URAB adopts Guiding Principles

The Urban Renewal Advisory Board (URAB) met for the third time on May 14, 2019. The board began to discuss project type priorities to spend potential urban renewal dollars and gave initial guidance on an Urban Renewal boundary. Presentation slides from the meeting are now posted. In addition the board adopted the following guiding principles:

• Create a place where you can live, work and play. This area is transformed into a vibrant mixed-use city center where businesses thrive, people live, and there are community gathering spaces for people to enjoy and recreate.
• This plan leads to direct outcomes, it is implemented. This plan does not sit on a shelf. It leads to feasible, implementable projects and outcomes both in the short and long term.
• This area removes barriers and connects the East and West sides of Bend. This area breaks down physical and socio-economic barriers between the East and West sides of Bend such as US 97, US20,  3rd Street, and the railroad. It also removes north-south barriers such as Greenwood/US20, Franklin, and Revere. This area is full of attractive amenities that draw residents from all sides of Bend.
• Affordability is preserved. This area has a supply and mix of housing types that are affordable to those of all income levels. Strategies to stabilize and maintain affordability for businesses and key services is a priority.
• This is a walkable area with a balanced transportation system. This area is walkable, destinations and services are within an easy and comfortable walk, and you do not need a car to get around. The area provides comfortable transportation options for all users including those that drive in to the area and need to park, bicyclists, and transit users.
• Public investments incentivize and catalyze private development. The appropriate public investments and timing have been identified to attract private investment. This is an environment that developers can thrive in.
• The planning process is transparent and open to ensure that those affected by the decisions are involved in the process. Throughout the planning process, community members have a voice in the process to ensure this plan maintains Bend’s charm. Project outcomes and trade-offs are developed to spread benefits evenly.
• This area incorporates sustainable and low impact development principles and practices. Incentives are provided to encourage and promote sustainable solutions and low impact designs in order to enhance and protect the environment.

The Urban Renewal Advisory Board will meet again on August 13, 2019 from noon-3 p.m (Location TBD) In addition, the City will be hosting an open house for the community to learn about the project and provide recommendations on Saturday, June 15 10 a.m. – Noon at the Bend High School Commons as well as guest speaker on Thursday, June 13. Stay tuned for more details!