Focus Areas
What is our community Vision?
All people in the Siuslaw are working, happy, educated, creative, connected & active!
Working People: Jobs & Economic Development
THE VISION: A strong and sustainable year-round economy provides living wage jobs throughout the Siuslaw region. Repurposed abandoned spaces and mill sites offer locations for diverse businesses. Entrepreneurs open and expand businesses, accessing high speed fiber optics to expand their markets. Main Street in Florence is healthy and vibrant. Anchor businesses in Mapleton, Swisshome, Deadwood, and Dunes City support local economies and employment. Zoning allows innovation in workforce housing and business development. Internship and mentoring programs are available for students and job-seekers. Area festivals, local arts, and restaurants which feature Farm to Table products, continue to attract visitors to the area.
Happy People: Health & Human Services
THE VISION: A full range of services supports physical, emotional, and mental health of residents of all ages in the Siuslaw region. Peace Harbor Medical Center provides emergency services in a state-of- the-art emergency center and quality care in its hospital, clinic and physicians’ offices. Health clinics are established throughout the region, providing easy access for residents. A variety of health care professionals work and live in the region, long-term. The unhoused receive services to address basic needs, including mental health counseling and assistance in transitioning to more stable situations. Drug abuse is addressed and reduced through prevention services. There is quality, affordable child care for all ages. Affordable transit and telemedicine allow all residents to access medical care.
Educated People: Lifelong Learners
THE VISION: The Siuslaw region is a community of lifelong learners. From preschool through high school, community college to enrichment courses and workshops, education is valued and supported. Students feel confident they are prepared for further education and careers. They attend modern, safe schools with state-of–the- art technology that allows them to take specialized, advanced coursework. Multigenerational volunteers bring experience to classrooms, sharing expertise and mentoring youth. Partnerships between schools, nongovernmental organizations, volunteers, public agencies and the business community enhance education. Technical training is offered at both the high schools and the community college. Internship programs are strong and have business and community support. The visual and performing arts are part of each school day. Student-operated gardens provide fresh food for the schools while being a training ground for food-related careers. A vibrant Siuslaw Education Foundation supports fundraising and advocacy for the Mapleton and Siuslaw School Districts. The Siuslaw Public Library is a core hub in the region, promoting learning for all ages, literacy, cultural programming, and community space. A strong Lane Community College provides career readiness training, college degree access and lifelong learning opportunities.
Creative People: Arts & Culture
THE VISION: Arts and culture play a vital role in the Siuslaw region, serving to build community and bring people together. The Florence Events Center is an anchor for festivals, productions and performances. A new Arts Center adds to the abundance of art and cultural spaces. Theatre groups are inclusive and bring focus to a variety of comedy, drama and musical performances to the stage. Public art is displayed throughout the region, celebrating local artists. Students receive a quality arts education supported by multigenerational volunteers. Festivals in the region support the arts. Regional authors are recognized and give voice to the Siuslaw experience. Studio and gallery tours are part of a regularly scheduled celebration of the arts. The region is known for its quality and diversity of arts.
Connected People: Human Connection, Infrastructure, Public Services
THE VISION: The Siuslaw region benefits from partnerships and cooperative relationships between city, county, state and federal officials to promote good infrastructure. Affordable, reliable public transportation operates throughout the region and there is daily, affordable transportation between the coast, upriver communities and Eugene. High speed fiber optic cable is available throughout the region. Emergency and law enforcement services, particularly in the county jurisdictions, make people feel safe. County and city zoning supports economic and housing development. A regional Parks and Recreation District, community centers, parks and trail systems are in place. The Port of Siuslaw works collaboratively to enhance the economic vitality of the region.
Active People: Recreation & Outdoors
THE VISION: A productive, natural environment supports healthy lifestyles and regional employment. Ecotourism programs introduce visitors to the natural beauty of the area. Safe, accessible trail systems, sidewalks, and recreational resources lead people to play on the Siuslaw River, the many area lakes, the Oregon Dunes, the Pacific Ocean and golf courses. Regional businesses serving tourists entice and encourage responsible use of the environment and contribute to economic vitality. A Parks and Recreation district supports community recreation centers in both Florence and upriver so that residents of all ages have a variety of places to play.