Chamber Roundtable – Ballot Breakdown: Watershed Rights and the Willamalane Levy

CHAMBER ROUNDTABLE
Ballot Breakdown: Watershed Rights and the Willamalane Levy
 
With several local measures appearing on the May 19, 2026 Lane County ballots, this month’s Roundtable will take a closer look at two proposals that could shape Springfield’s parks, public services, and regulatory landscape.
 
Join us for Ballot Breakdown, a conversation designed to help local business leaders better understand what’s on the May ballot. The program will feature brief presentations followed by an open discussion where participants can ask questions, share perspectives, and explore the potential implications for business and community.



Vonnie Mikkelsen, President and CEO of the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce, will provide an overview of the Lane County Ballot Measure 20-373 (Watershed “Rights”). The Chamber is part of a community coalition opposing the measure due to concerns about the broad legal framework it proposes and the uncertainty it could create for businesses, nonprofits, and public agencies operating in Lane County. The measure would establish new legal rights for watersheds and allow individuals to bring lawsuits on their behalf. During the presentation, Vonnie will explain how the measure is structured, outline the concerns raised by the coalition, and discuss what adoption could mean for employers, infrastructure, and economic activity across the county. For more information, visit protectourcounty.org.
 


Michael Wargo, Executive Director of Willamalane Park and Recreation District, will present an overview of the district’s proposed five-year local option levy. The levy is intended to help address funding gaps for park maintenance, recreation programming, facility operations, and wildfire prevention. The appointed budget committee would review how levy funds are implemented, providing citizen oversight and transparency into the process. Levy expenditures would also be reviewed by the elected board, along with public disclosure of all levy spending, an independent audit, and monthly financial reporting. If approved, the levy would cost the median Springfield property owner approximately $49.20 per year. For more information, visit willamalane.org/levy.
 
This Roundtable will provide an opportunity for business leaders to better understand the measures ahead of the election and engage directly with presenters through questions and discussion.

NEW this year – we will be adding a half hour of networking and refreshments to the beginning of each Roundtable program.