Item B: River Road/Santa Clara Transition Project - Final Report

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ECC UGENE ITY OUNCIL AIS GENDA TEM UMMARY Work Session: River Road/Santa Clara Transition Project - Final Report Meeting Date: June 21, 2006 Agenda Item Number: B Department: Central Services Staff Contact: Jim Carlson www.eugene-or.gov Contact Telephone Number: 682-5524 ISSUE STATEMENT The River Road/Santa Clara (RR/SC) Transition Project is an outgrowth of a longstanding effort to address governance and service delivery challenges in the River Road and Santa Clara communities within the City of Eugene’s Urban Growth Boundary (UGB). In April 2004, the City of Eugene contracted with David Reed & Associates to work with residents and service providers to prepare a transition plan that incorporates the Trust, Voice, Equity, and Collaboration. themes identified by a committee of RR/SC residents in 2002 – Twelve stakeholders, representing diverse community interests, served as an advisory “Task Force” to assist the consultants in developing a plan. David Reed will be present at the meeting to present the Final Report. Rob Handy, chair of the River Road Community Organization and Jerry Finigan, chair of the Santa Clara Community Organization and both members of the River Road/Santa Clara Citizen Task Force will also be available to provide their perspective as requested by the City Council. BACKGROUND River Road and Santa Clara have evolved as independent communities almost since the City of Eugene was founded in 1853. The Metro Area General Plan determined in 1982 that the City of Eugene would provide urban services to the River Road and Santa Clara communities upon annexation. Yet most of River Road and Santa Clara still remain outside the Eugene city limits. In addition to the City of Eugene and Lane County, six local institutions provide urban services in the RR/SC area, including two water districts, two rural fire districts, a park and recreation district, and the Eugene Water and Electric Board (EWEB). Since 1982, as properties have annexed into the City of Eugene, the local service districts have experienced a loss of tax revenue and changes in service patterns and demands, creating questions and challenges about the future of River Road and Santa Clara and the quality of these services. Residents and service providers identified issues of concern during interviews with the consultants: River Road and Santa Clara are a patchy, complex mosaic of incorporated and unincorporated areas; urban services are provided by multiple jurisdictions and agencies in a fragmented and confusing way; rapid growth and infilling are viewed as a threat to livability and neighborhood character; hostility and distrust have built up over many years; and residents feel they have little voice in decisions that affect their quality of life. The scope of the Transition Project was initially to create better communication between residents, community organizations, and special districts, City and County service providers; and to prepare a transition plan for the unincorporated areas of River Road and Santa Clara. After interviews with stakeholders and involvement of L:\CMO\2006 Council Agendas\M060621\S060621B.doc