Community Development Director Ms. Benson presented the department's 2026 budget and capital priorities to the council on Aug. 13, proposing a mix of programs aimed at supporting housing, downtown revitalization and riverfront improvements.
Nut graf: The most substantive new proposal is a small-scale property-acquisition pilot intended to incentivize housing development and test models to increase affordable ownership opportunities; the department also plans to roll out a business facade grant program tied to the North Main Street corridor work.
Ms. Benson described a proposal for the city to acquire a subdivision-sized parcel and partner with private developers. Under the concept, the city would hold land and offer lots to developers at nominal cost to reduce infrastructure and lot expense; a subset of lots could be retained or otherwise structured to pursue lower-cost homeownership models. "If we want to move the housing needle forward, sometimes we're gonna have to take some risks," Ms. Benson said.
Other items in the presentation included continuing implementation of the 2021 comprehensive plan, a business facade grant application launched in July for North Main Street property owners, and riverfront node work starting with Hamilton Park. The department also reported ongoing inspections activity (6,900 field inspections in 2024) and continuing flood-mitigation acquisitions funded earlier in the year.
Discussion vs. decision: The council received the presentation; the acquisition concept and CIP line items will be considered in the formal 2026 budget hearings. No sale or purchase was approved at the meeting.
Ending: Staff said further details and implementation steps will be shared as the council considers CIP allocations and program design in the fall budget process.