Back and Forth Posts Between NB City Officials & NB School Board
There was considerable back and forth between the North Bend City officials and the North Bend School Board.
Here are some related documents:
North Bend Urban Renewal Plan Amendment
• Legislative File - https://tinyurl.com/2vaufknw
• 1 Plan Amendment North Bend 10 15 2024 v2.docx - https://tinyurl.com/3396by5r
• 2 North Bend Report 10 15 2024 v3.docx - https://tinyurl.com/4zdczv2n
The following was posted on the website for the city of North Bend on February 05, 2025:
https://www.northbendoregon.us/newsview.aspx?nid=8030
Public Comment Under Fire: School Board Chair Moves to Limit Voices on Key Vote That Could Lower Taxes
Posted on Wednesday February 05, 2025
North Bend taxpayers, educators, and business owners deserve a fair hearing—School Board Chair’s attempt to limit public comment raises concerns over transparency ahead of Thursday’s critical vote.
The City of North Bend is deeply concerned about the decision made by North Bend School Board Chair Jim Jordan to arbitrarily limit public comment on the two resolutions before the School Board concerning the North Bend Urban Renewal Agency (URA) Plan Amendment. This decision restricts community voices on an issue that directly impacts taxpayers, students, and the economic future of North Bend.
Chair Jordan informed North Bend City Administrator David Milliron that he intends to cap public comment to 10 total speakers—five in favor and five against. This limitation is not supported by the School Board’s own policy and undermines the democratic process.
"It is deeply troubling that the School Board Chair is choosing to silence community voices by arbitrarily limiting public comment—an outright violation of their own board policy,” North Bend Mayor Jessica Engelke said. “This is not just undemocratic; it is a direct disservice to the very taxpayers, parents, and educators they were elected to represent. The people of North Bend deserve transparency, open dialogue, and a fair process—not backroom decisions that restrict public participation on an issue that directly impacts our schools, economy, and future."
Read 49 Pages of Responses to School Board Questions: Document 1 of 3 | Document 2 of 3 | Document 3 of 3
Public Comment Policy vs. Chair’s Restriction
The North Bend School District's own published policy (BDDH - Public Comment at Board Meetings) clearly states:
“At the discretion of the Board Chair, anyone wishing to speak before the Board, either as an individual or as a member of a group, on any agenda item or other topic, may do so by providing the Board secretary with a completed registration card or sign-in sheet, prior to the Board meeting.”
The policy encourages but does not require groups with a common viewpoint to designate a spokesperson.
The policy does not impose a cap on the total number of speakers who may participate in public comment.
The policy does allow the Chair to manage speaking time for efficiency, but not to limit or block participation entirely.
On a follow-up conversation, when City Administrator Milliron pointed out that the published agenda statement—"If more than one person will be addressing the same topic, we ask that you appoint a spokesperson to speak for the group."—conflicts with the School Board’s own policy (Policy BDDH), School Board Chair Jordan repeatedly stated, "We’re going to follow Board Policy BDDH as published." However, when pressed for clarification—particularly in light of his earlier phone call indicating a strict limit of 10 total speakers—Jordan refused to elaborate. His refusal to provide clear guidance raises serious concerns about the transparency of the process and whether public voices will be fairly heard during Thursday’s meeting.
Why This Matters
The City of North Bend respects the School Board’s authority to conduct its meetings, but restricting public input on an issue of such significant community interest is a disservice to taxpayers, business owners, educators, and residents.
This last-minute change contradicts what was previously communicated by the School Board Secretary, who had assured the City that all individuals who wished to speak would be allowed to do so. Now that these resolutions have gained public and media attention, the sudden restriction of public voices raises serious concerns about transparency and fairness.
"The School Board’s own website states that they 'value the opinions and input of community members' and that public comment is a regular part of their meetings,” Engelke said. “Yet, now that this issue has gained public attention, they are trying to limit who can speak. This is not how democracy works. If they truly stand by their policy, then every member of the public who wishes to comment must be given that right."
What’s at Stake
On Thursday, February 6, 2025, at 6:00 PM, the North Bend School Board will vote on two key resolutions:
A YES vote means:
Lower property taxes—the URA’s special levy will sunset, saving taxpayers over $300,000 annually.
Keeping $250,000 of the School District’s tax dollars in North Bend rather than sending it to Salem for redistribution.
No reduction in school funding—this amendment costs the School District nothing, as state funding remains unchanged.
More students, more school funding—72 new workforce housing units could bring in 40-70 new students, generating an estimated $420,000 - $735,000 annually in additional state funding for the district.
$4 million in federal funding secured for workforce housing, benefiting educators, public safety personnel, healthcare workers, and logistics employees.
