HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem B:What's New in Downtown - Spring/Summer 2013
ECC
UGENE ITY OUNCIL
AIS
GENDA TEM UMMARY
Work Session: What’s New in Downtown - Spring/Summer 2013
Meeting Date: April 17, 2013 Agenda Item Number: B
Department: All Staff Contact: Sarah Medary
www.eugene-or.gov Contact Telephone Number: 541-682-6877
ISSUE STATEMENT
This work session will provide the council with an overview of progress being made downtown
and information on upcoming downtown events, efforts, and developments that are anticipated
over the spring and summer.
BACKGROUND
Based on council direction and support, staff continues efforts to grow and sustain downtown
economic development, enhance public safety and a sense of safety downtown and support a
welcoming and vibrant downtown experience.
While the list of downtown accomplishments continues to grow, the next several months will be
especially eventful in terms of infrastructure improvements, new businesses, new residents and
employees, public safety enhancements, and new City-sponsored events and activities in the core
of the city. Today’s presentation will highlight upcoming events and developments that are
anticipated to significantly build on downtown's role as the center for government, commerce,
employment, housing, art and entertainment in the city and the region.
All of these efforts continue the positive momentum that has been transforming Eugene’s
downtown and making significant progress toward council goals of:
Increasing downtown development;
Creating sense of safety (especially downtown);
Investing in arts and culture as an economic engine and providing a sense of
community/place;
Supporting strategic job creation/decreased unemployment; and
Supporting small and local business
RELATED CITY POLICIES
Eugene Downtown Plan
Regional Center
1.Build upon downtown’s role as the center for government, commerce, education and
culture in the city and the region.
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Building a Downtown
1.Actively pursue public/private development opportunities to achieve the vision for an
active, vital, growing downtown.
2.Use downtown development tools and incentives to encourage development that provides
character and density downtown.
Living Downtown
1.Stimulate multi-unit housing in the downtown core and on the edges of downtown for a
variety of income levels and ownership opportunities.
Downtown to the River
1.Incorporate the Willamette River as an integral element to downtown planning and
development.
2.Facilitate dense development in the courthouse area and other sites between the core of
downtown and the river.
Cultural Center
1.Provide and promote development and community events that reinforce downtown’s role
as the cultural center for the city and region.
2.Reinforce the creative, distinctive culture of downtown as the arts and entertainment
center of the city.
Safe Civic Center
1.Support public safety activities that increase visibility, access, actual and perceived safety
for individuals and property downtown.
Getting Around Downtown
1.Develop a transportation system that supports the vision of a vital downtown and provides
for the safe and efficient movement of automobiles, pedestrians, bicycles, and emergency
and transit vehicles.
City Council Goals
Safe Community - A community where all people are safe, valued and welcome.
Greater sense of safety (especially downtown)
Sustainable Development - A community that meets its present environmental, economic and
social needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
Increased downtown development
Accessible and Thriving Culture and Recreation - A community where arts and outdoors are
integral to our social and economic well-being and are available to all.
Invest in arts and culture as an economic engine
Cultural Policy Review
Goal V: To integrate arts and culture into the fabric of downtown Eugene and other
neighborhoods as part of a comprehensive strategy of revitalization.
Envision Eugene Pillars
Pillar: Provide Ample Economic Opportunities for all Community Members
Integrate new development and redevelopment in the downtown, on key transit corridors
and in core commercial areas.
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Pillar: Promote Compact Urban Development and Efficient Transportation Options
Facilitate the transformation of downtown, key transit corridors and core commercial
areas as mixed-use neighborhoods that foster active, walkable, community living by
providing a mix of residential, commercial, retail, and public uses in proximity to one
another.
Regional Prosperity Economic Development Plan
Strategy 5: Identify as a Place to Thrive - Priority Next Step - Urban Vitality
As we foster a creative economy, dynamic urban centers are an important asset. Eugene,
Springfield and many of the smaller communities in the region, recognize the importance of
supporting and enhancing vitality in their city centers. Building downtowns as places to
live, work and play will support the retention and expansion of the existing business
community and be a significant asset to attract new investment. The Cities of Eugene and
Springfield will continue to enhance their efforts to promote downtown vitality through
development and redevelopment.
COUNCIL OPTIONS
This item is for information only.
CITY MANAGER’S RECOMMENDATION
No recommendation is suggested; this item is for information only.
SUGGESTED MOTION
No suggested motion; this item is for information only.
ATTACHMENTS
None
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Staff Contact: Sarah Medary
Telephone: 541-682-6877
Staff E-Mail: Sarah.J.Medary@ci.eugene.or.us
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