Grants Pass needs a steady voice on City Council — someone who does the homework, spends public money carefully, and keeps our downtown, neighborhoods, and small businesses moving forward.
General Election · November 3, 2026
Final Rally
Local food and drink will be provided.
Practical. Accountable. Local.
City Hall has had plenty of noise. What Ward 1 needs is a steady hand that listens first, builds agreement, and finishes what it starts. Grants Pass has been my home for more than thirty years, and that's the work I've put in here — no seat required.
Co-founded Main Street Grants Pass and launched Cruise the Rogue — projects that put more than 21,000 visits downtown and dollars in local registers.
Getting people with different views pulling the same way — because a boat rowed in three directions never gets anywhere.
Serving on the City Tourism Advisory Committee and the city's Development Code Task Force, plus volunteering on multiple public committees focused on downtown, community, entrepreneurship, and small business.
A focused plan for Ward 1: a stronger local economy, tourism that pays off locally, responsible growth that respects property owners, and safer neighborhoods.
Local businesses—not City Hall—create most of our jobs, vitality, and opportunity.
I will focus city leadership on clear communication, reliable basic services, safe streets, and practical conditions that help established businesses grow and vacant storefronts reopen.
What this means
Cut friction in city processes, communicate early, and make downtown clean, safe, and welcoming for customers, employees, residents, and independent business owners.
Tourism should strengthen local businesses and create measurable value for Grants Pass—not simply create activity.
As a founding board member of Main Street Grants Pass and organizer of Cruise the Rogue, I will use our downtown, river, and events to support year-round local spending and real opportunity for local operators.
What this means
Build around river and recreation assets, downtown events, heritage, food and lodging; connect visitors to local businesses; and focus city support on measurable local benefit.
Grants Pass needs housing and development that strengthen our community, support local investment, and respect the infrastructure and neighborhoods already here.
I support a city approach that gives builders, developers, contractors, property owners, and neighbors a meaningful voice early in the process—and that takes seriously the real-world cost of unnecessary delay, unclear requirements, and one-size-fits-all decisions.
What this means
On Council, I will support practical policies that encourage responsible housing and local investment, ask whether city processes are serving residents and businesses effectively, and look for opportunities to reduce unnecessary obstacles while maintaining the safety, infrastructure, and neighborhood standards Grants Pass expects.
Every family, business owner, and visitor should be able to use our streets, parks, and downtown without fear of crime, disorder, or neglected public spaces.
I will back our police and fire professionals, expect the City to enforce its laws, and insist on accountable solutions for the places residents use every day.
What this means
Protect dependable public-safety funding, listen to the professionals on the front line, track what works, and keep public spaces safe and usable.
"I will listen first, ask the tough question early, and make decisions that protect taxpayer dollars, public safety, and Ward 1’s long-term interests."
I'm running for Grants Pass City Council, Ward 1, because our city needs practical leadership focused on public safety, responsible growth, business confidence, and taxpayer stewardship.
For 30 years, I have worked in construction and development, corporate leadership, marketing and events, small-business operations, and real estate. Today I am a REALTOR® with RE/MAX Integrity. As a local broker, I work with families, businesses, investors, and property owners throughout Josephine County.
My professional background includes real estate broker; marketing executive, ECS; Project Manager, Northridge Homes & Development; Executive Producer, Entertainment Radio Network; and Regional Manager, CountryWide Homes. I have no prior governmental experience.
I'm not coming to Council to make speeches. I'm coming to read the packet, ask the hard question early, and vote where the evidence points.
Downtown
Vice Chair & Founding Board Member, Main Street Grants Pass
Community
Founder, Cruise the Rogue — revived and rebranded a 30-year Grants Pass tradition
Profession
Oregon Broker — 2024 Reader's Choice Best Realtor, Southern Oregon Magazine
Michael has something rare in a leader today—a servant's heart. He is genuine and committed to the service of the greater good. I can think of no one better to represent the best interests of the people of Grants Pass.
I am proud to endorse Mike O'Coyne for Grants Pass City Council, Ward 1. Mike brings a rare combination of diverse business experience, an exceptional work ethic, and a long record of genuine community involvement. He approaches complex issues with sound judgment, common sense, and a focus on practical solutions. At a time when Grants Pass needs balanced, thoughtful governance, Mike offers a clear and pragmatic vision for moving our community forward. He has the character, leadership, and business sense this role requires, and he has my full support.
I had the privilege of working and traveling side by side with Mike O'Coyne for many years. I saw firsthand Mike's work ethic, integrity, leadership, and genuine commitment to the people around him. He understands business, development, and what it takes to bring people together, solve problems, and get things done efficiently. I'm proud to endorse him for Grants Pass City Council, Ward 1, and believe he will bring common sense, experience, and a strong commitment to the future of our community.
House of Glory is proud to support Michael O’coyne for City Council. From the moment we met in 2021 he has shown commitment beyond nice words and good ideas. He goes above and beyond to execute whatever he puts his name behind. He is an entrepreneur, which takes grit, ability to pivot and accountability, which are all traits we believe are needed to make a lasting impact in the complex social climate in our city.
As a downtown small business owner, I’ve had the opportunity to see Michael’s commitment to our Main Street community firsthand.
Michael understands how important small businesses are to the heart and vitality of Grants Pass, and I appreciate his willingness to listen, show up, and advocate for those of us who have invested so much in our community.
His commitment to supporting local businesses like mine means a great deal to me, and I’m proud to offer him my endorsement.
Grants Pass needs Michael O'Coyne on city council. I've seen firsthand how he shows up for local business, and that's the kind of leader we need.
I’ve had the privilege of working alongside Michael both in real estate and on the Main Street Grants Pass board, where he serves as Vice Chair. Mike is someone you can always count on. He follows through, leads with a calm and steady demeanor, and has a remarkable ability to turn feedback into meaningful action. He approaches challenges with common sense, thoughtfulness, and a genuine commitment to our community. He is kind, dependable, an excellent problem solver, and someone who consistently shows up and gets things done. I’ve witnessed these qualities firsthand, and it is truly an honor to endorse Michael for City Council in a city I love so much.
West of 6th Street. North of the Rogue.
Ward 1 covers the part of the city west of 6th Street and Scoville Road, and north of Bridge Street, M Street, and the Rogue River. It is represented by two councilors.
If you live here, you already know which streets need work and which corners need attention. I want to hear it from you directly — not from a summary at a work session.
Tell me your Ward 1 priority →
Elections in Ward 1 are won neighbor to neighbor. Lend your name as a public endorsement, put a sign in your front yard, or knock a few doors — that's what makes the difference.
Or reach me directly: mocoyne@gmail.com · 541-218-7762
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