Oregon Stories | Community Development Digest

AIA Top 10 Green Projects Includes Mixed-Use Housing Complex

Materials for this project were chosen specifically for their ability to optimize the health of residents, many of whom suffer from illnesses; durability and maintenance; and energy use, given the public nature of the project and its need for cost savings.

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Portland Battles Gentrification

The dedicated affordable housing money results from a 2006 flap between the city council and its redevelopment agency, the Portland Development Commission.

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Brownfields Funding Legislation Proposed in Oregon

Oregon had nearly $10 million in its Brownfield Redevelopment Fund in 2005. Today that figure is closer to $600,000, and projects slated for cleanup will take all of that – and a lot more.

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Bank Pledges $250 Million to Community Development in Oregon

Over the next five years, Seattle's Washington Federal will commit $250 million to community development efforts in Oregon.

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Expansion Project and Financing Incentives Fuel Development

ConAgra Foods Inc. plans to expand its frozen potato facilities in Boardman, OR, a move which would more bring than 100 new jobs to the region. The $200 million expansion will create a 192,000 square-foot facility by 2014.

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Business Retention, Partnerships Focus of New Development Manager

The new economic development manager in Corvallis, OR plans to focus on business retention and expansion as part of the city's overall economic development strategy.

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Oregon State CDBG Grant Applications Due Sept. 30

Oregon nonentitlement communities have through Sept. 30 to apply for third-quarter CDBG grant funds from the state Infrastructure Finance Authority (IFA). Tribes, 10 cities and three counties are the only jurisdictions ineligible to receive funds from IFA, which distributes money quarterly. Economi...

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Donovan Urges Passage of Home Refinancing Bills

HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan is urging Congress to move on three Senate bills offered this week that will increase access to mortgage refinancing and stabilize neighborhoods by helping prevent foreclosures. Donovan, speaking during a May 11 conference call with reporters, says the bills can help fil...

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State and Local Briefs

District of Columbia: At-large City Council Member Michael Brown wants an investigation of the District's Department of Housing & Community Development (DHCD), citing possible criminal activities between current and former employees and contractors. Brown, a member of the city's Housing Committe...

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(DEVELOPMENT) LA Firm Uses New Markets Tax Credits to Bolster Projects

The Los Angeles-based Lowe Economic Development Company (LEDC) issues $31 million in New Markets Tax Credits (NMTCs) to three developments and is poised to issue another $14 million. LEDC on Oct. 4 said it provided tax credits to two projects in San Diego and another in Portland, OR -- all of them ...

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