Council advances Mills Act/landmarks work plan after debate, approves Mills Act portion 6–1

Council heard a staff report and public testimony on the Mills Act and landmark program before debating whether to pause applications or move forward with a coordinated landmarks work plan.

Planning staff explained that the city had directed a review of Mills Act contracts and that staff and a consultant had prepared background materials. The planning director said the calendar for Mills Act submissions generally runs on an annual cadence with a May cutoff for applications and that applications typically require several months for documentation and review.

Councilmembers debated two options: pausing new Mills Act applications and setting a date‑certain pause to protect applicants already preparing preservation work, or aligning Mills Act policy changes with a broader, comprehensive landmarks program and the Landmarks Commission recommendations. Several councilmembers urged caution about pausing applications without adequate notice; others argued the program merits a re‑examination for equity and tax‑policy reasons.

After motions and a substitute motion, the council bifurcated the item and approved the Mills Act/landmarks work‑plan portion (the Mills Act portion carried by recorded voice vote, 6–1). The council directed staff to continue work on aligning the landmarks work plan with recommendations and to provide community notice before any future changes to application timing.

Planning staff noted that the record shows roughly three to four Mills Act applications per year and that pausing the program should be implemented with advance notice to prospective applicants so that rehabilitation plans are not disrupted.

The action advances staff work on the policies and schedules governing the Mills Act and landmarks program; it does not by itself change existing contracts nor retroactively affect applications already submitted.