West Linn Redevelopment Agency Meeting - October 13, 2026

The West Linn Redevelopment Agency met on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, beginning at 7:30 p.m. The sole business item was a resolution making minor amendments to the Willamette Riverfront Tax Increment Finance (TIF) Area Plan to add a specific property for potential acquisition. The Agency heard public testimony, unanimously adopted the resolution, and directed staff to begin due diligence and negotiations for the property.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Agenda: The agenda for the October 13, 2026 meeting was approved unanimously by a vote of 5-0.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Rebecca Hollenbeck (Executive Director, Historic Willamette Main Street): Expressed strong support for the proposed minor amendment and recommended the Agency acquire the property sooner rather than later, stating property prices continue to rise.
• Dwight Reid (Adjacent property owner, chiropractor): Expressed support for the acquisition, stating it would be a community asset and money well spent that could serve generations.
• Jody Carson (Chair, Design Committee, Historic Willamette Main Street): Voiced strong support for the resolution and moving forward with bond monies to acquire the property. She noted the community has long seen the site as an ideal location for a community center, public restrooms, markets, and events, and stated the organization would partner with the City and bring resources to the table.

Discussion Items

• Resolution URA-2026-01: Minor Amendments to the TIF Plan: Executive Director John Williams explained the Redevelopment Agency’s distinct role from the City Council. Community Development Director Steve Koper presented the minor amendments, which corrected the property address (1793 8th Avenue) and added a 6–18 month timeline for acquisition and disposition for public use. The accumulated TIF fund balance is $300,000, but actual revenue collections came in at $167,000, lower than projected. Financing a ~$1 million property would cost approximately $107,000 per year for 15 years, leaving roughly $45,000 in annual increment in the initial years. Staff assumed a 4% growth rate to account for modest growth above the Oregon standard of 3%. Council members universally expressed support. Chair Bialostosky reported encouraging conversations with Metro Councilor Christine Lewis about potential funding, the Rotary Club foundation, and Historic Willamette Main Street regarding partnership and grant opportunities.
• Directing Staff on Next Steps: A discussion followed on whether to authorize the full acquisition immediately or begin with preliminary steps. Chair Bialostosky favored starting with negotiations and an appraisal. City Attorney Klein clarified that any final purchase would require a subsequent resolution and vote. Finance Director Breithaupt confirmed the City cannot issue debt without formal Council adoption. Staff committed to hitting the pause button and returning for additional Agency guidance before any binding commitments. Member Groner noted the risk of the seller leaving the market if the Agency delayed.

Key Outcomes

• Resolution URA-2026-01 adopted 5-0. The Agency approved the minor amendments to the West Linn Willamette Riverfront TIF Area Plan, officially adding the property at 1793 8th Avenue to the plan and authorizing its potential acquisition.
• Motion to direct staff passed 5-0. The Agency directed staff to proceed with negotiations and due diligence for the potential acquisition of the property located at 1793 8th Avenue, including obtaining an appraisal, conducting necessary inspections, title review, and other appropriate legal and financial due diligence. No specific timeline was set, and staff will return to the Agency before any final purchase or issuance of debt.