Scappoose EDC forwards downtown strategy, branding and partnership goals to city council

The Scappoose Economic Development Committee on Dec. 12 voted to forward a set of recommended council goals that emphasize creating a focused downtown strategy, reopening the city’s branding and visioning work, exploring Main Street Oregon membership and strengthening partnerships with local schools, the library and the senior center.

Staff opened the session by walking members through a one‑page memo that distinguishes council goals — citywide objectives that take effect with the fiscal year on July 1 — from committee goals, which are more project‑oriented and committee‑led. A staff member summarized the process and said the committee’s recommendations would be refined before formal council consideration.

Committee members spent the session narrowing priorities. Paul proposed, “develop and implement a plan to create a vibrant downtown corridor that serves as a hub for economic activity and community engagement,” a recommendation that drew broad support. Members debated whether to pursue branding first or focus on placemaking and physical downtown improvements; staff recalled a prior branding RFP that produced 11 bids, eight of which exceeded the city’s budget and led the council to pause the work.

Jeanette urged highlighting local assets as part of any brand, suggesting the city could position itself around innovation: “Why can’t we brand this as an innovation town,” she said, noting unique local institutions and historic features the committee could promote. Several members said branding must follow a clear vision so it can be used consistently to attract businesses and visitors.

Members discussed funding and timing. One member flagged upcoming state grant deadlines and letters of intent that members said were due in mid‑January; staff and committee agreed to be more responsive when quick grant windows appear. Staff also noted the Transportation and Growth Management (TGM) grant cycle opens in the spring (members referenced applying around March) and that pursuing such grants would require staff time and potentially a local match.

The committee discussed the Main Street program and previous work with “Community Heart and Soul.” Staff explained Main Street Oregon offers a framework and early grant eligibility but advancing to higher tiers typically requires a dedicated downtown association or staff capacity. Members identified forming a downtown association or exploring partnership models as potential committee actions.

Before adjourning, Jason moved to forward the committee’s ideas — a downtown strategy, reopening branding/visioning, exploring Main Street Oregon and improving partnerships with schools/library/senior center — to the city council. The motion was seconded (Strauss) and carried by voice vote; the meeting record shows ayes and the motion was approved without a roll‑call tally.

Next steps: staff will compile the committee’s refined language for council review, members committed to reviewing distributed videos and background materials before the next meeting, and committee members were assigned homework to draft short (2–3 sentence) descriptions with pros and cons for potential policy tools (parking rules, façade programs, tax abatement examples) to populate an action toolbox for council consideration.

The committee scheduled its next meetings for Jan. 16, Feb. 20 and March 20 and adjourned nine minutes early.