Agenda Packet 4-15-19 Work Session

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Vision The Bethel Economic Development Task Team (Task Team) project’s vision is to support Bethel businesses, residents, and schools in their efforts to create an area that has ‘everything right here’, by identifying economic development related actions that can build a better Bethel. Study Area The project study area encompasses the economic areas which serve the Bethel Area; the eastern boundary is the Highway 99 Corridor, the southern boundary is the West 11th business corridor, the western boundary is Green Hill Road, and the northern boundary includes Clear Lake Road to accommodate the proposed Urban Growth Boundary (UGB) expansion. Project Purpose The purpose of this project was to identify actions that the City and its partners can implement within the next five years to build community assets and advance the vision of ‘everything right here’. With the adoption of Envision Eugene and the Regional Economic Prosperity Plan, as well as the forthcoming update to the Transportation System Plan, the opportunity to direct public and private investments to support this vision is at hand. As defined, Bethel is an area that will support the growth of jobs, housing, recreational opportunities, and multi-modal transit options for West Eugene. The expansion of the UGB as recommended within Envision Eugene supports the Regional Prosperity Plan’s strategy of strengthening targeted industries and growing local opportunities, such as the food industry, which has been identified as a key industry in Bethel. INTRODUCTION Task Team Timeline The Task Team met four times throughout the fall of 2014. Below is a summary of the meetings. 1 Meeting One-October 8 Introduction to the project and purpose, role of members as representatives for community, overview of Bethel conditions, discussion of Envision Eugene and Regional Prosperity Plan, and initial identification of redevelopment sites. 2 Meeting Two-October 22 Identified criteria for evaluating redevelopment sites, discussed assessment process, provided overview of the Economic Development Tools available in area and discussed which ones are most appropriate to use in Bethel, overview of the Food Industry sector, and discussed future needs. 3 Meeting Three-November 19 In-depth review of redevelopment financial modeling for high priority sites, land use zoning and development code discussion that highlighted recent revisions, discussed final deliverables and visual presentation, and completed a visioning exercise. 4 Meeting Four-December 10 Staff presented draft outlines for technical report, map, and website information, discussed language emphasizing community leadership in implementing the actions, reviewed and approved the Action Items, and discussed next steps involving the Task Team and City Council. Task Team Project 4 April 15, 2019, Work Session – Item 1