Item C: Ordinance on Downtown Urban Renewal Plan Amendment

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September 14, 2009: On September 14, council reviewed initial results of a downtown revitalization survey conducted by Strategy Research Institute. Similar to the survey conducted the prior year for the road bond, the downtown survey was conducted to provide specific information on the level of community support for particular policies and actions under consideration. The full set of survey questions, response percentages, and a sample cross tabulation by council ward were attached to a memo for council dated October 1. August 10, 2009: At a workshop, council discussed and categorized desired downtown outcomes after reviewing a summary of the current downtown-related policies, plans, and prior public involvement efforts. Following the workshop, staff compiled councilors’ outcomes into collective statements using the model from the City Council Consensus Workshop Report February 6-7, 2009 prepared by Consensus Associates. July 8, 2009: Council held a follow-up work session on methods 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. No formal action was taken; however, council did express interest in talking about desired downtown outcomes prior to resuming discussion on the various tools available for achieving those outcomes. April 13 & May 27, 2009: Council completed an initial review of possible local stimulus actions on April 13. On May 27, council approved actions on three economic development related items: 1) sale of surplus City real estate for identified development projects, 2) initiation of amendments to extend the expiration period for approved land use applications, and 3) consideration of an amendment to the Downtown Urban Renewal Plan. [On November 9, council approved extending the life of approved land use applications to help projects that may have stalled during difficult economic conditions. The ordinance provides a one-time, automatic three-year extension for certain land use applications that have already gone through a public process and been approved by the City. Council received a memo on strategies for the sale of surplus property dated December 3.] January 2009: Council unanimously approved a City of Eugene Mayor and City Council Economic Development Statement. PART II – Summary of Public Involvement on Downtown Revitalization & Proposed Downtown Urban Renewal Plan Amendments April 2010: As of April 29, www.vibranteugene.org had 1,247 visitors. April 8, 2010: The Eugene Redevelopment Advisory Committee (ERAC) reviewed the proposed amendments and voted in support of the proposed plan amendments. ERAC also indicated that, given the proposed conclusion of the Downtown District, council should begin a process to identify alternative program(s) and tools to support long-term, desirable downtown improvements such as new housing.