Independence Days (formerly Western Days) is a beloved tradition in our community—a time to come together, celebrate, and reflect on what makes Independence special. Over the past three years, the city has taken a lead role in organizing the event. Now, due to staffing changes and ongoing financial challenges, we’re exploring new ways for the celebration to continue with broader community support.

Understandably, this has raised questions about what’s happening, what’s changing, and how the community can help. Below, we’ve shared preliminary answers to some of the most common questions we’ve received. These responses reflect where things stand today and may evolve as conversations continue and new possibilities emerge.

1. Is the city canceling Independence Days?

The city is currently evaluating its ability to support any portion of the Independence Days Celebration beginning in Summer 2026 due to budget constraints and pending the resignation of the staff member who previously coordinated the event. That position will not be refilled under the proposed budget. No final decisions have been made, as the Budget Committee is still considering the Fiscal Year 2025–26 budget. City-supported components such as the fireworks and concerts are under review. The parade is organized independently by the Rotary and is not coordinated by the city.

2. What’s driving this change?

The departure of our Downtown Manager, who coordinated Independence Days, is the immediate reason for re-evaluating how the event is delivered. Given the city’s broader financial challenges, we made the difficult choice not to refill that position to help close a $750,000 structural budget deficit. Without that position, we no longer have the internal staffing capacity to plan and manage an event that draws tens of thousands of visitors and requires months of preparation.

3. Was there community input before this decision?

Yes. Over the past several months, the city engaged in a comprehensive outreach effort to understand community priorities in light of our financial challenges. This included town halls, a digital and hard-copy survey, and multiple public work sessions. This feedback has been vital in helping us assess how to align limited resources with community needs.

4. How much does the event cost to run?

The estimated cost to host the full Independence Days celebration in 2025 is about $332,000, with expected revenues of $217,400, resulting in a projected net loss of $115,000. For comparison, the 2024 event cost $315,465, brought in $242,472, and had a net loss of $72,993. A major portion of the expenses each year comes from staff time (public works, police, finance, tourism and events) to plan and run the event, about $148,805 in 2024 and an estimated $150,000 in 2025.

5. What’s causing the city’s budget shortfall?

The city is facing a structural budget deficit of more than $750,000 driven by factors such as:

  • Inflation and increased service/personnel costs
  • Property tax revenues are not keeping up with costs due to Oregon’s constitutional limits on property tax growth, which restrict our ability to keep up with increasing expenses.

The city has been working to address it for several years by reducing department budgets, staff layoffs, leaving vacancies unfilled, and restructuring internal operations. The decision not to refill the Downtown Manager position is part of that broader strategy.

6. Did the city consider cost-saving options before deciding to step back?

Yes. City staff have explored multiple alternatives, including scaled-back versions of the event, additional partnerships, volunteer coordination, and cost-sharing models. However, the biggest issue is staffing—even a one-day event that draws 20,000 people requires significant planning and coordination.

7. What would it take to keep the event going in future years?

To continue the Independence Days celebration in future years, a new lead organization—such as a nonprofit, civic group, or business coalition—would need to take on primary responsibility for planning and coordination. This group would also need to secure sustainable funding through sponsorships, donations, grants, or other sources.

In addition, the event would require a strong and committed base of volunteers to help with logistics, setup, and day-of operations. With these elements in place, the city is open to remaining involved in a limited support role, but would no longer serve as the primary organizer.

8. Can the community step in to help?

Yes. Before the COVID pandemic, Independence Days was organized by a group of community volunteers, which kept costs low by avoiding personnel expenses. The city would gladly welcome a return to that model and encourages local residents, businesses, and organizations to step up and bring this event back as a true community-driven celebration once again.

9. Has the city considered forming a community task force or committee to help plan or support future celebrations?

There is already an Independence Days Committee that works on planning and support, and we are deeply grateful for their efforts. Moving forward, we hope to expand collaboration with this group and others to explore how the event can continue with broader community involvement and reduced reliance on city funding.

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While the city has only fully run Independence Days for the past three years, we know how deeply it’s woven into Independence’s identity. We remain hopeful that with leadership from a local nonprofit or organization—and the passion of our community—the event can continue to thrive in a new form.