HV Urban Renewal Plan

Happy Valley residents have asked for more investment in improved roads, better sidewalk connections, land for parks, and more.

We know, for example, that residents would prefer 172^nd Avenue north of Sunnyside to be completed at once, rather than the continued half-street improvements made by developers. We also know connecting 162^nd Avenue is important to link the Taralon neighborhood with the future high school near Rock Creek. To bring these projects to fruition, and many more like them, the City needs a new funding tool – Urban Renewal.

Urban Renewal Districts are limited. Check out the “Helpful Links” section for links to the map and project list.

HELPFUL LINKS

• Projects Map
• Project List
• Urban Renewal Plan
• Urban Renewal Report
• Urban Renewal 101

Urban Renewal Finance

Urban renewal does not increase permanent rate levy tax rates. When an urban renewal area (URA) is established, the assessed value within the URA boundary becomes the “frozen base” assessed value. As the assessed value in the URA grows time, the difference between the total assessed value and the frozen base is considered “increment” assessed value.

Urban Renewal Impact to Taxing Districts

Each year, property tax revenue from the frozen base in the URA will be distributed normally to all overlapping taxing districts. This is different from the property tax revenue generated from the increment, called Tax Increment Finance (TIF) revenue, which will go to the URA. After the URA is closed, all future tax revenue from the increased assessed valuations is distributed to the overlapping taxing districts. What this means is urban renewal is purely a division of taxes; it does not create a new tax or increase the existing tax rate.