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Urban Renewal

Downtown-Civic

The City is proposing an urban renewal district to help spur investments in our city center. The 900-acre Downtown-Civic Center plan invests approximately $211 million over the next 30 years.

Downtown-Civic urban renewal boundary map.

Investment goals

  • Improve commercial storefronts and housing.
  • Strategically purchase property for community development.
  • Increase transportation options. 
  • Create more job opportunities.
  • Background
  • Project Overview
  • Timeline
  • Contact
Background

In 2024, the City Manager appointed a task force of community leaders, developers, real estate professionals, and City staff.  The task force accomplished: 

  • Defining goals and objectives for the proposed renewal area.
  • Establishing the boundary for the new urban renewal area.
  • Identifing  investment areas and priorities.
  • Creating a draft plan and report.

Draft plan and report

Related links

The draft plan’s goals were shaped by:

Project Overview

Building on community support and the recent revitalization of Rockwood-West Gresham, the City has an opportunity to invest in our downtown and civic core. 

The plan outlines a variety of tools to improve the area, including:

  • Grant funds for specific improvements, such as storefront enhancements. 
  • Civic mobility hubs (better transportation options).
  • Park improvements. 

Funding

We can invest in our community without raising taxes, using the state authorized Tax Incremental Financing (TIF).

How TIF works

When an urban renewal area is created, Gresham and Multnomah County “freeze” the amount of taxes they collect from the area within the district boundary.

  • Over time, as new development happens, property values go up.
  • This raises the amount of tax money collected.
  • The extra money can be used to improve:
    • Housing
    • Neighborhoods
    • Local businesses
  • These improvements happen in the same area.
  • The funding can last for 20 to 30 years.

Once the urban renewal area ends, the property tax increment is given back to the local agencies.

TIF funding does not impact school funding. There is no impact to local option levies or bonds. 

Learn more about urban renewal funding.

Timeline
  • May 20: Gresham Redevelopment Commission (GRDC) approves draft plan and sends it out for public review. 
  • Mid - June:  Send a public notice to all Gresham property owners.
  • June - July: Plan review, Gresham Planning Commission 
  • July: Briefing, Multnomah County Commission 
  • August: Hearing and first reading, Greahm City Council.
  • August: Second reading and vote, Gresham City Council
  • September - October: Record plan and send to Multnomah County assessor.  
Contact

Michael Gonzales, Redevelopment Project Coordinator
UrbanRenewal@GreshamOregon.gov