Redevelopment Authority 7/16/2026

The City of Eau Claire Redevelopment Authority met on July 16, 2026. Members approved the prior meeting minutes and financial report. The report listed $15,132 in bond-service expenses and $8,203 in water-service expenses, totaling $23,335; the transcript indicates annual bond payments had already been made. The main discussion focused on proposed boundaries and strategies for new affordable-housing and commercial redevelopment districts. Staff aim to bring a plan to the City Council by the end of 2026, with the districts potentially operating from January 1. Members expressed support for considering Mount Washington within the affordable-housing district; staff will also review a possible boundary extension along the river toward I-94 for the commercial district. No district boundary or redevelopment plan was formally approved at this meeting.

Staff presented potential affordable-housing approaches, including infill using manufactured homes. Estimated costs discussed included about $114,000 for one unit before site work, an estimated $140,000–$150,000 turnkey cost for that unit, and about $80,000 turnkey for another model. Staff described a possible RFP process for dealers and site-by-site review, but members requested further analysis of the RDA’s role as landlord versus partnering with private developers; no purchase or contract was authorized. The board also heard a preliminary Kesler Park concept from the nonprofit Garden Growing a Community: an estimated $6 million, roughly 40-unit housing project. The RDA requires 75% of funding to be committed before considering a formal proposal, and the site remains open to other proposals. The discussion sought feedback only; no site award or spending commitment was made.