Corvallis Voters Approve First-Ever Urban Renewal District

Voters in Corvallis overwhelmingly approved the City’s first urban renewal district during a special election on March 12, giving a boost to grassroots efforts to create affordable housing, transportation improvements, and local business support.

According to preliminary results from the Benton County Elections Division, Measure 02-121 passed with nearly 85 percent of the vote. Turnout was estimated at around one-third of the entire electorate – no small feat for a special election with just one item on the ballot.

Momentum for urban renewal came out of Living Southtown, a local initiative to revitalize the South Corvallis neighborhood and create a more connected, safe, active, and attractive community. Community organizers took the lead by engaging with friends, neighbors, and City planners to build support for urban renewal. Willamette Neighborhood Housing Services, a local affordable housing developer, contributed $45,000 to conduct a feasibility study during the early stages of developing the plan.

“As a south Corvallis resident and community organizer, it was heartwarming to see voters across Corvallis support a future of opportunity for South Corvallis,” said Rebecka Weinsteiger, lead organizer for Living Southtown and community engagement manager for Willamette Neighborhood Housing Services. “Now the true work begins – using urban renewal to build a healthy, prosperous, and inclusive South Corvallis that benefits us all.”

The new South Corvallis Urban Renewal District encompasses 407.25 acres on the City’s south side. The district includes high-profile blighted properties and under-developed infrastructure, as well as a diverse collection of neighborhoods that historically haven’t seen as much investment compared to other areas of Corvallis.

Using tax increment financing, the district aims to generate funding over the next 30 years to achieve projects in specific categories, including:

• Affordable housing partnerships and support
• Commercial and residential development support
• Business support and enhancement
• Street design and construction
• Multi-use path design and construction
• Millrace restoration
• Natural resources management

The increased development activity will increase the value of the district’s tax base, leading to more funding available for future urban renewal projects. Special emphasis will be placed on developing affordable housing, as well as much-needed transportation improvements and neighborhood amenities.

“Corvallis voters clearly expressed their support for south Corvallis and understood the value proposition when they gave their approval for this first urban renewal district,” said Economic Development Manager Kate Porsche. “We’re starting a new chapter for Corvallis, and the future is looking bright indeed.”

The urban renewal district was supported by a broad cross section of the Corvallis community. As is typical for urban renewal, the district has a 30-year lifespan, and planners note that the early years will be focused on developing the policies and procedures that will guide future work. Money isn’t expected to start flowing into the district until 2021, with the highest profile projects getting underway in the mid-2020s.

More information on the newly passed plan is available online at www.corvallisoregon.gov/urbanrenewal.