City Council Work Session 10/07/2025

The City of Milwaukie, Oregon City Council held a work session on October 7, 2025, focusing primarily on economic development updates and capital improvement projects. Key procurement-related discussions included the launch and strong initial interest in a new grant program aimed at supporting local businesses, with over $550,000 requested from Urban Renewal Agency funds shortly after the program's October 1 launch. The council also discussed upcoming capital improvement projects, notably a significant Main Street infrastructure project involving water, sewer, stormwater, electrical, and streetscape enhancements, with plans to phase construction to minimize downtown disruption. Additionally, the council received an update on the COHO Point development project, where the developer requested an extension due to rising construction costs, increased interest rates, and market challenges, highlighting the complexities of affordable housing development and financing. The council expressed cautious optimism about ongoing negotiations related to Milwaukee Bay Park and emphasized the importance of clear timelines and community impact in future procurement and development decisions.