Item A: Downtown Financing Strategy

Home Browse Search

ATTACHMENT A Summary of Council Discussions & Actions on Economic Development & Downtown Council’s discussion of downtown revitalization is part of a larger conversation on local economic development actions. Part I is a summary of those discussions and decisions from the past year. Part II is a summary of public involvement on downtown revitalization. PART I February 22, 2010: Council resumed discussion of the remaining motions that were already on the table from the February 10 work session and voted as follows: 1.d. Present to the Urban Renewal Agency Board for its review a proposed amendment to the downtown urban renewal plan that would 1) restrict the use of tax increment funds and increase the spending limit to pay for (i) the Broadway Place Garages’ debt, thereby freeing up funds for additional police officers for downtown public safety and property crime reduction, and (ii) not more than three other projects if their inclusion is approved by later motions, and 2) terminate the downtown urban renewal district as soon as the projects are paid for or sufficient funds are collected to fund those projects. In addition, present to the council, at the same time that the City Manager brings forward a draft amendment to the urban renewal plan, an analysis of both a local option levy and a general obligation bond, instead of tax increment financing, to fund the specified projects. (Passed 6:2 Brown, Taylor opposed) 1.e. Bring back to council this spring a proposed ordinance requiring vacant properties to pay Downtown Service District fees; and (Passed 7:1 Clark opposed) 1.f. Work with Downtown Eugene, Inc. and the Chamber of Commerce on partnerships and other funding strategies with a goal of achieving $350,000 in revenue. (Passed 6:2 Brown, Taylor opposed) 1g: Direct the City Manager to limit new annual expenditures for the downtown safety initiative to $2.2 million. (Passed 7:1 Clark opposed) th 2. Include for the proposed downtown Lane Community College development at 10 and Charnelton $8 million as part of a proposed urban renewal plan amendment, local option levy, and general obligation bond, a portion of which can facilitate a public plaza or open space area at that site and potentially a downtown public safety substation. (Passed 6:2 Brown, Taylor opposed) 3. Include as part of a proposed urban plan amendment, local option levy, and general obligation bond, an additional $500,000 for improvements to the Parks Blocks to enhance that area for the Farmers’ Market. (Passed 5:3 Brown, Solomon, Taylor opposed) 4. If the VA pursues PeaceHealth’s Willamette Street site for a new VA Clinic, include the VA Clinic as part of a proposed urban renewal plan amendment, local option levy, and general obligation bond. (Passed 6:2 Brown, Taylor opposed) 5. Pursue additional grant opportunities for steam conversion and electric vehicle charging stations. (Passed 8:0)