A NO vote means:
The blighted courthouse annex remains, hurting downtown development.
Loss of $4 million in federal workforce housing funding.
School District forfeits potential state funding increases tied to new student enrollment.
North Bend taxpayers continue to pay the special levy, missing out on the opportunity for tax relief.
Call to Action
The City of North Bend urges the School Board to uphold the spirit of open government by allowing all individuals who wish to provide public comment the opportunity to do so. Taxpayers, business owners, and residents deserve the right to voice their opinions without artificial restrictions that are not supported by Board policy.
We encourage all members of the public to attend the meeting, sign up to speak, and demand fair access to public participation.
Meeting Date: Thursday, February 6, 2025
Time: 6:00 PM
Location: North Bend City Council Chambers, 835 California Ave, North Bend, OR 97459
For more information about the URA Plan Amendment and how it benefits North Bend, visit NorthBendOregon.us/ura
Contact information for the North Bend School Board is posted at https://www.nbend.k12.or.us/36288_2
Documents
School Board Policy BDDH - Public Comment at Board Meetings
Published Statement - North Bend School District - Meetings & Agendas
The City Manager of North Bend sent the following email to the Chair of the North Bend School Board on February 06, 2025:
---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: David Milliron <dmilliron@northbendcity.org>
Date: Thu, Feb 6, 2025, 12:49 PM
Subject: Collaborative Approach to Urban Renewal Agency Resolutions
To: tcrider@nbend.k12.or.us <tcrider@nbend.k12.or.us>, mbrix@nbend.k12.or.us <mbrix@nbend.k12.or.us>, VSwagerty@nbend.k12.or.us <VSwagerty@nbend.k12.or.us>
February 6, 2025
Jim Jordan, Chair North Bend School District Board of Directors
Subject: Collaborative Approach to Urban Renewal Agency Resolutions
Dear Chair Jordan,
I am writing regarding the Urban Renewal Agency (URA) resolutions scheduled for consideration today (February 6, 2025.) As fellow public servants, we share a fundamental commitment to the wellbeing of North Bend's residents, particularly our students and families. In this spirit of collaboration, I would like to address some concerns about the process and share important information about the resolutions' impact on our community.
Our Shared Responsibilities
As public officials of two vital public institutions, we both operate under carefully designed frameworks that ensure transparent, well-informed decision-making. The school board's dedication to thorough deliberation and meaningful public input has historically served our community well. In light of this tradition, I respectfully request reconsideration of the current plan to limit public comment to five speakers for and against the URA resolutions. Broader community input would provide valuable perspectives to inform the board's decision-making process.
The Value of Open Dialogue
Public discourse on matters of such significance helps ensure that all aspects of these resolutions are thoroughly examined. While the board certainly has the authority to manage its meetings effectively, I believe that additional public comment would contribute meaningfully to the discussion, particularly given the far-reaching implications of these resolutions for our shared constituents.
Community Impact and Mutual Benefits
The URA resolutions present several opportunities that could significantly benefit both the school district and our broader community:
Financial Benefits:
Immediate property tax relief of over $300,000 annually for North Bend residents
Retention of $250,000 in local school district funds within our community
Preservation of current state funding levels for our schools
Access to $4 million in federal funding for workforce housing
Educational Opportunities:
Potential increase in student enrollment through expanded family housing
Additional state funding of $420,000 - $735,000 annually tied to enrollment growth
Improved housing options for educators and school staff
Enhanced downtown environment supporting student activities and community engagement
Looking Forward Together
The relationship between the City of North Bend and the School District has historically been one of mutual support and collaboration. We believe that by working together on these resolutions, we can achieve outcomes that benefit our entire community, particularly our students and their families.
I respectfully request that the board consider:
Expanding opportunities for public comment to ensure comprehensive community input
Reviewing the full scope of benefits these resolutions offer our shared constituents
Engaging in open dialogue about how we can maximize positive outcomes for our schools and community
The City of North Bend remains committed to partnering with the school district to advance our common goals. We would welcome the opportunity to discuss these matters further and address any questions or concerns the board may have before Thursday's vote.
Thank you for your consideration of these important matters. We look forward to continuing our collaborative work in service of North Bend's residents.
Sincerely,
David Milliron
---
David A. Milliron, Credentialed City Manager (ICMA-CM)
City of North Bend, 835 California Ave, OR 97459-0014
541-756-8536 | dmilliron@northbendcity.org
North Bend: Coast, Community, Culture.
Jim Jordan, the Chair of the NB School Board allowed everyone to speak at the regular meeting on February 06, 2025.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a6LH2HpBbRI
The North Bend School Board voted 6 to 1 against the city’s Urban Renewal Proposal.
