Tigard Town Center Advisory Commission updates strategic plan for affordable housing and business grants

The Tigard City Council meeting on February 25, 2025, focused on the Town Center Advisory Commission (TCAC) and its strategic plans for the upcoming years. The TCAC, composed of dedicated volunteers, advises the Tigard Community Development Agency (TCDA) on various matters, including tax increment financing (TIF) plans, policies, and budgets. The commission meets monthly and encourages public input during its sessions.

During the meeting, TCAC Chair Gabriel Hill Velasquez and Vice Chair Bob Tomasovich presented their annual report and outlined their strategic plan for the next two years. A notable change in the commission's focus was the rebranding of the "Affordable Housing and Homelessness" category to "Housing and Shelter," which aims to better reflect their objectives in addressing local housing issues.

The commission discussed the need for increased funding for business grants, particularly for facade improvements and startup costs in downtown Tigard. Currently, the grant cap is set at $225,000, which the commission noted is quickly depleted. They proposed exploring options to waive system development charges (SDCs) for new businesses, especially restaurants, to encourage growth in the downtown area.

Additionally, the TCAC emphasized the importance of improving connectivity and access within Tigard. They reiterated their goals for enhancing Hull Boulevard and 72nd Avenue, as well as advocating for pedestrian and multimodal improvements in the TIF districts. The commission also highlighted their involvement in the downtown reimagined project and the ongoing efforts to transfer Hall Boulevard ownership to the city.

Looking ahead, the TCAC plans to continue advocating for better connectivity, mobility, and safety funding, while also supporting the implementation of the downtown wayfinding project. The meeting underscored the commission's commitment to fostering economic development and improving the quality of life in Tigard.