Images of buildings used on this site are conceptual illustrations of possible futures, not approved developments, except where noted.

Wilsonville Town Center

Town Center History & What's Next

Here’s a very short version that attempts to capture the most significant events over the past decade.

For years, through annual community surveys and in conjunction with long-range planning efforts, Wilsonville residents expressed a desire for a more compelling and vibrant downtown.

White sign that says "My future main street includes...great food and spaces to gather, public art inspiring our future..."

2015

  • In response to this community desire, the City Council set a goal and directed staff to begin setting the stage for developing a community-driven vision for the future of Town Center. Staff secured several large grants to help fund the planning work and community outreach.

2017

  • Work officially kicked off in February 2017, and for the next two years staff, City Council, and community volunteers engaged with residents through surveys, meetings, and events, collecting input and feedback as concepts were developed and refined by the Town Center Task Force.
Town Center Plan Document

2019

  • The Town Center Plan was adopted in 2019. It established a vision and policy framework to guide future development in Town Center.

2020

  • The COVID pandemic delayed implementation of the Plan. Several Town Center anchor businesses closed their doors permanently.
Vacant Shari's Restaurant with weeds

2023

  • The City Council proposed to create an urban renewal district in Town Center to help fund infrastructure projects and advance implementation of the Plan.

2024

  • Following Wilsonville tradition, in May 2024, the City Council asked the voters of Wilsonville for their support before establishing the proposed urban renewal district. The advisory measure narrowly failed.
Wilsonville Mayor and City Council

2025-26

  • The City Council, under a new Mayor, sought public input and adjusted the proposed urban renewal district to address some common concerns. The Council is also determining how to amend some code provisions that regulate building height waivers.
  • In May 2026, Measure 3-632 passed, formally requiring a binding vote, rather than the traditional advisory vote, before the establishment of any new urban renewal district.

What’s Next?

  • The City Council is now preparing to ask the voters again to decide if a revised urban renewal district should be established to fund and support the implementation of the Town Center Plan. Council’s current intent is to put this forth as a city-initiated measure on the November 2026 ballot.
  • This website aims to educate voters about the Town Center Plan, Urban Renewal (Tax Increment Finance), the specifics of any proposed Urban Renewal District, and the relationship between all three.