Agenda Packet 4-15-19 Work Session

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Development Tools The Task Team evaluated the variety of existing policy and financial tools that are available for business development and property redevelopment activities in west Eugene. These include incentives, grants, and loans from the City of Eugene, Lane County, or through the Lane Council of Governments (LCOG). During the Team’s second meeting, the group evaluated the feasibility of the various incentives and identified the highest priority tools to recommend. The completed Development Tool Memos are hosted on the project website. The Task Team was supportive of the following actions/recommendations related to tools and incentives: •The continued use of City of Eugene Affordable Housing program funds for new housing units and renovation of existing units within the Bethel Area is key to provide housing, create quality development, and support retail businesses. •The MUPTE property tax incentive is a critical element for the success of any market- rate multi-family housing development, including the housing component of mixed-use projects. •One of the greatest tools the City can provide is to improve internal process to better support new redevelopment projects, as is outlined with the ‘Strategy’ section of this report. •Continued support for Lane County Economic Development financial and marketing assistance to food related businesses has a positive impact on jobs within the Area. •Proposed expansion of the Urban Growth Boundary (UGB) for Industrial Lands is critical to meeting the needs of new businesses and the expansion of existing businesses. •Engagement with the Bethel Business Community on use of existing business loan and grant packages, including ‘micro-loans’ is critical. •Use of System Development Charge (SDC) financing should continue as a means to lower the initial cost of projects. •Evaluate the criteria of the existing West Eugene Enterprise Zone for greater flexibility and use, as well as expand it to cover the proposed UGB expansion. •Capitalize on the previous federal Brownfields Grants to apply for and acquire additional funding for site clean-up as a stimulus for increased private investment. •Advocating for the Better Bethel community redevelopment vision to show support, increase interest, and attract investment. The Task Team’s endorsement of these tools and actions does not automatically make them happen, but they show support for investment in the community, which in turn helps to direct work planning, approve decisions, and expand the scope of existing programs. 15April 15, 2019, Work Session – Item 1