City funds projects with urban renewal dollars

When the Sisters City Council members took office in January they set ambitious goals.

The council envisioned numerous projects, many of which are currently underway or will come to fruition soon. Several of the projects will be totally or partially funded using urban-renewal dollars.

The Sisters Urban Renewal Agency was established in 2003 as a separate entity from the City of Sisters. While the Sisters City Council serves as the board of directors for the agency, it is financially accountable for all of its operations.

The Urban Renewal District covers much of the downtown commercial district. Urban renewal agencies are mandated to borrow money when making expenditures for community development and implementation of the urban-renewal plan. The ensuing debt is paid with funds collected through incremental property tax revenue.

Projects slated by the city that will be fully or partially funded using urban-renewal funds include:

• Expansion of the Urban Renewal District to include the Sisters Creekside Campground and East Portal in order to expand upgrades such as restrooms and improve accessibility.

• Providing grants for rehabilitating commercial and retail buildings.

• Four phases of improvements at Village Green Park that include restroom upgrades, sidewalks, lighting and paved parking.

• Construction of Fir Street Park with amenities such as a splash play area, performance stage, restrooms, picnic area and fire pit.

• Street and parking improvement projects throughout the city.

• Cascade Avenue improvements.