Board raises communication concerns about downtown redevelopment as council considers debt funding

Board members expressed concern about community communication and perceived disconnects regarding the downtown redevelopment project while staff said council appears to be moving toward using debt to advance the work.

Multiple board members said they had heard from community participants who did not feel well informed about the project’s timeline and engagement. One board member summarized conversations that described participants viewing organizers as focused on short-term events rather than a longer-term downtown development strategy.

Kevin (staff) and Fred Sohra, public works director, responded that city council members were “solidifying” around a direction and that staff expects to present further budget and project scoping as part of the 2026 budget work. Sohra said staff is conducting an economic feasibility/economic-impact study now; he said the results of that study will be part of an August discussion and will inform council decisions about whether to use debt to start the project.

Board members asked about the risk that future councils could pause or change the project. Staff answered that future councils could alter plans but noted that money already spent would be obligated and that initial expenditures and obligations would create momentum and commitments for the project. Staff emphasized that community engagement and communications will be an important part of the design and construction phases, not just the conceptual phase.

Ending: Staff said it will continue the economic-impact analysis and increase community communications; the board recommended improving outreach materials and reporting project-level expected 3A contributions when possible so residents better understand what 3A funds are paying for.