St. Helens Urban Renewal District

On November 5, 2008, the City Council unanimously decided to delay adoption/implementation of an Urban Renewal District
so that issues raised could be considered and addressed in a deliberate and thoughtful manner before final consideration
instead of afterwards.  This means that potential adoption of a plan would likely not take place for a year since
the deadline to certify a plan to the County Assessor is December 31st.

Urban Renewal Agency
Draft Ordinance No. 3098
Urban Renewal Plan
Urban Renewal Boundary Map
Report on the Urban Renewal Plan
Urban Renewal Citizen Advisory Team
Urban Renewal Feasibility Study

The St. Helens Urban Renewal Plan is taking shape. Key components were developed by the Urban Renewal Citizens Advisory Team (URCAT) and forwarded to a consulting team for refinement and incorporation into a final plan draft. The Planning Commission held a public meeting/forum on October 14 and will make a recommendation based upon staff reports and public input. A public hearing will be held following the commission's recommendation.

The intent of urban renewal is to improve specific areas of a City that are poorly developed or underdeveloped, eliminate "blighting" conditions and improve conditions to encourage economic development.

Property owners do not pay new taxes to the urban renewal district. Instead, portions of tax payments to the various tax districts within the urban renewal area are redistributed tot he urban renewal agency for executive of an urban renewal plan.

Nearly 70 Oregon cities and counties have adopted urban renewal plans to finance projects such as street, water or sewer system improvements.  Other projects financed through urban renewal include rehabilitation or conservation of existing buildings, acquisition and improvement of property or the sale or re-sale of property. 

In 2007, C&C Resources and Spencer & Kupper determined that an urban renewal district in St. Helens would comply with Oregon statute and provide a feasible financial benefit.

City officials believe implementing an urban renewal plan could be one of the most effective methods of addressing economic development in business districts.

Citizens and business leaders can learn more by contacting Chad Olsen, City Administrator at 503-397-6272.

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