Urban Renewal Action Plan

On the heels of the Great Recession and after ten years of active investment in its urban renewal district, the City of Madras is at a crossroads. Significant public investment has successfully improved public open space, the aesthetic appeal of the entry to the city, and transportation access into and through the city at its north and south ends. At the same time, Madras’ commercial core has seen limited new development and is not functioning as the vibrant hub of commercial activity that residents desire. This Action Plan revisits community priorities from previous planning efforts and provides a roadmap for the urban renewal agency’s work within the District in the coming years.

Madras’ residents made themselves clear during the outreach portion of this Plan: they want a better future for the community. Using statements made by Madras residents as they described their preferred future, the team developed a vision statement. It is an aspirational, long-view description of Madras that could result from the successful implementation of this Plan: "Madras’ position as the hub of River Canyon Country attracts visitors and new residents who appreciate the community’s commitment to quality of life. The city’s core is a recognizable, vibrant destination with public and private investment in small-scale shops, a mix of restaurants, and cultural amenities that reflect the area’s diversity."