Engage and Shape the Future

 

Downtown Eugene, Sunday, June 11, 2023 (my photo)

Here’s the latest on two significant City of Eugene initiatives: 1) The CFEC Parking Reform and 2) the proposed amendment to the Downtown Urban Renewal Plan. The City is making significant progress on both initiatives, considering the valuable insights gleaned from past discussions involving a broad spectrum of community interests. Critical meetings and further opportunities for public input are on the docket this coming week and later in the month:
 
CFEC Parking Reform
As I reported previously, the City of Eugene must comply with the Oregon Land Conservation and Development Commission’s mandate to follow the Climate-Friendly and Equitable Communities (CFEC) rules, which may include significant reforms to Eugene’s standards for off-street minimum motor vehicle parking requirements in new developments. The options on the table include entirely repealing parking mandates (Option 1) or reducing them in accordance with new, targeted parking reforms (Options 2A and 2B).  
 
This past spring, the City facilitated a series of interviews, small group conversations, tabling events, virtual information sessions, and an online survey to solicit initial input from a broad cross section of the population, including traditionally underrepresented constituencies, such as communities of color, persons with physical disabilities, and the LGBTQ+ community. Additionally, the City engaged groups affiliated with affordable housing, transportation, the environment, development, and more. A complete summary report of the public involvement is available here.
 
I was mildly surprised to see only 48% of survey respondents prefer Option 1, whereas 35% prefer Option 2, and 17% are undecided. I expected the strong consensus for Option 1 in the April 13 small group discussion I participated in would be mirrored by a similar, across-the-board preference for doing away with parking requirements altogether. Generally, housing, environmental, transportation, and development advocates prefer Option 1, whereas those involved in ADA and accessibility advocacy, historically marginalized communities, and others favored some variation of Option 2. My takeaway is to fully appreciate the importance of engaging a truly representative cross-section of the population in matters that impact everyone’s lives.  
 
The CFEC Parking Reform process is now entering the formal public hearing and adoption phase, starting with the Eugene Planning Commission. Here are the key dates to mark in your calendar:

• Tuesday, June 13 at 5:30 PM:  Planning Commission Work Session
• Tuesday, June 27 at 5:30 PM:  Planning Commission Public Hearing

You can participate in these sessions to stay informed and have your voice heard. The June 13 meeting agenda packet provides information on accessing the meeting and opportunities for public comment. If you prefer written testimony or have questions, you can email CFECParking@eugene-or.gov or mail your comments to Reid Verner, Land Use Supervisor at 99 W. 10^th Avenue, Eugene, OR 97401.
 
Downtown Priorities & Projects
The Eugene City Council’s consideration of amendments to the Downtown Urban Renewal Plan is entering its next, critical stage. At the invitation of City staff, I participated last fall in a group conversation to brainstorm solutions to some of downtown Eugene’s most intractable problems. The City subsequently solicited input from the general public during a public open house and through an online survey. The City Council is now poised to direct staff to focus the amendments on opportunities for increasing housing, improving public safety and comfort, and more. Up to $50 million may be earmarked for investment in downtown projects.
 
The draft list of operational activities and physical improvements eligible for Urban Renewal funding includes the following, among others:

• Incentivizing market-rate and owner-occupied housing in the downtown core
• Incentivizing redevelopment of vacant offices into housing with ground-floor commercial
• Incentivizing redevelopment of underutilized or vacant privately-owned parcels
• Supporting the creation of incubator spaces
• Expanding convention facilities downtown
• Improving the user, pedestrian, and multi-modal experience
• Completing the Park Blocks renovation
• Improving Kesey Square
• Support relocation and development of museum(s) downtown
• Including signs, public art, and landscaping at downtown gateways

The City Council will discuss public comments and consider action on the possible amendments to the Downtown Urban Renewal Plan at two upcoming meetings. The first is a work session, which will take place tomorrow, Monday June 12. The Council will subsequently meet again on June 21 to finalize their decisions on the matter. For further details on the proposed amendments and urban renewal in Eugene, visit the City’s Public Webcasts and Meeting Materials website.
 

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Don’t miss these opportunities to become involved and make a difference in the future of Eugene. I’ve learned that everyone’s voice matters and our city leaders do listen. The key is to be informed and to participate. Let’s work together to create a thriving and inclusive community that reflects our shared aspirations.