City Council Work Session 4/1/2025

The City Council Work Session for the City of Milwaukie, Oregon, held on April 1, 2025, focused primarily on economic development goals and related action plans. The council discussed a draft action plan template aimed at accountability and transparency for their economic development objectives through 2027, including revitalizing downtown and neighborhood hubs, supporting business partnerships, and capital improvements. Metrics for success such as dollars invested, business-related meetings attended, commercial vacancy rates, and foot traffic data were reviewed, with considerations for data collection methods and partnerships with local organizations. The session also included a detailed report from the building official on staffing challenges, contract expenditures exceeding $400,000 in fiscal year 2023-24 for inspection services, and the impact of new housing development types like cottage clusters and townhomes on permitting workload and revenue. The council emphasized the importance of coordinated efforts across departments and external partners to support economic growth and affordable housing, with plans to publish progress updates quarterly. No formal votes were recorded, but the council expressed support for adopting the action plan and continuing regular reviews.