The Yamhill Economic Development Committee discussed several near-term beautification efforts on Nov. 4, focusing on holiday storefront activations, a proposed pop-up market in a vacant downtown space, seasonal lighting and potential funding sources.

Members said downtown volunteers and the downtown association are working with local business owners on simple storefront improvements for the holiday season. Committee members described a volunteer-led pop-up market proposal for an empty storefront and said business owners were receptive to organizing seasonal displays and volunteers to help decorate.

For seasonal lighting and longer-term downtown illumination, members discussed options including volunteer labor, donations raised through the Yamhill Downtown Association's events (for example, recent Bingo fundraising), and a possible future one-time revenue source: the potential sale of a small city flag lot. Committee members said the lot's status and market value are being researched and that council priorities would determine whether any proceeds are placed into a dedicated downtown capital fund or the general fund.

Members proposed a modest phased approach: collect surplus holiday lights from residents (a collection point was suggested at city hall on Wednesdays), gather volunteer equipment (e.g., bucket trucks volunteered by residents), and stage small events to build community support before seeking larger, permanent infrastructure investments. The committee asked volunteers and staff to continue organizing holiday storefront projects and to bring updates to the Dec. 2 meeting.

Sources: discussion recorded in Nov. 4, 2025 Economic Development Committee meeting transcript; local volunteers and downtown association outreach described in meeting.