Online Workshop

The City of Milwaukie would like your input on proposed actions to support increased activity in Neighborhood Hubs. This includes zoning changes and potential economic development tools that can support business and property owners, making it easier for Hub to become a reality in the near and long term future. 

The survey will close on November 20, 2023.

Before you begin, here’s some important information to know about Neighborhood Hubs and the proposed code changes the survey will ask about. 

• Which Neighborhood Hubs will this survey ask about?
  In 2018-2019, 13 Hubs were identified across the city, with at least one Hub identified in each of Milwaukie’s neighborhoods, based on community engagement and development trends and conditions. This survey will ask about potential code changes that apply to only some of these Neighborhood Hubs. They survey also includes other questions that apply to Hubs city-wide.
  
  
  
• What does zoning do? When will I see changes happen?
  Zoning is a set of rules that local governments use to designate different types of land uses. For example, zoning could say that a factory can’t be located in a residential neighborhood. However, as cities and communities grow, certain zoning rules can become outdated and limit the types of development communities want to see.
  
  The proposed code changes do not mean the neighborhood will see new uses and development immediately. Changes will depend on the private market, property owners, and developers, and this could take years. However, code changes can lift barriers for property owners and developers to build Hub type uses such as temporary gathering spaces, pop-ups, food carts, and mixed residential and commercial uses.
  
  
• How will your feedback inform potential changes/decisions to the zoning code?
  Your feedback will be considered in the final proposed code concept that will be presented to City Council for adoption in early 2024. Your feedback will be incorporated into economic development and placemaking strategies and inform future Hubs implementation.
  
  
• How can economic development tools support businesses and property owners?
  New and existing businesses need support to start-up, grow, and remain stable. Economic development tools help:

  • Provide new businesses with technical assistance

  • Support upgrades and growth of existing businesses

  • Promote and advance Hubs

The City is limited in the amount of available funds and staff to run different types of tools and programs. The Hubs project is focusing the list of possible tools to match up with specific Hub types and will make recommendations based on program costs, staff considerations, community feedback, and the city economic development budget.