Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Urban Renewal topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council members report renewed interest in urban renewal district projects, urge further study
Summary
Councilors who serve on the urban renewal body reported recent meetings exploring whether to dissolve or repurpose the urban renewal district and discussed potential infrastructure projects to attract industry; they urged public education and follow-up.
Council members who represent North Bend on the regional urban renewal body reported April 8 that recent meetings revived discussion about the future use of the city’s urban renewal district.
Councilor Hamilton and Councilor Jenny Jones told colleagues the board reviewed potential projects and the possible economic benefits of keeping the district intact rather than dissolving it. Speakers said members discussed using the district as an economic-development tool—funding infrastructure such as roadway improvements and rail spurs—to attract industry to the city’s industrial area.
Councilor Jones said some decision-makers are unfamiliar with how urban renewal works and urged more education for stakeholders, including watching a recorded URA training available on the city’s website. Councilor Hamilton said the board discussed concrete projects and intends to report back with recommendations.
Speakers noted proposals shared in the board meetings were not unanimous but that members asked staff and the port authority’s representatives to return with more detail. Council discussion emphasized evaluating long-term benefits of keeping the district for planned investments versus a one-time distribution of funds if it were dissolved.
The council did not take formal action at the meeting; members asked staff to continue engagement with the urban renewal board and to provide more detailed project proposals at a future meeting.
