Bend crafts policy to lower rents with urban renewal incentives

Report: Bend City Council Considers Expanding Urban Renewal Areas

Introduction

Going back nearly 20 years, Bend has implemented tax increment financing, TIF, or urban renewal, to fund projects in specific areas of the city. This approach has allowed the city to allocate property taxes towards targeted development initiatives.

Expanding Urban Renewal Areas

The Bend City Council is currently considering a new policy that aims to expand the use of urban renewal in the city. If approved, this policy would lead to the creation of more urban renewal areas, with the goal of lowering rents and generating higher-paying jobs. The proposed policy would also provide incentives to developers who utilize urban renewal in their projects.

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

1. Goal 1: No Poverty – By using urban renewal to create higher-paying jobs, the city of Bend aims to reduce poverty levels and improve the economic well-being of its residents.
2. Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – The expansion of urban renewal areas can contribute to the growth of the local economy and promote the creation of quality employment opportunities.
3. Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – Urban renewal plays a crucial role in the development of sustainable cities by revitalizing specific areas and promoting efficient land use.

Conclusion

The potential expansion of urban renewal areas in Bend represents a significant opportunity to address various Sustainable Development Goals. By leveraging tax increment financing and providing incentives to developers, the city aims to lower rents, create higher-paying jobs, and contribute to the overall sustainable development of the community.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

The article discusses the use of tax increment financing (TIF) and urban renewal to lower rents and create higher-paying jobs in Bend. This aligns with SDG 8, which focuses on promoting sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all. It also relates to SDG 11, which aims to make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• SDG 8.3: Promote development-oriented policies that support productive activities, decent job creation, entrepreneurship, creativity, and innovation.
• SDG 11.1: By 2030, ensure access for all to adequate, safe, and affordable housing and basic services and upgrade slums.

The article mentions the intention to lower rents and create higher-paying jobs through the use of tax increment financing and urban renewal. This aligns with SDG 8.3, which focuses on promoting development-oriented policies that support decent job creation. Additionally, the goal of providing affordable housing and upgrading slums is connected to SDG 11.1.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

Yes, the article implies indicators that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets. These indicators include:

• Number of new jobs created with higher wages
• Percentage decrease in average rent prices
• Number of affordable housing units built or upgraded

The article mentions the intention to create higher-paying jobs and lower rents. These can be measured by tracking the number of new jobs created with higher wages and the percentage decrease in average rent prices. Additionally, the goal of providing affordable housing can be measured by tracking the number of affordable housing units built or upgraded.

4. SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: bendbulletin.com