Coos Bay consultants recommend modest UGB expansion after economic opportunities analysis

Consultants for the city of Coos Bay presented an economic opportunities analysis and a draft economic development strategic plan during a joint City Council and Planning Commission work session, saying constrained developable land and a possible port expansion make targeted planning and updated data important.

An economic opportunities analysis is “something that’s mandated by state statute,” Alina Schar, the city’s economic revitalization administrator, told the council and planning commissioners. Echo Northwest consultants outlined the analysis, the city’s constrained supply of commercial and industrial land, two employment growth scenarios and draft implementation goals.

The analysis shows limited vacant, unconstrained land zoned for commercial or industrial use in Coos Bay. “We’re looking at about 33 acres of industrial land and about 3 acres of medical park land that is vacant,” Beth Goodman, a project director with Echo Northwest, said, noting many…