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Estacada EDC begins strategic-plan SWOT work; mill site and underused parcels highlighted
Summary
Committee discussed drafting a 5-year strategic plan, assigned members to complete a SWOT analysis, and raised the mill site and underutilized properties as key redevelopment opportunities; staff advised urban renewal and incentive programs may be options.
The Estacada Economic Development Committee began framing a five-year strategic plan at its meeting, assigning members to complete strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT) sections and flagging the mill site and other underutilized parcels as priorities for later action.
John Legarza, chair of the Estacada Economic Development Committee, and city staff urged the group to define a vision and mission that align with measurable goals. Committee members agreed to split SWOT responsibilities among members and return with written observations for the next meeting.
Why it matters: the plan is intended to guide decisions about infrastructure, land use, urban renewal opportunities and outreach to prospective businesses as Estacada prepares for anticipated growth in the coming years.
Key points from discussion: committee members said identifying underused downtown and industrial properties would allow the city to target funding and redevelopment tools. Staff noted urban renewal and enterprise-zone incentives have been used previously to support improvements in downtown areas and to encourage investment that can increase tax value; outside downtown, staff said fewer formal programs are immediately available.
Mill site status: committee members discussed the mill site as a large, strategically located parcel. One member said the site is under contract; the meeting record shows the status was described as "under contract" but provided no purchaser name. Staff noted master-planning for the roughly 91-acre site would address street and lot layouts and infrastructure timing when ownership and funding align.
Growth and infrastructure: staff emphasized that much growth is market-driven and that the city's role includes planning infrastructure to accommodate that growth. Committee members discussed the need to craft a public messaging strategy explaining how infrastructure and funding plans will support any expansion.
Assignments and schedule: members were asked to complete assigned SWOT sections before the next regular meeting, which the committee holds on the second Wednesday of each month at 8 a.m. Staff said it will compile member input, draft mission/vision language and circulate it for comment.
