Urban Renewal in Eugene

2016 Downtown Urban Renewal Plan Amendment

On June 13, 2016 Council amended the Downtown Urban Renewal Plan, which makes the four projects below eligible for urban renewal funds. Visit the links below to learn more about the projects:

• High-Speed Fiber
• Farmers Market Space Improvements 
• 1059 Willamette (Lane Community College (LCC) Old Building Redevelopment)
• Park Blocks & Open Space Improvements

In addition, the approved amendment: 

• Outlines a required community engagement and public hearing process Opens a New Window.  before the City Council, acting as the Agency Board, can take action to fund the projects (except high-speed fiber Opens a New Window. ). (See section below for more information.) 
• Increases the spending limit (the amount that can be spent on the projects) to $19.4 million; and 
• Expands the district boundary Opens a New Window.  by five acres to incorporate the eastern Park Block area and a portion of the City Hall block. 

A summary of City Council work sessions January through June 13, 2016 can be found here Opens a New Window. . 

2020 Downtown Urban Renewal Change

On June 22, 2020, City Council acting as the Downtown Urban Renewal Agency Board voted to begin a process to amend the Downtown Urban Renewal Plan and remove the project specific cap on tax increment funds for the Farmers Market, which will make it possible for the build out of the full Farmers Market project including the pavilion (For more details on the Farmers Market visit our project website). This change is considered to be a "substantial change without requiring special notice." City staff are currently working on making changes to the Plan as well as producing a Report with updated blight findings and project information. As is required by State Statute, the overlapping taxing districts will receive the draft Plan/Report and have an opportunity to comment on the proposed amendment; and Planning Commission will review the proposed amendment in October.  The Agency Board will hold a public hearing about the proposed changes and review comments in November 2020 and vote on the amendment in December 2020.

Community Engagement and Public Hearing Process

The 2016 Amendment requires community engagement and public input before City Council, acting as the Agency Board, can approve project spending from urban renewal funds. Section 600 A and C of the plan provide details on the process for the Farmers’ Market, Park Blocks/open space, and LCC old building (1059 Willamette) projects. The fiber project had public input as part of the Eugene Community Broadband Strategic Plan.

Community Review Panel

Learn more about projects approved by the Urban Renewal Agency Board and expenditures in the Downtown Urban Renewal District in the Expenditure Review Panel Reports listed below.

• Fiscal Year 19
  
• Fiscal Year 18
• Fiscal Year 17
• Fiscal Year 16 
• Fiscal Year 15
• Fiscal Year 14
• Fiscal Year 13 
• Fiscal Year 12
• Fiscal Year 11

How You Can Participate

Interested in staying up to date on the latest Downtown Improvement projects? Click here Opens a New Window.  or text DTWNPROJ to 22828 to subscribe to the City of Eugene Downtown Improvement Projects Mailing List! 

Sign Up Here! Opens a New Window.