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<br />CITY COUNCIL GOAL: Downtown Initiative <br />Facilitate significant revitalization of downtown core. <br />Contact: Randy Groves, Chief, Fire and Emergency Medical Services, 682-7115 <br />Nan Laurence, Staff Lead, 682-5340 <br />Reporting period: January -March 2007 <br />City Council discussions about revitalizing Eugene's downtown have been ongoing for many years. <br />Over the years, the council has taken many steps to improve the downtown including the <br />establishment of a Downtown Urban Renewal District, opening of streets previously closed for the <br />downtown mall to increase access, flow and connectivity; encouraging development through <br />incentives, and working to beautify and increase public safety in the downtown core area. <br />In 1984, the council adopted the Downtown Plan. In Apri12004, the council adopted the new <br />Eugene Downtown Plan seeking to capitalize on development opportunities, strengthen <br />downtown's role as a regional center, expand cultural and recreational opportunities, create great <br />streets and special places, and transition downtown into a vibrant city on the river. <br />In January 2007, the council adopted downtown revitalization as one of its 10 goals for the 2007-08 <br />biennium. <br />OUTCOMES <br />• Redevelopment begins in and around the core area adding a mix of high density affordable and <br />owner-occupied residential units which lend support to a vibrant commercial, business and <br />entertainment district. <br />• Eugene's downtown "Great Streets" become the center for redevelopment. <br />• In keeping with the council's goal on "Arts and the Outdoors," downtown becomes the center <br />of culture and artistic expression for Eugene. <br />• Redevelopment spurs further redevelopment interest and opportunities that progressively <br />become less reliant on City commitments to subsidize. <br />• The City designs and constructs any agreed-upon infrastructure improvements. <br />• Connection to the Willamette River is achieved. <br />PROGRESS SINCE LAST REPORT <br />• RFQ from KWG accepted by the City Council for development of the 1 oth and Charnelton <br />(Sears) site. <br />RFQs for the redevelopment of the West Broadway "Great Street" area is narrowed down by <br />the council to two proposals: KWG and Beam. <br />City options procured on West Broadway properties critical for redevelopment efforts. <br />CHALLENGES <br />There are a number of challenges that threaten the revitalization of Eugene's downtown: <br />• Finding initial opportunities that are feasible for private/public reinvestment and then being able <br />to act in a timely manner so that the private investors don't lose interest and move on to other, <br />more easily processed opportunities outside of Eugene. <br />Recognizing development opportunities and being nimble enough to take advantage and <br />capitalize on them. <br />-20- <br />