TO: Mayor and City Council
THROUGH: Keith Stahley, City Manager
FROM: Kristin Retherford, Director, Community and Urban Development
SUBJECT:
title
Economic development quarterly information report.
Ward(s): All
Councilor(s): All
Neighborhood(s): All
Result Area(s): Strong and Diverse Economy
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SUMMARY:
summary
City Council requested economic development reports from the Urban Development Department. This report includes activity from quarter two of calendar year 2023.
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ISSUE:
Information report on economic development activities.
RECOMMENDATION:
recommendation
Information only.
body
FACTS AND FINDINGS:
Urban Renewal Area (URA) Activity
Riverfront-Downtown URA capital improvement grant funds in the amount of $50,000 were committed to one project to support the expansion of an existing business on Broadway Street. Outreach to the development community to solicit project concepts for the redevelopment of the former UGM (now called Block 50) site is underway with proposals due August 31. Project concepts and development team experience will be evaluated and selected development teams will advance in the selection process. The Union Street bike friendly project, which includes the establishment of designated bike lanes, is under construction.
Construction of 2nd Street NW has started, and multiple redevelopment grant applications are pending. Both efforts will contribute to building and community improvements in West Salem.
Strategic project grant funds in the North Gateway URA in the amount of $104,000 were committed to Jet Industries for exterior security enhancements on its Silverton Road campus. Several additional security projects are pending. A new grant was also issued to Mustang Investments for building and manufacturing improvements that will add new jobs.
Construction continues at the Mill Creek Corporate Center where multiple new buildings constructed by PacTrust will provide spec industrial space to new tenants. New sewer lines are being installed to permit the abandonment of old lines that conflict with development. Building of the Dollar General facility and the new Logistics Street SE will continue through the year.
The expansion of Yamasa Corporation USA in the Fairview Urban Renewal Area is nearing completion where a $300,000 grant facilitated improvements valued over $11 million.
Salem Airport
On July 13, Avelo Airlines formally announced commencement of non-stop commercial air service to Burbank and Las Vegas beginning on October 5. The service will operate twice weekly to both destinations using Boeing 737-700/800 aircraft. As the airline establishes its presence in the Willamette Valley market, additional destinations may be added, as well as increased frequency to existing destinations. More information and ticket purchases can be found on the Avelo website at aveloair.com.
The Airport Master Plan, which was last updated in 2012, is being updated again. The first three chapters are in draft form, and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is reviewing the proposed aviation forecasting models, including the introduction of commercial air service in late 2023. The first Planning Advisory Committee meeting was held on May 23.
The Career Technical Education Center (CTEC) is relocating its aviation program to the Salem Airport beginning this fall and expanding the program to include pilot training and aircraft maintenance technician in addition to the existing drone operations program. CTEC Aviation students will graduate with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to fill high-demand jobs in the aviation industry. The program is partnering with Alaska Airlines, Garmin Aviation Technologies, and other locally based organizations to gather hands-on experience in their chosen aviation field.
Tory Banford
Project Manager
Attachments:
None.