Cascade City Council adopts Downtown Master Plan to guide reinvestment

Cascade City Council voted unanimously on May 12 to adopt the Cascade Downtown Master Plan, approving Resolution No. 49-25 after a presentation by MSA consultants and follow-up questions from council members.

The plan, presented by an MSA consultant, lays out a seven-part document covering downtown character, existing conditions, economic analysis and an implementation matrix that assigns roles, potential funding partners and priorities. The consultant told the council the planning process included a steering committee, stakeholder interviews and a community workshop and that the document is intended to guide reinvestment and infrastructure decisions.

The plan’s recommendations highlight replacing aging infrastructure, improving parking in the public works area, emphasizing the riverfront, streetscape improvements, and steps to attract family restaurants and other businesses. The consultant said the team used Esri Business Analyst for an economic analysis to estimate what new businesses downtown might support and recommended branding and wayfinding as part of reinvestment strategies. “We had a really great steering committee that provided a lot of feedback throughout the process and ensured that what we were putting together aligns with the community’s goals and vision,” the MSA consultant said.

Council members asked about turnout at the public input meetings, how priorities would be set, and next steps for implementation. The consultant said the implementation matrix on page 86 of the report lists responsible parties, priority levels and possible funding sources and recommended using that matrix to select near‑term actions and build momentum. Council members also discussed returning to the plan periodically; one councilmember recommended revisiting progress in six months and considering the plan when preparing the next budget.

The council approved Resolution No. 49-25 by roll call. The motion to approve was made by Councilmember Oliphant and seconded by Councilmember Gail. The vote recorded Oliphant, Oliver, Weber, Hush, Gail and Delaney as voting aye; the motion carried and the plan was adopted.

The council did not specify implementation funding in the motion. The adopted plan includes an implementation matrix with cost ranges and suggested funding partners; the document recommends prioritizing projects as high, medium or low and returning periodically to track progress.

The adopted Cascade Downtown Master Plan will serve as a reference for future downtown projects and was described by the consultant as a working document intended to be revisited and checked off as items are completed.