City staff outline DDA outreach, technical analysis and timeline targeting March council guidance

City staff briefed the University Hill Commercial Area Management Commission on next steps for a proposed Downtown Development Authority (DDA), announcing public information sessions and a technical analysis of boundaries, financing and governance.

Mark, the staff presenter, said the city will host a series of DDA information sessions aimed at those most directly affected — property and business owners, residents and community partners — with multiple in-person times and a virtual session on Jan. 26. "These sessions are not intended to propose or present a finalized DDA," Mark said; they "are meant to explain what a DDA is, what they can do, share best practices and present community-informed themes for reaction." Registration is available through the city’s DDA webpage, staff said.

Staff and the consultant team Puma will continue technical work behind the scenes: refining potential DDA boundaries through April, analyzing financial feasibility including tax-increment financing projections and the use of a potential mill levy, reviewing legal requirements and evaluating governance options. Mark said findings would go to the planning group in February, return to the commission for March feedback and then be presented at a city council study session on March 12, where the council is expected to provide policy guidance.

Staff outlined possible governance models — city-run, hybrid or a DDA that would manage existing general improvement districts (GIDs) — and said whether the proposal includes a mill levy would materially affect options. "The city can't be involved in the campaign," Mark said when discussing next steps if the proposal moves toward a ballot. Staff reiterated a targeted November ballot initiative as the timeframe if the council directs the effort to proceed.

Commissioners pressed staff on outreach and ballot logistics, asking how affected property owners and businesses will be notified and who will be eligible to vote. Staff described current outreach relying on mailings and community partners, and said the city will work to ensure ballots reach eligible electors (defined in the briefing as residents, property owners and businesses in the proposed area). Staff cautioned turnout in these elections is often low and noted additional coordination with county election processes will be necessary. Brenda Rittenauer, identified as a liaison for the University Hill Neighborhood Association, was listed by staff as a contact for meeting outreach.

Next procedural steps: staff will return draft boundaries and an initial plan of development for commissioner comment in March, brief the council on March 12 and continue feasibility work through April. If the city and planning group advance the proposal, staff said the planning group would ideally lead community campaign efforts for a ballot measure later in the year; the city said it would not participate in campaign activity.