance to hear from and ask questions of each participating candidate. Everyone and all points of view are welcome. Attendees are encouraged to share their concerns and also to listen and be respectful of others.

BEST’s Cycle of Change suggests a few questions to discuss:

1. What do you see as the most critical transportation issues facing Eugene and Springfield?
2. What responsibility, if any, do cities and counties have to serve the needs of people who cannot or choose not to drive?
3. What are the reasons, if any, to provide public transportation and, if so, what kinds of options do you want to see?
4. How do you think the city of Eugene’s Vision Zero goal of no deaths or life-changing injuries on our streets relates to other transportation and community goals, such as reducing congestion or supporting economic development?
5. What do you see as reasons to support or oppose the city of Eugene’s goal to triple the percentage of trips by foot, bicycle, or public transportation by the year 2035?
6. Beyond the ongoing bond measures to repair Eugene’s streets, how interested are you in public funding to repair sidewalks, which are currently the responsibility of property owners?

Location and exact timing details are still being confirmed for some of this month’s forums, but will occur on the dates and in the general areas listed below.

For updates on timing and location, visit www.best-oregon.org/2026/03/candidate-forums-2026/.

• Tuesday 4/14: Coburg Road with Eugene City Council Ward 4 &Ward 5 candidates
  • 6:00-7:00pm at Los Dos Amigos Hacienda (4730 Village Plaza Loop Suite #170, Eugene, OR 97401)
• Thursday 4/23: Highway 99 with Eugene City Council Ward 6 candidates
• Tuesday 4/28: Franklin Boulevard with Eugene City Council Ward 3 candidates
• Wednesday 4/29: River Road with Lane County Commissioner District 1 candidates
  • 5:30-6:30pm at Abby’s Legendary Pizza (1970 River Rd, Eugene, OR 97404)
• Thursday 4/30: Springfield with Lane County Commissioner District 2 candidates

As a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit, BEST does not support or oppose any candidate for elected office.

BEST is an independently-funded 501(3)(c) educational nonprofit organization. Its mission is to build a successful community by bringing people together to promote transportation options, safe streets, and walkable neighborhoods. Learn more at best-oregon.org.