How has urban renewal evolved?

Urban renewal began in the 1940’a as a federal program to revitalize central cities.  At that time, it was often a top-down effort characterized by large-scale clearance of land to provide what was then considered to be improved housing conditions. These efforts disproportionately impacted and displaced poor people and people of color. The federal urban renewal program was discontinued in the 1970s. 

Today, many state and local governments are utilizing tax increment financing, also known as urban renewal, for redevelopment to revive downtown areas.  Since the 2000s, urban renewal projects have evolved to become a more collaborative effort that aims to strengthen existing communities by relying on input from people in those communities. 

The City’s Community Development Division, which leads administration of Eugene’s two urban renewal districts, intends to incorporate a racial equity and accessibility lens to the projects and programs proposed in the Urban Renewal amendment. More information about this process will be shared as staff begins implementation of the amended Plan.   

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1. What is urban renewal?
2. Where is urban renewal used in Eugene?
3. What has been done in the Downtown District with urban renewal funds?
4. How does urban renewal work?
5. Does urban renewal raise property taxes?
6. How has urban renewal evolved?
7. Who benefits from urban renewal?
8. Where do urban renewal funds come from?
9. What effect does urban renewal have on the other governments in the area?
10. How will urban renewal impact the school district?
11. Who makes the decisions about urban renewal projects and spending?
12. Why did the City amend the Downtown Urban Renewal Plan?
13. Why is the City considering an amendment to the Riverfront Urban Renewal Area?
14. What is the City's next step related to Riverfront and urban renewal?
15. How will the money be spent if the Riverfront Urban Renewal Plan is amended?
16. How will the money be spent now that the Downtown Urban Renewal Plan is amended?
17. How much money is there to spend in the Downtown District?
18. What are the City's next steps related to Downtown and Urban Renewal?