BALLOT TITLE:
Caption: Amends Gresham Charter; urban renewal actions consistent with state law.
Question: Shall the City Charter be amended to make Urban Renewal actions consistent with existing state law; requires no new taxes?
Summary: The Gresham Charter, adopted in 1978 and last amended in 2012, is the constitution of the City of Gresham.
The CRC determined the current Charter denies the will of the majority of voters approving a Charter change.
If approved, this measure would amend the Charter to be consistent with existing state law, allowing the City Council, as the governing body charged with the powers authorized by state law, to perform any act or carry out any function to approve Urban Renewal Plans and substantial changes to Urban Renewal Plans.
Amending the Charter allows Gresham to be more efficient and responsive to:
o Job creation opportunities
o Public safety investments
o Investments in public infrastructure
o Changes in the economy
o Changes in community needs and priorities
State law assures voters are involved with Urban Renewal Plan decisions. City is required to conduct public outreach and hold a public hearing before approving a new plan or making substantial changes to an existing plan.
Urban Renewal is not a new or additional tax. This amendment does not authorize the creation of a new tax.
Additional information is available at GreshamOregon.gov/Urban-Renewal
Explanatory Statement: The City of Gresham is the fourth largest city in Oregon with more than 110,000 residents. In 2003, the Rockwood-West Gresham district was created to focus investments in business, housing, parks, streets and enhance the livability of our community.
This Measure would amend the City Charter for the City of Gresham to be consistent with state law regarding the management of our urban renewal district and any future district.
A Yes Vote amends the Charter so that the City Council shall have the powers to perform or carry out any Urban Renewal act or function authorized or permitted by state law (ORS 457), as it now exists or may hereafter be amended, to approve Urban Renewal Plans and substantial changes to Urban Renewal Plans.
This proposed amendment will allow for more efficient and effective administration of Urban Renewal programs by the City of Gresham.
State law assures voters are involved with Urban Renewal Plan decisions. City is required to conduct public outreach and hold a public hearing before approving a new plan or making substantial changes to an existing plan.
A Yes vote will not raise taxes; does not authorize the creation of a new tax.
A No Vote retains existing Charter language limiting Gresham’s ability to respond quickly to meet evolving community needs related to job creation opportunities, public safety investments or investments in public infrastructure.
A No vote will not lower taxes.
Urban Renewal is not a new or additional tax.
Why is the City asking voters to amend the Charter?
Urban Renewal plans are created and governed by state law (ORS 457). Gresham’s current Urban Renewal Charter language differs from state law, and that of other cities, and has been found to disadvantage the city from creating a more livable community, attracting development that benefits residents, and appealing to businesses to create jobs.
The City is restrained in its ability to be responsive and nimble on economic development projects and to conduct community outreach and seek input. Amending Charter Section 36(A) to conform with ORS 457 would allow the City Council, as the governing body, to respond quickly to opportunities that benefit the residents of Gresham. Changing the Charter to comply with ORS 457 maintains Gresham voter and resident involvement in urban renewal plan decisions.
Amending the Charter allows Gresham to be more responsive to:
- Job creation opportunities
- Public safety investments
- Investments in public infrastructure
- Changes in the economy
- Changes in community needs and priorities
Funding and tax impact
Urban renewal changes how the existing taxes paid on a property in the urban renewal area are divided out amongst different taxing districts like the City and Multnomah County. Funding comes from newly generated property taxes from new development and increased property values in the urban renewal area. Funding generated within the area must be spent on projects within the area.
Urban Renewal is NOT a new or additional tax. It is NOT an increase to taxpayers’ property tax bills.
Additional information is available at
GreshamOregon.gov/Urban-Renewal
Submitted by:
Rachael Gengelhoff, City Recorder
City of Gresham