Monmouth Mayor Cec Koontz and Councilor John Oberst testified in support of HB2647, identifying the same parcel of land that later became “Area 1” in Legislative Amendment 25-02. This lobbying effort was not publicly reported in Monmouth city meetings.

The Monmouth City Council formally introduced Legislative Amendment 25-02, proposing a land swap involving: Area 1: 70.1 acres west of Western Oregon University Area 2: 6.7 acres off Talmadge Road

At a City Council work session, staff presented plans for medium-density development on Area 1 and discussed including nearby land already inside the Urban Growth Boundary (UGB).

The Planning Commission met to consider the amendment. Required public notice signs were not posted until that same day—nearly three months after the process began—and some nearby property owners were not formally notified. The decision was postponed.

Despite public opposition and concerns that Area 1 is not contiguous with the city boundary, the Planning Commission voted 5–1 to recommend approval.

The City Council held a public hearing. Opponents submitted a 15-page legal letter arguing the proposal does not meet Oregon’s contiguity requirements. The mayor announced the council would not make a decision that day.

City officials held another work session and reviewed land-use planning guidance. The city attorney clarified the action would be treated as a legislative decision, which changes how public input and council communications are handled

The Monmouth City Council is expected to make a final decision on the proposal.