Gresham Development News

Gresham Considers Shift from Industrial to Residential Development in EOA and Springwater Studies

The Gresham City Council work session reviewed the Economic Opportunity Analysis (EOA) and its implications for the city's comprehensive plan and economic development strategy. The EOA identified buildable lands for employment uses, noting a surplus of industrial land (710 acres total, with 272 acres in Springwater) and a deficit in commercial land (20 acres). The analysis considered employment growth forecasts, economic trends like automation and inflation, and commuting patterns. Consultants recommended focusing on historic growth rates, leading to an estimated addition of 5,400 jobs over 20 years. The council also discussed shifting focus from greenfield development, particularly in Springwater, towards redevelopment and infill within existing city limits. Staff proposed updating comprehensive plan goals and policies to reflect this shift and align with the city's economic development strategy, emphasizing intensification of development where existing infrastructure is present. Key discussion points included the feasibility of industrial development in Springwater due to environmental constraints, fragmentation of land ownership, and weaker regional access compared to other areas like Sherwood West and Rock Creek. The study indicated Springwater is better suited for residential growth, neighborhood-serving commercial, and smaller-scale employment uses rather than a major regional industrial district. The council also began discussions on a Springwater Plan District study, which evaluated marketability and potential alternative land uses. The study confirmed Springwater's constraints for industrial development, suggesting a shift towards residential uses, supported by neighborhood commercial and smaller employment opportunities. The existing Springwater land use districts were identified as barriers, and a proposal to consolidate them with citywide districts was presented. The council expressed strong support for moving forward with a Springwater plan district amendment project, focusing on residential development, evaluating transportation, and unifying land use districts, with an estimated 12-month timeline for adoption hearings in mid-2027.