02-15-17 City Council Agenda Packet

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4.Enhancing Economic Development something larger. LCC has a small business advising center for Many people said that before the mall closed on Willamette and start-ups and RAIN (Regional Accelerator) is assisting entre- Broadway in the 70s, Eugenes downtown was a vibrant place. Many interviewees want to recapture this energy with the devel- talent from going to Portland and Seattle, and the downtown is opment of a thriving retail environment fueled by new housing, seen not as an asset, but as a liability in trying to attract estab- entrepreneurship, and the arts. lished technology companies to Eugene. Build a thriving mixed-use environment. Embrace the independent and unique qualities of downtown 444444444444444444A in our focus groups said that the downtown is at a turning . Other than Starbucks point. Some downtown merchants said that people have dis- and Whole Foods, there are few chain stores in the downtown, covered downtown Eugene. Investment in market-rate housing is thought to be important to support retail of all types, but, until they needed more reasons to shop downtown and more commer- now, the housing demand was not strong enough to convince cial activity besides bars and restaurants: e.g. local pharmacy, developers to take the leap. If the downtown becomes a stronger hardware, more clothing retailers and upscale fashion; and other destination, this could build more demand for apartments and specialty services for downtown residents. There is also a per- condos, and residents will be invested in the neighborhood. We ception that downtown is all about alcohol, which should be dis- were told that many existing buildings could add stories while pelled. still remaining within the FAR limit. The Downtown Neighbor- hood Association expects new buildings will cater to young, Improve the communication and commitments among all single professionals. The current downtown population consists stakeholders. The number of people becoming engaged with largely of college students, due to the new student housing, and the current revitalization of downtown is growing, and many said seniors at the Eugene Hotel. The downtown does not currently that there should be greater coordination among them. Some have many families with children living there. currently sense a lack of communication among the City, Down- town Eugene Inc., and other downtown stakeholders. Others say Promote Eugene as a place for innovation and entrepreneur- arts community members do not know each other well. ship. In our conversations with tech companies, we heard that Eugene provides a good stepping stone for many entrepre- 24