Sen. Jeff Merkley hosts Eugene roundtable on affordability with local businesses

June 6, 2026 - 01:48

With the cost of housing, goods, and gas continuing to rise, Sen. Jeff Merkley hosted a roundtable discussion Friday in Eugene to talk affordability with small business owners. The meeting brought together local entrepreneurs from a variety of sectors, including retail, food service, and manufacturing, to share how rising expenses are affecting their operations and employees.

Participants described a tight squeeze between paying higher wages to keep staff and raising prices for customers who are already feeling the pinch. Several owners noted that the cost of commercial rent and basic supplies has jumped sharply over the past two years, making it harder to plan for growth. One baker said her ingredient costs have doubled, forcing her to reduce profit margins just to stay competitive.

Merkley listened closely, taking notes and asking follow-up questions about specific policy ideas. He emphasized the need for federal action to address supply chain bottlenecks and to expand support for small businesses struggling with inflation. The senator also pointed to ongoing efforts in Congress to lower prescription drug costs and invest in affordable housing, which he argued would free up household budgets for local spending.

The roundtable was part of a broader listening tour Merkley is conducting across Oregon. No specific legislative proposals were announced at the event, but the senator pledged to bring the concerns raised back to Washington. Business owners left the discussion expressing cautious optimism that their voices had been heard, though many said they need relief sooner rather than later.