The Newport City Council voted Oct. 20 to authorize the city manager to execute a cooperative improvement agreement with the Oregon Department of Transportation for the South Beach Placemaking project.

Anna Iaukea, urban renewal project manager, described the agreement as standard intergovernmental language that allows the city to install and maintain placemaking features within ODOT right-of-way while making the city responsible for planning, design, construction, payment and maintenance. "They're allowing us to do these improvements within their right of way, but we're completely responsible for everything there," Iaukea said, noting the initial project will include a three-year maintenance plan.

Councilor Cynthia Jacoby moved to authorize the city manager to execute the agreement; Councilor Eamonn seconded the motion. The council voted in favor. Mayor Kaplan called the motion carried.

Why this matters: The agreement clears a legal and operational path for the city to proceed with improvements in ODOT-controlled areas of South Beach, enabling the placemaking project to move from planning into construction while clarifying the city's maintenance responsibilities and likely future budget implications.

Next steps: With the council's authorization, staff may finalize and sign the agreement and proceed with project planning and construction procurement under the terms of the ODOT cooperative improvement agreement.