Editor’s Note: Cave Junction Mayor Jesse Dugas presented his State of the City Address at a public City Council meeting on Monday, January 10. An edited version of the address is reprinted below:
Good evening, Councilors, city staff, and members of our community.
Thank you for being here and for taking the time to participate in the work of our city. This evening is an opportunity to reflect on where Cave Junction stands today, recognize the people doing the work, and outline the priorities that will guide us forward.
Where We Are Today
Over the past year, the City has taken important steps toward stabilizing operations and addressing long-standing challenges.
We have continued to invest in critical infrastructure, including water and utility systems that directly affect reliability and public health. We have addressed nuisance properties and public safety concerns that impact neighborhoods and our downtown core. These efforts are often slow and complex, involving legal requirements, coordination, and persistence, but they are necessary to protect the community and build confidence in the city.
One of the most visible and challenging examples of this work is the Junction Inn property.
Junction Inn Update
The Junction Inn has required a lengthy and difficult legal process to address responsibly and lawfully. This has involved enforcement, coordination, and continued monitoring to protect public safety and the surrounding area. I want to be clear that this issue has not been ignored.
We are now nearing the conclusion of that process. The Junction Inn is scheduled to go to foreclosure at the end of this month. While foreclosure does not immediately resolve all issues related to the property, it represents a significant milestone after a long effort. It places the City in a stronger position to see meaningful change at a site that has affected safety, appearance, and confidence in our downtown.
Looking Ahead – Our Priorities
As we look forward, our focus remains on steady, practical improvements that strengthen city operations, support economic vitality, and protect the character of our community.
Improving City Services
One of our immediate operational goals is to finalize electronic payment systems at City Hall. This will improve efficiency, reduce administrative burden, and provide more convenient service options for residents and businesses. Modernizing basic processes is an important step toward a more accessible and responsive local government.
Staffing and Capacity
Supporting our staff also means ensuring we have the capacity to meet daily demands. Hiring an Administrative Assistant is a priority moving forward. This position will help keep core operations running smoothly, support existing staff, and reduce strain that can lead to burnout.
Budget Responsibility
Maintaining a responsible and balanced budget remains a central focus.
We are committed to careful financial planning, transparency, and aligning resources with the city’s most critical needs. Fiscal discipline allows us to maintain essential services, address infrastructure needs, and position the city for future opportunities without overextending limited resources.
Downtown Protection and Parking Management
Another important priority is protecting the accessibility, appearance, and economic vitality of our downtown.
We will work to develop additional tools and policies to address long-term parking of RVs and buses in the downtown area beyond what our current ordinance allows. This effort will be balanced and thoughtful, recognizing public safety concerns, the needs of local businesses, and the importance of maintaining a welcoming and functional downtown core, while continuing to approach the issue with fairness and respect.
Supporting Residential and Commercial Growth
We remain committed to supporting both residential and commercial growth.
Growth requires clear policies, consistent enforcement, infrastructure readiness, and a city government that works constructively with property owners, developers, and business owners. Our goal is to encourage development that strengthens the local economy, expands housing options, and improves overall livability while preserving the character of Cave Junction.
Cave Junction is a resilient community.
The work ahead is not about quick fixes. It is about creating stability, restoring confidence, and building a solid foundation for the future. That work takes time, collaboration, and trust.
To our city staff, thank you for your dedication. To the City Council, thank you for your service and commitment. To the residents and business owners of Cave Junction, thank you for your engagement and belief in this community.
Together, we will continue moving Cave Junction forward.