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City outlines DDA feasibility study, seeks downtown feedback ahead of March council session and November ballot

Downtown Management Commission · January 14, 2026

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Summary

City staff told the commission they are analyzing a downtown Development Authority (DDA) option—defining study boundaries, evaluating tax increment financing impacts on existing GIDs and governance choices—with public information sessions in January, a planning-group financial/legal review in February, and a planned March 12 council study session before targeting a November ballot initiative.

City staff briefed the Downtown Management Commission on an active feasibility study for a downtown Development Authority (DDA). Staff said they are working with a consultant (Puma) to define study boundaries, analyze tax-increment financing (TIF) projections and governance options, and review legal requirements.

Staff said public information sessions will be held in January with multiple time options to accommodate stakeholders, and that initial themes and findings will be shared in February with the planning group for deeper financial and legal review. The intention, staff said, is to bring a more detailed package back to the commission in March ahead of a city council study session scheduled for March 12, and staff are targeting a November ballot initiative for residents to consider a DDA.

Commissioners and downtown partners raised boundary concerns—particularly whether areas to the north would be included without receiving commensurate benefits—how a DDA might interact with existing General Improvement Districts (GIDs), and whether a new mill levy would be required. Staff said TIF is not an additional tax but captures future property-tax increases for reinvestment in the district, and that some models could replace existing GIDs while others would keep separate but coordinated structures.

Commissioners requested that staff share information-session invitations and consider a joint DMC/related-commission session in early March so commissioners can give feedback before staff finalize materials for council. Staff said membership rules, governance and start-date assumptions (a proposed DDA start of 2027-01-01 in the draft language) are part of ongoing analysis and legal review.

Next steps: staff will circulate info-session materials, return to the commission in March with draft options and present to council on March 12 for further direction.