Gresham-Barlow board to submit response on Gresham downtown urban renewal plan

The Gresham-Barlow School District Board of Education on July 2 discussed the City of Gresham's proposed Civic/Downtown Urban Renewal Plan and directed Superintendent Dr. Tracy Klinger to draft a written response for the board to review and, if approved, submit by the July 10, 2025 comment deadline. The district noted the plan's boundary includes the district office, Gresham High School and the West Gresham building and extends toward the Fred Meyer on Burnside.

Klinger told the board the city's plan would shift additional portions of local property tax revenue into an urban renewal area; she said that state funding mechanisms would backfill school revenues so the district would not lose overall state school fund dollars but that the tax structure of how the district receives funds would change. Board members raised questions about what that change means in practice and whether district interests would be protected in project selection and boundary adjustments. John Koch, the district's deputy superintendent, highlighted potential upsides such as safe routes to schools and new sidewalks but acknowledged concerns that tax increment funds would not directly assist schools.

Board members compared the proposal to a recent Rockwood urban renewal, noting that property-tax growth typically flows into the renewal area rather than to taxing districts. Members asked whether the district could name a representative to the city's new advisory oversight committee and requested annual updates on plan implementation. The board also discussed implications for enrollment and facilities as new housing is built; Koch said enrollment is down and the district is operating at about 70% capacity.

Next steps: Klinger will prepare a draft response framing the district's interest in partnership while raising concerns about safe routes and school impacts; the board will review that draft before any submission to the city by the July 10 deadline.