City of Independence, Oregon

06/12/2026

How often do you think about the infrastructure beneath your feet? Most of it goes unnoticed until something goes wrong.

Join us for Stormwater Master Plan Open House #2 on Thursday, June 18, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Independence Civic Center. Learn how stormwater infrastructure helps reduce flooding and protect water quality, and share your thoughts on priorities for the future.

Whether you've been following the planning process or are just getting involved, your input can help shape stormwater improvements in Independence for years to come.

06/11/2026

City Council and Urban Renewal Agency Recap

On Tuesday June 9, the city council addressed several financial, infrastructure, and policy items:

-The evening began with a work session on the city's bond rating. S&P Global reaffirmed Independence's investment-grade bond rating and recognized improvements made to address long-standing structural financial challenges.

-During the regular meeting, the mayor congratulated the Central School District baseball team on their State Championship.
The council approved a change-of-ownership liquor license for JimmyZ Independence Gas & Mini Mart.

-The council held a public hearing on Parks System Development Charges (SDCs) and adopted the related resolution.

-The council adopted three ordinances updating the Independence Municipal Code related to streets, sidewalks and public places, traffic and vehicles, and utilities.

-The council adopted the Fiscal Year 2026-27 Budget and accepted State Revenue Sharing funds for the coming fiscal year.

-The council approved the first reading of an ordinance adopting service fees and amending service billing. A second reading is scheduled for the June 23 council meeting.

-Resolution 26-1656, establishing the fee, was approved, while Resolution 26-1657, classifying the fee, was rescheduled for consideration on June 23.

-Following the council meeting, the Urban Renewal Agency adopted its Fiscal Year 2026-27 Budget.

For more information on these topics, visit the city of Independence website.

06/10/2026

REMINDER: Yoga in the Park this Saturday!

Kick off summer with Yoga in the Park at Riverview Park starting Saturday, June 6, 2026. Join Winnie’s Yoga Mat every Saturday from 9 to 10 a.m. through August for free outdoor classes featuring yoga, breathwork, meditation, sound healing, and community connection under the walnut trees.

All ages and experience levels are welcome. Bring your mat, a blanket, water, and good energy. No registration required, just show up.

06/08/2026

Traffic Notice: Crosswalk Improvements Planned at Bridge Intersection

Public works crews will complete crosswalk and stop bar improvements at the four-way stop intersection of Main Street and River Road South near the Independence bridge on Wednesday, June 10, 2026. Work is scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. Flaggers will be on site to direct traffic, and drivers should expect minor delays while work is underway.

Motorists are encouraged to use caution, follow all traffic control directions, and allow extra travel time when traveling through the area. We appreciate the community’s patience as these improvements are completed.

06/08/2026

See what's on the agenda for tomorrow's city council work session and meeting here: https://independenceor.portal.civicclerk.com/

Tune in tomorrow, June 9, 2026, starting at 5:30 PM for our regular meeting, to our YouTube channel or in person at the Independence Civic Center.

06/05/2026

Shape the future of Independence by serving on the City Council or as Mayor.

The city of Independence is accepting candidate filings for the November 3, 2026 General Election. The filing period opened June 3 and closes at 5:00 p.m. on August 25, 2026.

Mayor and City Council positions are non-partisan, elected at large, volunteer, non-paid roles. Terms begin January 1, 2027. Candidates must be registered voters in Independence and have lived within the city limits for at least 12 consecutive months prior to the election.

Candidate packets are available at the Independence Civic Center and online at https://www.ci.independence.or.us/elections-voter-services/.

06/04/2026

We will begin stitching the stories together this month and appreciate everyone's contributions so far! You can continue to bring in your quilt blocks (8.5 x 8.5) until June 20.

06/03/2026

Kick off summer with Yoga in the Park at Riverview Park starting Saturday, June 6, 2026. Join Winnie’s Yoga Mat every Saturday from 9 to 10 a.m. through August for free outdoor classes featuring yoga, breathwork, meditation, sound healing, and community connection under the walnut trees.

All ages and experience levels are welcome. Bring your mat, a blanket, water, and good energy. No registration required, just show up.

06/02/2026

As summer approaches, more people are heading outdoors to enjoy the Willamette River. Independence offers free life jacket loaner stations along the river to help keep recreation safe for everyone.

Please exercise caution when recreating near or in the river. Currents, changing conditions, and hidden hazards can create dangerous situations, even for experienced swimmers. Borrow a life jacket, wear it while enjoying the water, and return it so others can use it too.

Learn more about water safety: https://www.ci.independence.or.us/water-safety/

06/02/2026

Looking for a fun summer job that keeps you active and engaged in community events? The city of Independence is hiring a Seasonal Event Worker to help support our popular summer event series.

In this role, you'll help set up and take down event equipment, assist vendors, maintain event facilities, provide customer service to event attendees, and work alongside city staff to ensure successful community events.

If you're dependable, energetic, and enjoy working in a fast-paced environment, we encourage you to apply:

Looking for a fun summer job that keeps you active and engaged in community events? The City of Independence is hiring a Seasonal Event Worker to help support our popular summer event series. Season Dates: June 26, 2026 – August 28, 2026Schedule: Friday afternoons and evenings In this role, you'l...