The following is a response from Jessica Engelke the Mayor of North Bend on February 07, 2025:
Posted on Friday February 07, 2025
North Bend School Board rejects plan to lower taxes, fund workforce housing, and revitalize downtown—ignoring bipartisan support and risking $4M in federal funding. What’s next for our community?
On Thursday night, after 15 weeks of meetings, 49 pages of detailed responses to questions, and over 20 hours of presentations, the North Bend School Board voted 1-6 against a plan that would have lowered taxes, provided workforce housing, and revitalized our community.
Nathan McClintock was the only board member who voted in favor of the plan—standing with taxpayers, working families, and the future of North Bend.
Statement from North Bend Mayor Jessica Engelke
"Tonight, the North Bend School Board had an opportunity to stand with taxpayers, working families, and the future of this community. Instead, in a 1-6 vote, they rejected an Urban Renewal initiative that would have saved taxpayers money, provided much-needed workforce housing, and eliminated a blighted structure in our downtown core."
"This was not just a loss for the City of North Bend—it was a loss for the educators, healthcare professionals, first responders, and local workers who struggle every day to find housing in the very community they serve. It was a loss for taxpayers, who will continue paying into a system that could have delivered relief. And it was a loss for our local economy, which will feel the ripple effects of this decision for years to come."
"The Urban Renewal Plan was well thought out, fiscally responsible, and structured to benefit the entire community—all without costing the school district a single dollar in lost funding. Instead of looking at the facts, the board allowed misinformation, fear, and politics to drive a decision that hurts the very people they were elected to serve."
"While I am deeply disappointed, the fight for smart, responsible development in North Bend is not over. Our community deserves solutions, not roadblocks. And while the school board chose to stand in the way of progress tonight, I remain committed to working toward a future where North Bend moves forward—not backward."
The Resolutions Before the School Board Were Designed to Benefit North Bend—Not Burden It
The resolutions before the board last night were not financial risks to the district. In fact, they were carefully designed to benefit North Bend students, taxpayers, and the community as a whole.
As City Finance Director Jeff Bridgens clearly stated in his remarks before the School Board:
"This isn’t just a financial discussion; it’s about how we shape North Bend's future. The vote you take tonight will determine whether we secure funding, provide much-needed workforce housing, lower property taxes, and invest in our schools—or if we allow a key opportunity for growth to pass us by."
The two resolutions the City put forward included:
1. A Resolution to Increase Maximum Indebtedness
Would have allowed the Urban Renewal Agency to continue funding critical revitalization projects.
Without it, funding for future improvements is capped at just a 20% increase—far short of what’s needed to complete these projects.
2. A Resolution to Include a Public Building Project
Would have incorporated city offices into the redevelopment of the blighted Coos County Courthouse Annex.
Saved taxpayer dollars while creating more apartments for essential workers—including educators.
What Was Lost?
$4 million in federal funding for workforce housing—gone.
Affordable housing for educators, healthcare workers, public safety, and logistics employees—denied.
Lower property taxes for North Bend residents—rejected.
Keeping $250,000 of school district tax dollars local instead of sending them to Salem for redistribution—dismissed.
A chance to remove a blighted property and revitalize downtown—ignored.
A potential $735,000 in additional school funding through increased student enrollment—thrown away.
Despite bipartisan community support from business owners, healthcare professionals, educators, and local leaders, the School Board ignored the facts and blocked progress. Instead of basing their decision on the facts presented over months of engagement, they entertained public comment from outside partisan actors who presented misinformation and disinformation to derail the Urban Renewal Plan Amendment.
The Bay Area Chamber of Commerce, Coos County Board of Realtors, South Coast Development Council, Inc., Coos County Airport District, North Bend City/Coos-Curry Housing Authorities, and The Liberty Theatre – Home of Little Theatre on the Bay were among the organizations that publicly expressed their support of the URA's plan and urged the School Board to approve it.
What’s Next?
This isn’t over. The North Bend City Council will meet Monday to discuss next steps. The need for affordable workforce housing, economic growth, and tax relief remains critical, and we will not let one bad decision halt North Bend’s progress.
If you support taxpayer relief, revitalization, and solutions for our local workforce, stay engaged, stay informed, and let your voice be heard.
Join us Monday for the City Council Work Session to hear what comes next.
Learn more about the URA proposed plan and documents: www.northbendoregon.us/ura
School Board Public Comment (Feb. 6, 2025 Board Meeting): https://youtu.be/a6LH2HpBbRI?t=180
Action Item (Feb. 6, 2025 Board Meeting): https://youtu.be/a6LH2HpBbRI?t=5675
Documents
Here is the response from School Board Member Michelle Roberts on February 08, 2025:
As a North Bend School Board member, I would like to publicly clear up some of the comments that have been directed toward us by our North Bend Mayor and City Manager, and others in their following.
