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Multnomah County approves $1.67 million HUD appropriation for Cook Plaza repairs to enable severe‑weather shelter use
Summary
The board approved a $1,666,279 HUD grant appropriation to renovate Cook Plaza — repairs to roofing, mechanical and plumbing will allow interim use as a severe‑weather shelter, reimburseable by HUD. Commissioners pressed staff on timeline, security and long‑term use.
The Multnomah County Board of Commissioners approved a $1,666,279 budget modification to fund renovations at Cook Plaza, allowing the county to use the site as an interim shelter during severe weather and to repair vandalism damage.
"This budget modification is seeking the approval to add $1,666,279 to the capital improvement fund. This is a Housing and Urban Development HUD grant," Nancy Artman, the Department of County Assets budget and finance director, told the board. Artman said Multnomah County coordinated with HUD to secure an amendment allowing the funds to be used for general building improvements and that HUD will reimburse project expenses.
Greg Hockert, assistant director for planning, design and construction, said the work will focus on roofing, building envelope, windows, mechanical, electrical, plumbing and interior finishes, and will include improvements to two exterior stairwells on the second floor needed for occupancy. He said the project targets completion in late 2026 and that county insurance is funding some vandalism‑related electrical repairs.
Commissioners asked how the county will secure the building and whether the county intends to retain the site after repairs. "When we get done with the improvements, we're going to have an intrusion system that'll be armed into the building. It'll be monitored," Hockert said, describing a planned monitored intrusion system. Other commissioners urged staff to return with recommendations about longer‑term uses of the property; one commissioner said the board should consider whether holding roughly $4.5 million in county funds in a building used only for limited shelter days is an efficient use of assets.
Artman and Hockert said the renovated building will enable Multnomah County Emergency Management to use the space during inclement weather, improve property value and be available for other potential uses. The presenters said the project will be managed through the Department of County Assets' capital improvement fund and tracked under a capital improvement project number; targeted completion is late 2026.
The board voted to approve the appropriation. The action sets up the county to move forward with construction and begin public‑notice requirements for adoption as required by budget process rules.
Next steps: staff will implement the renovation scope and the board asked staff to return with recommendations on long‑term use and community engagement around the property.
