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EUGENE URBAN RENEWAL AGENCY AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY Work Sessiom Downtown Urban Renewal Plan Amendments Meeting Date: July 12, 2004 Agenda Item Number: C Department: Planning and Development Staff Contact: Richie Weinman www. cl. eugene, or. us Contact Telephone Number: 682-5533 AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY This is a work session on proposed amendments to the Central Eugene Project (Downtown) Urban Renewal Plan. BACKGROUND The Urban Renewal Agency (URA) is asked to consider amendments to the Central Eugene Project (Downtown) Urban Renewal Plan. The new Eugene Redevelopment Advisory Committee (ERAC) carefully studied the Downtown UR Plan and following four meetings, recommended amendments. The Planning Commission, on June 14, 2004, voted to forward these amendments to the City Council and URA. In January 2003, the council began a multi-step process to implement the Vision for a Greater Downtown Eugene. This and the recently updated Downtown Plan include a recommendation to enact implementation tools, including using urban renewal as a financing tool. Since that time, a new Downtown Plan has been adopted, two property tax exemption programs have been put into place, and the Riverfront Urban Renewal Plan was updated. In March 2004, the URA voted to forward the proposed amendments to the Downtown UR Plan to other taxing districts, the Planning Commission, and the public for comment. These amendments included the following: 1) removing the restriction on the use of tax increment funds solely for library projects; 2) extending the district timeline to 2029; and 3) changing the maximum indebtedness. ERAC and the Planning Commission recommend the first two elements but do not recommend changing the maximum indebtedness at this time. Other amendments reflect the council's previous direction on projects, method of amending the Downtown Urban Renewal Plan in the future, and adjusting language in the plan to conform to current state statutes. As required by State statute, the affected taxing jurisdictions have been notified and sent a copy of the proposed amendments to the Downtown Urban Renewal Plan. In addition to the scheduled public hearing on August 9, 2004, these amendments have been the subject of significant opportunity for public comment. At each of the public information sessions related to the update of the Downtown Plan, use of urban renewal funding was highlighted as a tool. One event, "Lookin' Forward at Downtown," drew over 125 people during the December 5, 2003, First Friday Artwalk. In addition to visual displays and handouts, staff encouraged comments. That event was advertised in both the Register-Guard and Eugene Weekly. Council Action History Please refer to Attachment A for recent council history. L:\CMO\2004 Council Agendas\M040712\S040712C.DOC