Chamber Submits Testimony Supporting Proposed Springfield Development Code Amendments

On Friday of last week, the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce submitted testimony ahead of the Joint Elected Officials Meeting held Monday, May 18th, at Springfield City Hall. In the testimony, Chamber President & CEO Vonnie Mikkelsen expressed support for proposed amendments to the Springfield Development Code and City of Springfield’s Glenwood Refinement Plan.

The requested amendments are connected to Eugene Water and Electric Board’s proposed Willamette Water Treatment Plant project and would allow “high impact public utility facilities” as a permitted use within the applicable Glenwood Employment Mixed Use District, while also establishing a policy framework for future consideration of projects of this nature.

“The Chamber recognizes the broader regional importance of water resiliency and redundancy. Reliable infrastructure is foundational to economic stability, public safety, workforce continuity, and long-term community confidence.”

– Vonnie Mikkelsen, President & CEO, Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce (excerpt from written testimony)

EWEB’s proposed treatment plant would establish the Willamette River as a supplemental and backup water source to the McKenzie River, which currently serves as Eugene’s primary drinking water source.

In its testimony, the Chamber stated that adaptable land use frameworks are important as communities across Oregon continue preparing for infrastructure resiliency needs, natural disasters, wildfire impacts, drought conditions, and other long-term sustainability challenges. While the Chamber expressed support for the requested land use and refinement plan amendments needed for the project to continue through the public review process, the testimony also notes that the Chamber continues to evaluate the broader project as additional details emerge regarding costs, funding strategies, implementation timelines, and operational impacts.

During the hearing, city staff also noted that Glenwood already contains major utility and infrastructure facilities, including the Springfield Utility Board substation, which was referenced as an example of an existing high-impact public utility use within the area.

At Monday’s Joint Elected Officials Meeting, both the Springfield City Council and the Board of Commissioners voted to advance the amendments to required readings on June 1st (City Council) and July 7th (County Commissioners).

Related reading on The Bottom Line
Glenwood Riverfront Annexation Moves Forward (City Council Roundup from March 3, 2025)
Roundtable + Tour Gets First Look at the Glenwood Riverfront Project (May 27, 2025)

More About the Springfield Chamber’s Business Advocacy Efforts
As a trusted convener and provider of business resources, the Springfield Chamber is committed to fostering policies and incentives that contribute to our competitive position in private sector job creation, retention, and economic growth. The Chamber recognizes the systemic interdependencies of a healthy economy and provides an ear and a voice for local business at the confluence of government, commerce, and community. Through a robust platform of member advocacy services, the Chamber advocates for business by increasing visibility, dialogue, and representation at local, state, and federal policy circles around issues of impact and interest to their members.