First, let me clear up WHY the North Bend school board was even tasked to vote whether to continue our current North Bend Urban Renewal plan, and bring our maximum indebtedness from $11,800.723 to $45,500,000. Our current Urban Renewal plan has different taxing districts, and in order to move forward with an amendment to increase this debt, the city needs approval from 75% of the taxing districts. Since the North Bend School District holds 29% of the taxing districts, they cannot move forward with out our approval. THIS is how we got looped into city politics - whether we wanted to or not.
For the past 3 months, our board has done our due diligence, and has spent COUNTLESS hours studying, listening to the city make their case, asking multiple questions and seeking clarifications, and reading pages and pages of what exactly this means for our city and our school district. We did NOT make this decision lightly. Nor did we in any way seek to politicize this in ANY WAY - despite what our mayor and city manager have accused us of doing. We did not ask to be put in this position, nor did we want to be put in this position. But, we were forced to be thrust into a city proposal, and we came to a decision that was not what they wanted.
We have been bullied, threatened, and treated VERY unfairly by the very people who say they love our community and our schools.
Here are just a few of the many many facts that the city failed to shed light on to the public, but had a huge impact in why we felt we needed to vote NO on increasing the maximum indebtedness that affects the city of North Bend for the next 30 years!
We have 5 Urban Renewal Districts in our county. 2 in Coos Bay, 1 in North Bend, 1 in Bandon, and 1 county. Just North Bend alone has $240,000 taken out of the CITY budget annually designated for our very small Urban Renewal District. The county has $41,000 taken out of their general fund. If we could cut out all 5 urban renewal districts from our county, it would bring back a total of $562,532 to the COUNTY - to be used in its respective cities CITY WIDE - not just to be used in their small urban renewal designated areas.
Do you know that when an urban renewal is created, the tax level freezes, and stays at that level for the next 30 years?! But of course, our taxes increase yearly, so the tax monies above the original tax frozen level goes directly to the urban renewal area - not to the general city fund.
Our city has started getting into the real estate business. They are buying up property and have taken these buildings off the tax records - so they are unable to bring revenue back to the city. In fact, if the city wants a specific building, land, or structure, they make it almost impossible for the owner, so they are forced to sell - essentially kicking them out for their own benefit. This has happened multiple places multiple times in our city.
A concern of mine - if we approved this, then we just handed the city over $45 million dollars - with zero control on how those funds are spent. Our fingerprints are connected to the money, yet we have no say on if it is spent fiscally responsibly or not.
Yes, the funds provided to the Urban Renewal district from the school is back filled from the state, so no funds out of our general funds will be lost. HOWEVER, we are a sanctuary state, going against Federal regulations, so the future of federal funding is unclear, and we did not want to burden the school district with this money if we unexpectedly stopped receiving federal funds. This is the RESPONSIBLE thing to do for our district!
I encourage you all to listen to public comments for and against the plan, and also listen to all 7 of us school board members speak before we voted. Our district usually has our board meeting up for public view within about a week of our meeting, so by the end of next week it should be available to view.
I respect EVERY SINGLE person on our board. We may differ in our opinions occasionally, but we respect each others opinions, and we work well together as a board. All 7 of our board members have gone far and above what is asked of them, serving our constituents diligently and eagerly. We just want to serve our students, our teachers, our staff, our administration, our parents, and our community the best we can.
I am sad we have been smeared, thrown under the bus, criticized, and even one board member publicly humiliated by our own city manager in a public space after the vote. This is NOT OK!
We did not ask to be the deciding vote in such a HUGE decision for the city of North Bend. We all feel that such a huge decision should be from "WE THE PEOPLE", and not just 7 school board members that were elected to make decisions in regard to our schools, not the city! This should be a CITY WIDE vote where EVERYONE'S voice is heard, and not tasked to just 7 voters. This has been completely politicized by the city of North Bend, where they have very publicly tried to tell people that we did not make an informed decision, and that we only listened to disinformation. This is wrong, and they owe our board a public apology for how we have been treated - just because we disagree with them.
Please know that our vote was not made lightly. We asked questions - more than all the other taxing districts combined! In fact, we were questioned by the city WHY we were asking so many questions! They just wanted us to put our seal of approval on it, and move on! We made ourselves VERY informed!
It's also important to point out that the county commissioners also voted NO!! This is NOT the answer to the direction of North Bend.
I could say so much more. I understand there are differing opinions in the direction of the city. THAT'S OK! We ALL love North Bend, and we ALL want what is best for our city. Just because we do not agree with each other is no reason to slander and try to pit us against each other. The school district and the city should be working together - even through disagreements - and move forward respectfully.