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ECC UGENE ITY OUNCIL AIS GENDA TEM UMMARY Workshop: Downtown Outcomes Meeting Date: August 10, 2009 Agenda Item Number: B Department: Planning & Development Staff Contact: Amanda Nobel Flannery www.eugene-or.gov Contact Telephone Number: 682-5535 ISSUE STATEMENT The workshop is a follow-up to the council’s July 8, 2009, discussion on downtown economic development and urban renewal as a potential local economic stimulus tool. The council expressed interest in talking about desired downtown outcomes prior to resuming discussion on the various mechanisms available for achieving the outcomes. The August 10 workshop will not have the standard work session procedures; instead, the meeting will be in workshop format facilitated by the City. At the beginning of the workshop, staff will frame the overall goal for the meeting and provide a brief summary of current downtown-related policies, plans, and prior public involvement efforts as a basis for the council’s workshop exercise. The council will then discuss and prioritize desired downtown outcomes. No formal action is requested. Staff will, however, look for feedback and input. BACKGROUND The council had an initial conversation on economic development at the January 28, 2009, work session and unanimously approved adoption of a City of Eugene Mayor and City Council Economic Development Statement. The economic stimulus discussion continued at work sessions on April 13 and May 27, 2009. On May 27, the council approved actions on three economic development related items: 1) sale of surplus City real estate for identified development projects, 2) initiation of procedural code amendments, and 3) consideration of an amendment to the Downtown Urban Renewal Plan. On July 8, the council held a follow-up work session where staff a) addressed questions raised and ideas discussed at the May 27 work session and b) provided next steps for a strategy to reinforce existing programs and businesses downtown and to create a series of stimulus actions to strengthen the City’s role in community economic development. In addition to other materials, staff provided a summary of downtown project tools and assistance. (The tools summary is included again as Attachment A.) No formal action was taken on July 8; however, the council did express interest in talking about desired downtown outcomes prior to resuming discussion on the various tools available for achieving the outcomes. Since 2000, the council, staff, and the community have created and prioritized various goals, policies, and recommendations for downtown. Attachment B provides a summary of the 19 plans, policy documents, or community involvement efforts relevant to a discussion of desired downtown outcomes. The council’s approval or review status and a summary of the key outcomes is provided for each. All of the planning efforts reiterate common themes and aspirations for a vital, economically healthy, and inviting city center. Attachment C provides a summary matrix. Z:\CMO\2009 Council Agendas\M090810\S090810B.doc