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Bill would require voter approval for urban renewal plans; local officials say change could delay infrastructure projects
Summary
HB 3499 would require voter approval to authorize urban renewal plans rather than local elected-authority approval, a change county and municipal officials warned could slow or impede infrastructure financing.
A bill introduced in the House Rules Committee would move approval of urban renewal plans from elected local governments to direct voter approval, a change county staff and commissioners warned on April 18.
Doug Riggs, briefing Deschutes County commissioners, said the measure was introduced by Representative Christine Drazen and had received a hearing in Rules. “There were strong opposition from municipal City and County folks. It would, it would probably make urban renewal, almost impossible in many cases and would delay, projects,” Riggs said.
County staff explained that urban renewal frequently uses tax-increment financing to pay for infrastructure in redevelopment areas; requiring separate voter approval for every urban renewal plan could create additional delays and uncertainty for projects such as street, water and wastewater improvements.
Commissioner Derek and others noted that recent local projects — including corridor and intersection work — have used tax-increment mechanisms. Commissioner Derek said the proposal was worth monitoring but preferred the county take a watch stance rather than an immediate advocacy posture.
County staff said HB 3499 was in Rules and that they would flag any movement or proposed work group that could arise in the interim.
