individual properties in the majority of the ICCO area. These changes occurred prior to the <br />beginning of the recent recession. With development activity picking up again over the last <br />several years, the policy question about whether to allow annexation agreements, rather than <br />immediate annexation, warrants consideration by Council. <br />In several cases, property owners have been unable to proceed with development plans due to <br />lack of contiguity with City limits or the availability of urban services (which means they cannot <br />annex). The alternative of allowing annexation agreements, along with enabling extension of <br />sanitary sewer service outside the City limits, would be an efficient way to allow industrial <br />development to proceed in the area with binding agreements to annex in the future when possible. <br />This policy question was posed to the Council in November of 2016, with unanimous approval to <br />bring the proposal forward for consideration. Since that time, staff has developed the proposed <br />ordinance and findings addressing all applicable approval criteria (see Attachment B). The <br />Planning Commission also held an initial public hearing and voted unanimously on April 11, 2017 <br />to recommend that Council approve the proposed land use code amendment. The only public <br />testimony received was a letter of support from the Eugene Area Chamber of Commerce, which is <br />included as Attachment C for ease of reference. <br />RELATED CITY POLICIES <br />Encouraging development and redevelopment within the ICCO area supports a variety of adopted <br />planning and policy goals and objectives. Examples include: <br />Envision Eugene Pillars <br />o Provide ample economic opportunities for all community members <br />1(a). Plan for an employment growth rate of 1.4 percent. This growth rate translates <br />into an increase of 35,800 jobs over 20 years. <br />1(c). Work with property owners of current vacant or developed industrial lands, <br />especially those larger than 25 acres, to reduce the financial and regulatory obstacles to <br />development, with a goal of making these sites ready for development. <br />Regional Prosperity Economic Development Plan <br />o By 2020, create 20,000 net new jobs in the chosen economic opportunity areas, reduce the local <br />unemployment rate to, or below the state average; and increase the average wage to or above <br />the state average. <br />o. Strengthen Key Industries <br />o Identify strategies to address unique and logistical needs of existing and emerging <br />industries <br />Develop associations or networks among targeted cluster businesses for innovative <br />networking, information-sharing and provide opportunities for business growth <br />Pursue opportunities to expand and recruit businesses, ideas, and entrepreneurs into <br />our region <br />Enhance our existing business and community <br />