Topic Areas
The Neighborhood Plan focuses on the Topic Areas of Economic Development, Transportation, Parks and Natural Resources, Land Use, and Community. To reflect the community values, aspirations and priorities expressed during outreach, each Topic Area includes:
- Vision statements which are aspirational descriptions of the community’s best outcome for how the neighborhood will look, feel and function 20 years and more into the future.
- Goals that translate the vision, describing hopes for the future on a particular idea.
- Policies that will be formally adopted by the City of Eugene and Lane County to provide a consistent course of action and move the community toward attainment of its goals.
- Actions which are possible strategies identified by the community, captured in the Action Plan, to implement the adopted policies over time and will require ongoing advocacy and continued coordination between various partners.
Find the vision statements, goals, and policies for each Topic Area in the Neighborhood Plan and actions in the Action Plan. To get an overview of each Topic Area and related resources, click on the tabs below.
The community vision for economic development includes the creation and growth of local businesses, redevelopment that promotes walkability and increases access to daily needs, and availability of more living wage employment opportunities within the neighborhoods. The Neighborhood Plan policies focus on incentives for local businesses, supporting redevelopment that fosters active mixed-use centers, and encouraging neighborhood-scale businesses in residentially zoned areas.
While economic development changes won’t occur overnight, adopted policies provide a framework for promoting current resources for local businesses, encouraging community organization efforts to create a business network, and supporting businesses that utilize neighborhood assets.
The community vision for transportation envisions a transportation network that is safe and accessible for all users, increases walking, biking, and transit options, improves connectivity, enhances traffic flow, and transitions to zero carbon. The Neighborhood Plan includes policies focused on expanding active transportation networks, prioritizing infrastructure improvements, educating youth about transportation options, and creating a transportation system that responds to long-term needs.
This transportation vision is in line with Eugene and Lane County’s Transportation System Plans, and many of the specific transportation projects referred to in the Action Plan are included in these long-term plans.
Want to learn about ongoing transportation projects in River Road-Santa Clara, and how they relate to the Neighborhood Plan?
The community vision for parks and natural resources highlights the desire to create and enhance parks and open spaces, tree canopy, and natural stormwater conveyances. The Neighborhood Plan includes policies focused on providing access and connectivity to parks, greater availability of recreational opportunities, balancing preservation and access to the Willamette River, as well as the promotion of agricultural enterprises.
The parks and natural resources vision aligns with the Eugene Parks and Recreation System Plan and other City initiatives. Similar to the transportation topic area, there are a number of specific parks and natural resources projects referred to in the Action Plan that are included in these long-term citywide plans.
Want to learn about ongoing parks projects in River Road-Santa Clara?
- Check out the Eugene Parks and Recreation System Plan Planning District Summary for River Road-Santa Clara.
- View Parks and Recreation Bond Projects in River Road and Santa Clara.
- Learn more about Stormwater and Natural Resource Projects in River Road and Santa Clara.
- Get involved in active projects such as the Santa Clara Community Park and the East Santa Clara Waterway.
- Volunteer for Lane County Parks Projects at Hileman Park and Whitely Landing.
- Watch a video to learn more about Stormwater and how the City of Eugene protects waterways.
- See the River Road-Santa Clara Parks and Natural Resources Map.
The Neighborhood Plan’s community vision for land use in the River Road and Santa Clara neighborhoods is based on the desire to have more walkable neighborhoods with a variety of housing options, shops, services, and community space. Encouraging redevelopment along the River Road corridor helps meet housing and economic needs in an environmentally responsible way and aligns with city-wide compact development goals. The Neighborhood Plan includes policies supporting development that is well designed, compatible with existing surroundings, and creates an active and accessible corridor.
The community topic area in the Neighborhood Plan conveys a vision for welcoming and inclusive neighborhoods that are safe, resilient, and engaged and have more community gathering spaces and developed networks to share resources. The Neighborhood Plan includes policies focused on supporting and advocating for neighborhood services and opportunities, such as affordable housing, public art, library and cultural services, and emergency preparedness.
Much of the vision for community relies on building community support and participation, as well as collaborating with the City, County, and other local service providers. The River Road and Santa Clara Community Organizations may be the lead on facilitating some of the community actions, as many of them overlap with current work being done by the community organizations and their related committees.
Want to learn more about how to get involved in your community organization?
Both the River Road Community Organization and Santa Clara Community Organization are active in the neighborhood planning process as well as other neighborhood issues. Check out their websites to learn more about neighborhood events and news.