City economic development staff presented an assessment of Estacada's urban renewal district on June 23 and asked the council to appoint two or three members to a working group to study a possible boundary expansion and future projects.

The presenter described the city’s original urban renewal creation about 18 years ago with a baseline assessed value (2007) of roughly $47.5 million and a current assessed value of about $78.6 million — an increase staff characterized in the meeting as roughly 65 percent. That increase, staff said, reflects investments funded in part by urban renewal, including nearly $2 million in downtown infrastructure improvements and other programs such as storefront and tenant improvement grants.

Why it matters: Urban renewal (tax increment financing) gives cities a way to front‑load infrastructure and redevelopment projects by capturing the increase in tax revenue that results from property value growth within a designated district. Councilors and staff said the tool has been useful to Estacada and stressed the importance of community education about how urban renewal works and its effects on taxing districts.

Council discussion and staff requests

- Staff asked for volunteers: Staff requested two to three council members to join a committee that will work with staff and consultants to examine possible new boundaries and a scope of projects to propose to the council. Councilor Belhaven volunteered and staff said they would coordinate a July kickoff meeting.

- Outreach and education: Staff and several council members emphasized the need for public education, explaining that urban renewal does not create a new tax on property owners but redirects the increment of increased value during the district term. Several speakers noted misunderstandings that have arisen in other jurisdictions and recommended clear materials and one‑on‑one outreach.

- Potential project types: Staff highlighted categories previously supported by the district, including downtown infrastructure, signage and awning grants, tenant improvement support, industrial campus activation, workforce housing and workforce development tied to local CTE expansion.

Next steps: Staff said they will convene the volunteer council committee in July, work with Economic Development staff and consultants to refine a proposed boundary and project list, and return with a draft proposal and outreach plan for council review.

Ending: Councilors described urban renewal as a major tool for rural cities and urged careful education of residents and taxing districts before any formal boundary action.