Oregon’s Higher Education Coordinating Commission approved a slate of policy recommendations, including regular academic program audits and potential institutional mergers, citing persistent budget shortfalls and declining enrollment across the state’s public universities. The 13–2 vote urged “bold action” even as commissioners emphasized the need for greater state funding. At the campus level, Lane Community College’s board moved forward with an $8 million budget reduction over three years after a year of governance turmoil. The pair of moves underscores growing pressure on state systems and local institutions to tighten operations while balancing academic mission and community needs.