2024 in Review and Looking into 2025

Key Takeaways

  • City Manager Tony Konkol outlined major city accomplishments from the past year and priorities for 2025.
  • Infrastructure investments include public works projects, water transmission updates, and road improvements.
  • Homelessness initiatives are expanding, including a new community court and caseworkers.
  • Urban Renewal remains a key discussion point with decisions on funding mechanisms forthcoming.
  • Housing & development are pressing concerns, with Oregon City balancing growth with historic preservation.
  • The Blue Heron redevelopment continues, with parking and public access plans in progress.
  • Oregon City’s future includes a possible new pool, transportation improvements, and continued efforts to enhance tourism and economic development.

Event Overview

On January 28, the Oregon City Business Alliance held its first forum of 2025 at the Abernathy Center, featuring Oregon City City Manager Tony Konkol as the keynote speaker. The event focused on reviewing the city’s accomplishments, discussing major upcoming projects, and answering community questions.

Local leaders, business owners, and residents gathered to hear about key developments affecting transportation, urban renewal, economic growth, housing, and city services. Elected officials in attendance included Mayor Denise McGriff, Clackamas County Commissioner Paul Savas, and heads of the Oregon City and Clackamas County Staff.

Key Topics & Speaker Highlights

1. Infrastructure & Public Works

Konkol emphasized the city’s commitment to maintaining and improving its aging infrastructure, including:

  • Molalla Avenue Water Transmission Project – Updating decades-old pipes to increase capacity and reliability.
  • Inflow & Infiltration Work (I&I) – Reducing stormwater impact on the sewer system to prevent overflows and unnecessary treatment costs.
  • Highway & Roadway Projects – Addressing traffic congestion at Redland Road and 213, as well as funding improvements to Holcomb Boulevard.

2. Homelessness & Community Support

The city is taking a multi-pronged approach to addressing homelessness, including:

  • Expanding the role of behavioral health specialists and adding caseworkers to assist unhoused individuals.
  • Creating a Community Court to provide alternatives to incarceration for individuals facing housing insecurity and mental health challenges.
  • Consolidating homeless services in a single facility, reducing strain on emergency services.

3. The Future of Urban Renewal

Urban renewal remains a major point of debate in Oregon City. While the last public vote failed, the city must now determine whether to:

  • Close the district and return tax increment funds to general city use.
  • Seek a new public vote for funding.
  • Challenge legal restrictions limiting long-term urban renewal agreements.

A key focus is preparing the Stimson property and Clackamas Cove for redevelopment while addressing environmental concerns like blue-green algae blooms.

4. Housing Development & Preservation

With Oregon’s statewide housing mandates, Oregon City must balance growth with community character. Recent housing developments on Maple Lane added nearly 400 new units, and more are planned. However, concerns remain about:

  • How new state policies will impact historic districts.
  • Whether infrastructure investments will keep pace with population growth.
  • The potential for additional state funding to support affordable housing.

5. Blue Heron Site & Tourism Expansion

The Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde continue work on the Blue Heron redevelopment, with plans for a parking structure to accommodate visitors. The city is also forming a Destination Marketing Organization (DMO) to boost tourism and economic growth.

6. Future Plans: A New City Pool?

The city is exploring whether to replace or renovate the aging Oregon City pool. With construction costs estimated at $50 million or more, funding and site selection are key questions.

Expanded Q&A: Key Audience Questions

Q: What’s the city’s stance on urban renewal?

Konkol explained that Oregon City generates $3.2 million in tax increment financing for urban renewal, but voter restrictions limit its use. The city commission will discuss options to either secure funding or phase out urban renewal programs.

Q: Will Oregon City support federal immigration enforcement efforts?

Konkol stated that local police will not assist ICE enforcement due to existing state laws prohibiting certain information-sharing, but will not impede their actions.

Q: What is being done to address parking downtown?

With the courthouse moving to Red Soils, parking patterns are expected to shift. The city will monitor the impact before making changes to parking policies. Discussions continue about a centralized parking garage.

Q: How will the city fund parks and recreation improvements?

Oregon City needs $100 million in park maintenance and improvements, with discussions ongoing about a parks maintenance fee or bond measure.

Conclusion

City Manager Tony Konkol’s presentation provided an in-depth look at Oregon City’s current state and future direction. With significant investments in infrastructure, housing, homelessness support, and urban renewal, the city is navigating complex challenges while planning for long-term growth.

The next Oregon City Business Alliance forum will feature Metro Councilor Christine Lewis discussing transportation and Willamette Falls redevelopment.