OPINION: Why Wilsonville needs to approve urban renewal for Town Center

OPINION: Why Wilsonville needs to approve urban renewal for Town Center

Published 10:00 am Friday, October 23, 2026

As Wilsonville residents for 21 years, my wife and I are strong supporters of Wilsonville’s Town Center Plan. It has been improved in response to recent citizen input. Using Urban Renewal District financing is a sensible way to bring it to fruition. It is a tried and true method for city development used throughout Oregon.

Arguments in opposition miss one essential point: We as voters have a unique opportunity to choose the city we want. We will not have the future thrust upon us by outside interests, often described as invisible “market forces,” that will put unattractive big-box stores in our downtown.

I was on the 2019 Task Force that developed the Town Center Plan. We were encouraged to think outside the box and develop a vision that would make Wilsonville an attractive, vibrant city. The COVID years intervened and, after serious questions were raised, an inclusive public process brought in more recent citizen input, resulting in a Town Center Plan that was significantly revised.

Now all the right pieces are in place:

• Without raising taxes, it gives the city of Wilsonville the opportunity to develop a vibrant Town Center, like that of Lake Oswego.

• We like the idea of a food cart area as a complement to Wilsonville’s great restaurants.

• Apartments or condos integrated with commercial and business venues attract young working people, exactly the new residents Wilsonville wants to attract.

• The Town Center Plan incorporates pedestrian walkways and landscaping designed to encourage them to relax in their own city.

• As I drive through the metropolitan area, I see examples of the kind of development envisioned by the revised Town Center Plan. Examples of three- and four-story condos with business spaces at street level are everywhere. They are inviting to me. I could live and shop within walking distance. It is “urban,” but not a big city “urban” like Portland’s Pearl District. It would be a safe place for residents to enjoy their city.

The arguments favoring voting “Yes” on Measure 6-341 are clear and defensible:

• Using urban renewal financing worked very well for Wilsonville, bringing Villebois and Coffee Creek to our city, and so it is a proven fit in Wilsonville.

• In response to public input, the plan has been modified significantly by lowering height of buildings, reducing the number of residences, and incorporating food carts.

• It provides the means to attract suitable Town Center development and does not raise taxes for us.

How much longer do opponents want us to dilly-dally? Let’s get going, Wilsonville!

For us, it’s now time to move ahead. We urge a “Yes” vote on Measure 3-641 to approve Wilsonville’s Town Center Development using the very cost-effective method of urban renewal financing.

Look at the plans yourself on the Wilsonville city website and ask yourself, “Isn’t this just the kind of city I want to be part of?”

Eric Hoem is a Wilsonville resident.