Why does an urban renewal line item appear on property tax statements?

Urban renewal is a state-sanctioned program designed to help communities improve and redevelop areas that are physically deteriorated, unsafe, or poorly planned. The Portland Development Commission (PDC), the city’s urban renewal agency, uses urban renewal as a tool to help specific areas of the city realize capital projects – parks, streetscape improvements, community centers, and the like – that would not happen on their own.

The Urban Renewal line item shown on tax statements received by property owners within the City of Portland represents the amount collected for urban renewal activities. This amount is a combination of PDC’s share of taxes assessed by taxing jurisdictions including the city, the county, and schools, and an urban renewal tax assessed by the City of Portland against all taxable property within the City of Portland. The urban renewal line item on your bill is not a new tax.

For more information on urban renewal. For more information on your property tax bill, contact the Multnomah County Property Tax Assessment and Taxation office at 503-988-3326.

Urban renewal activities are a true investment in Portland’s future. Urban renewal improves and revitalizes specific areas of the city; attracts new businesses and increases jobs; adds public improvements and enhanced livability; stimulates private investment and increases property values. Particularly pertinent in Oregon’s current recessionary times, urban renewal serves as an essential tool in the city’s economic development strategy to make Portland a center for a sustainable urban economy benefiting all citizens.

Urban renewal has played a major role in some of Portland's most important landmarks, including Ira Keller Fountain, the expansion of Portland State University, Pioneer Courthouse Square and Pioneer Place, The Classical Chinese Garden, and Airport Max. Urban renewal was responsible for redevelopment of both sides of the Willamette River, resulting in the popular Tom McCall Waterfront Park, Riverplace, and the Eastbank Esplanade.

Urban renewal funds are also applied to smaller programs citywide that help individuals, one at a time, make better lives for themselves, their families and/or employees. For example, funds are applied in neighborhoods to help revitalize small businesses and main streets, and to create and maintain housing—both rental and homeownership and it helps fund a range of services to help businesses grow the local and regional job base.

For more information on urban renewal. For more information on your property tax bill, contact the Multnomah County Property Tax Assessment and Taxation office at 503-988-3326.

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