On Monday, August 24, Salem city council members will convene a public hearing to discuss the creation of a new Urban Renewal Area (URA) on the North Waterfront. The proposal, outlined in a staff report from the Community Planning and Development department, seeks to designate roughly 421 acres for focused redevelopment and infrastructure improvements.
What the URA would cover
The proposed boundaries run from the Willamette River on the west to the city of Keizer on the north, with Northeast Broadway Street and Northeast Summer Street forming the eastern edge and Northeast Market Street marking the southern limit. The area was selected to address blight, align with Salem’s strategic plan, and provide a framework for future growth.
Financial expectations
According to the report, the North Waterfront URA could generate approximately $199 million over an anticipated 33‑year period. Under Oregon law, property values are frozen when a URA is established, and any new taxes generated by rising property values are retained within the area to fund projects such as housing, infrastructure upgrades, and environmental enhancements, rather than being diverted to the city’s general fund for police, fire, or other core services.
Potential projects
Planned initiatives include improvements to Northeast Front Street’s infrastructure, the development of new housing units, and environmental projects along the Willamette River. Kristin Retherford, director of Community Planning and Development, said the URA would provide “development‑ready parcels” and allow for comprehensive upgrades to essential systems while respecting existing zoning and tax districts.
How residents can participate
Members of the public will have several options to comment on the proposal, including speaking during the council meeting, submitting written comments online, or contacting council staff directly. The council’s agenda and a live stream of the meeting will be available on the City of Salem’s website.
Why the URA matters to the community
Supporters argue that the URA offers a way to revitalize a historically underutilized portion of the city, attract new businesses, and create affordable housing opportunities for families. By keeping tax revenues within the designated area, the city hopes to fund improvements without increasing the overall tax burden on residents.
Critics, however, caution that freezing property values could limit future tax revenue for the broader city budget and raise questions about the long‑term fiscal impact. The council’s decision will weigh these considerations alongside the projected economic benefits.
Next steps
If approved, the URA would move forward to detailed planning and implementation phases, with the city working closely with developers, neighborhood groups, and environmental agencies to shape the final projects. The council is expected to vote on the proposal after the public hearing, with a final decision slated for the upcoming council session.
For more information, residents can review the staff report on the City of Salem’s website or contact the Community Planning and Development department.
Original reporting: Salem Reporter — read the source article.
