RDA backs using TID 11 funds to advance public market predevelopment

The RDA voted to recommend allocating TID 11 funds to predevelopment work for a proposed public market, with staff outlining next steps and budget guidance.

"In 2017, the city began work exploring a public market project... in 2021 the city adopted a resolution expressing its desire to pursue the development of a public market," Julie Emsley said, summarizing the history and the staff recommendation to update prior studies and engage a third‑party consultant and a part‑time contracted project manager. She said the proposed funds were sized from cost estimates and an example proposal and that the resolution is worded to allow funds to be used for urban renewal projects within the TID 11 boundaries while keeping the public market as the primary intent.

Julie told members the TID 11 expenditure period reaches its deadline in October and staff wants to secure the predevelopment funding in the current cycle. Councilmember Janssen said he supports investing in the concept but cautioned that his support depends on demonstrated community or private‑sector interest: "If someone doesn't step up and show some interest, then my support will probably disappear of this project." The RDA approved the motion and will send the resolution to Finance & Personnel and then council in August.

Staff will return to the RDA with details on whether to issue an RFP for consultants, hire a part‑time project manager, or take other steps once funding is confirmed.