Jackson and Josephine Counties, Ore. – Voters in Jackson and Josephine counties have declined Measure 17-119, Rogue Community College’s (RCC) proposed $60.3 million bond aimed at enhancing its facilities, workforce programs, and infrastructure. The measure, presented on November 5, was designed to address critical capital needs across RCC’s campuses, which serve both counties.
The bond measure was intended to fund various projects supporting RCC’s mission, including expanding career-focused programs in high-demand fields such as manufacturing, welding, transportation, and health care. It also aimed to improve classroom spaces, student success centers, and campus infrastructure to ensure accessibility and safety.
“Although the bond measure didn’t pass, we remain dedicated to providing high-quality educational programs and supporting the needs of our students, local economy, and broader community,” stated RCC President Dr. Randy Weber. “We’re grateful to everyone who worked so hard to communicate the importance of this capital bond to the community and to those who came out to vote.”
Despite strong advocacy from RCC leaders, the measure faced scrutiny from some voters concerned about the economic impact of increased taxes, as well as the college’s ability to address budgetary constraints without further financial assistance.
RCC Board of Education Chair Dr. Gary Plano acknowledged the disappointment in the outcome but emphasized the board’s commitment to RCC’s mission. “The RCC Board of Education deeply appreciates the commitment and effort from the community members throughout the college district who supported this measure. While the outcome is not what we had hoped for, we will continue to work with RCC leadership to assess alternative options to address pressing facility needs,” Dr. Plano said.
In light of the measure’s defeat, RCC will explore alternative solutions to address its growing infrastructure demands and ensure that programs remain aligned with regional workforce needs. Updates on these efforts will be shared on the college’s official website, roguecc.edu, as RCC leadership plans the next steps to continue serving its community and student body effectively.
