Milwaukie, Oregon Development News
GatherGov Agents listens to meetings 24/7 delivering the latest real estate development updates, legislation, and news.
Development News from the latest meeting
City Council Regular Session 07/07/2026
Published: Jul 7, 2026
City Adopts Tree Code Amendments to Comply with State Law
The City Council voted 3-1 with one abstention to adopt Ordinance 2264, amending Municipal Code Chapter 16.32 (Tree Code) to comply with Oregon House Bill 4037. This bill mandates certain changes to tree codes across the state. Council members expressed concerns about state overreach in this area but ultimately voted to comply with the state law to avoid potential legal risks. The ordinance was read by title only for the second time before the vote. The Mayor noted this was the 18th time the city has had to pass legislation due to state overreach.
City Council Reviews Seven Park Projects Recommended for Metro Community Choice Funding
The city is considering funding for seven park projects recommended through the Metro Community Choice grant program, totaling over $1.2 million, with the city's match being over $513,000. Seven out of eight city-sponsored projects were recommended for funding, including River access at Milwaukee Bay Park, Milwaukee Neighborhood Swift Roost, Habitat restoration at Spring Park, Stormwater treatment at Kellogg Creek, Nature Skate at Water Tower Park, Access to Minthorne Springs, and Restore the Fernberg wetlands. One project, Fernberg Nature Play, was not funded but is first on the alternate list. The council must decide whether to accept all seven funded projects, considering the associated costs, staff time, and complexities of Intergovernmental Agreements (IGAs) and maintenance responsibilities. The project at Kellogg Creek requires landowner permission from the school district, and the Water Tower Park project may face delays due to ongoing water infrastructure work. The Parks and Recreation Board (PARB) recommended removing the Kellogg Creek project due to land ownership issues, but the council is leaning towards accepting all seven projects to honor public participation, with the understanding that not all may come to fruition. Staff will seek confirmation from Metro by the following morning.
City Explores RHD Zone Revitalization Amidst Concerns Over Affordability and Developer Incentives
The City of Milwaukee is conducting a two-phase project funded by a DLCD grant to revitalize its underdeveloped High-Density Residential (RHD) zones. Phase one, funded by DLCD, involves a code audit, market feasibility analysis, and identifying tools to support redevelopment. Initial findings suggest broadening permitted commercial uses in RHD zones to enhance viability. Phase two, funded by the city's planning budget, will focus on community engagement and implementing recommendations, potentially including code and map amendments. Council members expressed concerns about the effectiveness of RHD zoning in producing affordable housing, citing high market-rate rents and questioning whether the current approach benefits developers more than residents. They debated the efficacy of trickle-down economics in housing and the need for more targeted strategies, including incentivizing local developers and exploring options like single-stair reform and 'Homes on Wheels.' The city manager highlighted that RHD is one of many strategies in the Housing Production Strategy, including land banking and exploring the Multi-Unit Limited Tax Exemption (MUPTI) program, to increase overall housing supply, which is a state requirement. Discussions also touched on the challenges of funding affordable housing and the need for the city to be more actively involved in producing it.
NCPRD Delays Agreement Vote, City Addresses Financial and Operational Concerns
The North Clackamas Parks and Recreation District (NCPRD) board voted to delay consideration of proposed agreements with the City of Milwaukee for three months, extending the delay to allow the District Advisory Committee (DAC) to review the agreements. The city manager provided a detailed response to questions raised during the NCPRD board meeting, clarifying financial aspects, SDC fund transfers, and maintenance responsibilities related to the Milwaukee Bay Park project and cooperative agreement amendments. The city manager also addressed concerns about utility rate increases, explaining the transition of billing for certain properties to the city and the reasons for rate adjustments, while offering a compromise on rates pending further negotiations. The city manager also corrected statements made by Director Savas regarding the negotiation goals and the potential termination of the cooperative agreement, emphasizing that those points were not agreed upon and that termination ramifications are speculative. Finally, the city manager rebutted claims of the district subsidizing Milwaukee, stating that the city's parks were owned prior to district formation and have been funded by city dollars. Council members expressed frustration with the NCPRD board's actions and lack of meaningful participation in negotiations, highlighting concerns about fiscal irresponsibility and the impact on residents.
Get Weekly Development News of Milwaukie
Get it now for $25/year. Stay ahead of market moving news.
From $25/year
The Milwaukie News archive
Board Meeting July 9, 2026
City Council Work Session 07/07/2026
Planning Commission 06/23/2026
NCSD Board Meeting June 18, 2026
City Council Regular Session and Redevelopment Commission (MRC) Meeting 06/16/2026
City Council Work Session 06/16/2026
Get it now for $25/year. Stay ahead of market moving news. Get your edge today.
GatherGov Market Intelligence
For Owners & Developers
See entitlement risk and deploy capital where there is the highest probability of return
For AEC
Win more projects by discovering opportunities before your competitors do.
Frequently Asked Questions About Milwaukie ,Oregon Real Estate Development
Get Weekly Development News of Milwaukie, Oregon | From $25/year