City Council Study Session 07/14/2026

The City Council of Milwaukie, Oregon, held a study session on July 14, 2026, focused primarily on prioritizing and funding several major capital improvement projects in the downtown area. Key projects discussed included the Main Street enhancements, Milwaukee Bay Park development, Kellogg project, and potential redevelopment opportunities at Harrison and Maine and the Coho site. The council reviewed the current capital improvement plan (CIP) budgets, funding sources including urban renewal area (URA) funds, transportation and utility funds, and various grants. They debated the timing and sequencing of projects, the need for debt financing, and the operational and maintenance costs associated with new park developments. The council showed a consensus leaning towards prioritizing Milwaukee Bay Park (option B), reallocating URA funds from Main Street and Kellogg projects to support it, while acknowledging the financial uncertainties and the need for ongoing grant applications and community engagement. Discussions also touched on the challenges of managing construction impacts on local businesses, the importance of infrastructure upgrades, and the future governance and funding of parks and green spaces. No immediate action items or contract awards were reported, but the council directed staff to proceed with budget adjustments and grant pursuits to advance Milwaukee Bay Park and to continue planning for other projects with attention to financial sustainability.