Frequently Asked Questions
What is urban renewal (UR) exactly?
Urban renewal (also known as Tax Increment Finance or TIF) is a program authorized under state law and implemented locally that allows for the concentrated use of property tax revenues to upgrade certain designated “blighted” areas of a city or county.
More in-depth information answering the question, “What is urban renewal?” can be found under "Learn More" in the website menu.
Measure 3-605 is an "advisory vote." What does that mean?
Advisory votes are non-binding, but they provide the Council with important information regarding the attitudes and opinions of voters on important topics.
Why is the City Council referring this matter to voters?
The City of Wilsonville established its first urban renewal area (the Year 2000 Plan) in the early 1990s. At that time, the Council decided to refer the question of forming the urban renewal district to voters for an advisory vote even though neither State law nor the City’s charter required them to do so. Ever since, as a matter of precedent and tradition, whenever the City is considering the establishment of a new urban renewal district, the Council has referred the question to voters on an advisory basis. Advisory votes are non-binding, but they provide the Council with important information regarding the attitudes and opinions of voters on important topics.
How is the the Town Center Plan (2019) related to the proposed Urban Renewal Plan/District? Are they the same?
The 2019 Town Center Plan and the proposed urban renewal district are different. The 2019 Town Center Plan is the foundational plan that establishes vision, land use and zoning policies, and needed public projects/investments, among other components. The proposed Town Center Urban Renewal Plan/District is the funding strategy the City Council is considering in order to complete the public projects/investments and spur private development as envisioned in the 2019 Town Center Plan. If Measure 3-605 passes it would advise the City Council to create an "urban renewal" district in Town Center.
Are there other funding options for the projects in the Town Center Plan?
The Town Center Infrastructure Funding Plan (2022) studied this exact question. The Plan explores several different funding sources.
What is the proposed boundary for the proposed Town Center Urban Renewal District?
View the proposed boundary by clicking below.
What projects would be funded using urban renewal if Measure 3-605 passes?
The projects proposed are those infrastructure projects found in the Town Center Plan (2019), as well as several economic development programs meant to support new and existing Town Center businesses and to spur development through property acquisition and disposition by the urban renewal agency. Access more information about projects and project locations by clicking below.
Has the City of Wilsonville used urban renewal (UR) previously?
Yes. Click or tap "Read More" to learn more about the City's past and current urban renewal areas and programs on the City of Wilsonville website: - Year 2000 Plan (closed) - Westside Plan (pending closure) - Coffee Creek - Wilsonville Investment Now (WIN)