Milwaukee council explores storytelling to promote Urban Renewal Agency impact

In a recent special session, the Milwaukie City Council discussed strategies to enhance local economic growth and support small businesses. A key focus was on gathering feedback from the business community through surveys, which would help the council measure the impact of their initiatives and demonstrate the effectiveness of the Urban Renewal Agency (URA).

Council members emphasized the importance of storytelling to showcase the positive outcomes of the URA, particularly in light of concerns from residents about its costs. By highlighting successful businesses that have opened and thrived in Milwaukie, the council aims to illustrate the tangible benefits of their decisions. One councilor noted, “We need to show value and prove our worth in the decision that we’ve made to have a URA district.”

The council identified four main action items for the upcoming quarter. First, they plan to enhance URA storytelling to better communicate its successes to the community. Second, they will focus on two specific areas: the Industrial Way area and the North Milwaukee Industrial area, to foster economic development. Third, the council discussed the potential for improved marketing of small businesses, particularly through social media, to increase their visibility and support.

As the council moves forward, they aim to engage with city staff and explore various marketing strategies to uplift local businesses. This collaborative approach reflects their commitment to fostering a vibrant economic environment in Milwaukie, ensuring that residents see the direct benefits of their initiatives. The council's proactive stance on these issues highlights their dedication to addressing community concerns and enhancing the local economy.