Assumptions & Policy Background <br />This section explores the potential unspoken factors that affect a project, its validity, execution or <br />acceptance in the community. <br />Unresolved/ Incomplete Past planning projects <br />There is a long history of planning and public outreach initiatives in both communities. Particularly <br />noteworthy here is the Lower River Road Concept Plan, which was never adopted by City Council. Some <br />in the community view the upcoming neighborhood plan with skepticism due to this past effort having <br />resulted in nothing concrete despite the public's commitment and effort. <br />Buy -in and Participation by unincorporated Lane County residents <br />This issue is an unknown. As noted in more detail below, Lane County has delegated to the City <br />responsibility for planning, zoning, and permitting in these two communities within the UGB. Therefore, <br />Planning staff is committed to reaching all members of River Road and Santa Clara during public <br />outreach phases, regardless of jurisdictional status. <br />There are also procedural considerations that arise from the mixed jurisdictional status and fact that <br />Santa Clara extends beyond the UGB. Those areas outside the UGB and within the Santa Clara <br />Community Organization are within the Eugene -Springfield Metropolitan Area Plan. Any future <br />amendments proposed to the Metro Plan area will be subject to joint City and County review and <br />adoption. Zoning outside of the UGB is within Lane County's jurisdiction and is implemented by the Lane <br />Code. Uses allowed outright or conditionally within Lane County zones are generally rural in nature, <br />intended for the preservation of farm and forest and other resource uses, and largely defined by <br />Statewide Planning Goals. This mixed jurisdictional status is a key consideration in collaborating with <br />Lane County Planning staff. <br />Constraints <br />The following are potential factors that may limit our ability to carry out the project or to fully achieve <br />the project goals. <br />City's relationship with the River Road and Santa Clara communities <br />Past issues largely related to annexation have strained relationships between the City and some in the <br />two communities. Planning staff is aware of this factor, and has strived to establish an open relationship <br />with SCRRIPT, SCCO, and RCCO in a manner that builds trust and lays the foundation for a cooperative <br />neighborhood planning process. <br />Continued project prioritization in the face of competing demands <br />The River Road and Santa Clara communities comprise approximately one-fifth of Eugene, and the <br />community organizations have demonstrated their commitment and readiness to create a <br />neighborhood plan. However, competing interests may attempt to defer resources from this project to a <br />future initiative. The Planning Division work plan and this charter are tools that can be employed to <br />maintain focus and adequate funding in the face of such competing interests. <br />171 Page <br />57 <br />