The committee asked staff July 20 to develop a more detailed analysis of a transitional mixed-use downtown zone as an alternative to directly expanding the Central Business District (CBD). Tyler Ferrari, economic development specialist, reviewed options including pursuing a historic-preservation district, targeted code changes, or keeping the status quo.

Ferrari said other Oregon cities (Medford was cited) have redefined downtown boundaries either by zoning or by a named district; Medford’s effort was primarily to align areas for climate-related funding and investment. Ferrari said the local discussion centers on reconciling potential new commercial uses on Main and Jefferson streets with existing single-family homes and historic fabric. "You can create a transitional zone where you set the standards so that it's very specific to what you wanna see," one staff presenter explained.

Staff outlined three broad options: (1) pursue a historic district (which could protect homes but would be difficult and likely slow; staff said the Certified Local Government (CLG) grant cycle would likely delay work until 2027 if grant-funded), (2) pursue code changes or create a new transitional/mixed-use downtown zone with design standards to limit heights, floor areas and incompatible uses, or (3) leave the existing zoning in place and respond parcel-by-parcel. Several councillors emphasized the need to evaluate state housing statutes and Department of Land Conservation and Development (DLCD) guidance before drafting new zoning.

The committee directed staff to analyze legal constraints, examples from other cities, potential design standards (height, roof form, materials, floor-area limits), and how a transitional zone could be mapped in the area between the existing CBD and the mill site. No zoning changes were adopted; staff will return with options for committee review.