Lakeside, Oregon is facing issues with encampments and homelessness in the surrounding federal forest lands and BLM lands, which is impacting the small town. Mayor Nikki Wood discussed the challenges, including lack of funding for public safety, infrastructure needs, and the difficulty of addressing the encampments due to legal restrictions. The mayor outlined plans to explore a public safety district to increase police presence, as well as collaborating with the nearby Hauser Citizen Patrol and tribal authorities. The discussion also covered the need to secure and clean up the local cemetery that has been impacted by the encampments.

Overall, the mayor and the community are working to address these complex issues and find solutions to improve public safety and the quality of life in Lakeside.

Key Topics Discussed:

Encampments and Homelessness in Lakeside, Oregon:

• The impact of encampments and homeless individuals on the Lakeside community, particularly in the federal forest lands and BLM lands north of Coos Bay and North Bend.

• Concerns about public safety, property crimes, and the overall deterioration of the town's image and livability.

Lakeside City Government and Leadership:

• Mayor Nikki Wood's background and transition from City Council to becoming the new mayor.

• Challenges facing Lakeside, including lack of property tax revenue, aging infrastructure, and limited public safety resources.

• Priorities and goals of the current city council, such as improving public safety and addressing the encampment issues.

Potential Solutions and Next Steps:

• Exploring the idea of a public safety district or rural policing district to increase law enforcement presence and coverage in the Lakeside area.

• Collaborating with the Hauser Citizen Patrol and potentially establishing a volunteer citizen patrol program in Lakeside.

• Addressing the issues at the cemetery and tribal lands, including securing the area with fencing and working with the local tribe.

• Coordinating with county and state agencies, such as the U.S. Forest Service and state representatives, to address the encampment problem.

• Exploring options for funding and resources, including potential grants, county support, and community cleanup efforts.

Next Steps:

Mayor Nikki Wood to:

• Reach out to the Hauser Citizen Patrol and explore the possibility of a collaborative public safety district or rural policing district.

• Coordinate with the local tribe to address the issues at the cemetery and tribal lands, including securing the area with fencing.

• Contact county commissioners, particularly Drew Farmer, to discuss potential support and resources for cleanup efforts and disposal of waste.

• Explore funding options, such as grants or community-led cleanup initiatives, to address the encampment issues.

The host (Chris) to:

• Provide any additional footage or information from previous interviews to support the mayor's efforts.

• Assist in reaching out to state agencies and representatives to facilitate a more comprehensive response to the encampment problem.

• Maintain open communication with Mayor Nikki Wood and provide ongoing support and coverage of the progress made in Lakeside.

Summary:

The discussion focused on the significant impact of encampments and homelessness on the Lakeside community, particularly in the federal forest lands and BLM lands north of Coos Bay and North Bend. Mayor Nikki Wood outlined the challenges facing Lakeside, including limited public safety resources, aging infrastructure, and the lack of property tax revenue. The group explored potential solutions, such as establishing a public safety district or rural policing district, collaborating with the Hauser Citizen Patrol, and addressing the issues at the cemetery and tribal lands. Coordinating with county and state agencies, as well as exploring funding options, were identified as crucial next steps to address the encampment problem and improve the overall livability and safety of Lakeside.