Taking Care Of…

Economic Development Through Urban Renewal

Urban renewal districts are a tool to help governments fund much needed infrastructure like roads, sewers, and water lines. While replacing aged infrastructure is not glamorous, it is deeply important, and incredibly expensive without tools like Urban Renewal.  

Urban Renewal is a mechanism that ensures all taxing districts align their budget and essentially creates a savings plan to fund future investments that will benefit everyone through facilitating long-term economic growth.

Cities typically can’t budget for growth at the rate growth happens. To offset this, a city places the cost burden of adding infrastructure on developers, which in turn drives up housing and rental costs.  In some areas the cost of infrastructure is simply too great for the developer to take out loans to pay for it. This creates “islands” of land that could be productive, creating jobs, or housing our citizens, but will not be without tools like Urban Renewal and help from the City.    

After eight years of groundwork, Urban Renewal efforts began in February 2015 and were signed in 2022, bringing in $420k in 2023 and expecting $850k by the end of the year. The year end amount could allow for the city to pay for close to $10,000,000 in various infrastructure projects, and thereby bring new properties on to the tax rolls.

However, we haven’t begun to leverage these funds effectively yet, and we need to. We need to use our economic development tools to support businesses and improve livability. Holding our money in reserve for multiple budget cycles signals to the development and business community that we aren't ready to partner for commercial, housing, and industrial development within the district.

Homelessness & Addiction

In 2020, as the board chair of a non-profit organization, I helped address the need for shelter in Newberg. Previously, the Newberg Emergency Shelter only operated during bad weather with volunteers. Recognizing the ongoing demand for shelter, we transformed it into a nightly shelter within six months. This shelter then served an average of 35 Yamhill County residents per night, providing medical, behavioral health, addiction services, dinner, and breakfast.

Last year, as other organizations stabilized with state and federal funding, we shifted to offering daytime relief services in partnership with 2nd Street Church at the Drop-In Center. This collaboration fosters trust and accountability between clients and service providers.

Having personally struggled with addiction, I understand the challenges trauma can pose in accessing support. As a small business owner, I also recognize the need for a safe, livable community. We must support homelessness without resorting to campgrounds or tents. Our residents deserve better, and elected officials must hold agencies accountable to ensure our tax dollars meet community needs.

Livability & Public Safety

As a mom of an incoming kindergartener at Edwards Elementary School, I know public safety and community livability are essential.

Many believe you must choose between supporting homelessness and addiction services or public safety. I believe we ensure public safety by investing in real solutions for homelessness and addiction. Ignoring these issues doesn't make them go away. And ignoring these issues ultimately costs the taxpayers in the long run.

Neighboring communities without solutions for homelessness and addiction have seen the rise of campgrounds, tents, and people suffering on the streets.

In Newberg, our sheltering model and strong partnership with the police have balanced compassion and accountability. Our business community has played a role in maintaining safety and livability downtown, while local service providers and the police have supported those struggling.

Our police department works hard to keep Newberg residents safe, and it has been a privilege to collaborate with them on effective solutions for everyone.

Workforce Housing

I moved to Newberg in 2016 in my mid-twenties because I wanted to raise my family in a small, close-knit community and I could afford to buy a home.

During my time on the Council, I've supported multiple initiatives to incentivize builders to fill the need for our missing “Middle Housing” and encouraged large employers to collaborate on housing for their workforce.

The key aspects to create a livable, workforce-supported community are:

  • Comprehensive city zoning analysis.

  • Infrastructure investment through urban renewal to incentivize developers and reduce building costs.

  • Consistent review of service development charges (SDCs) to lower costs whenever possible.

  • Collaborative partnerships with SEDCOR and the Missing Middle Housing Fund to help large employers plan and build housing for their workers.

  • Keeping rates and fees as low as possible while still planning for the future.