Ty R. Richardson

The Burns Urban Renewal Plan outlines a thirty-year roadmap to revitalize underdeveloped and blighted areas within the City of Burns, primarily funded through Tax Increment Financing. The plan focuses on four key goals: fostering redevelopment and economic growth by improving retail aesthetics and facilitating business development; providing essential infrastructure improvements, including water, sewer, streets, sidewalks, and parks; increasing the supply and quality of housing through incentives and infrastructure support; and ensuring effective administration of urban renewal activities. This initiative aims to enhance the city's economic vitality, address housing shortages, and improve public facilities.

The City of Burns Transportation System Plan serves as a comprehensive roadmap for managing and developing the city's transportation infrastructure over a 20-year period, starting from 2001. Its overarching goal is to establish a safe, convenient, and economically viable transportation network. The plan focuses on several key areas: preserving the functionality, capacity, and safety of existing streets and state highways; enhancing traffic circulation and maintaining service levels; proactively addressing future roadway needs for developing areas; promoting and increasing the utilization of alternative transportation modes such as walking, bicycling, and public transit; ensuring the system adequately serves all public needs, including the transportation disadvantaged; and fostering inter-agency coordination with Harney County, ODOT, and federal entities. The strategic approach aims to improve community livability, reduce reliance on single-occupant vehicles, and support sustainable economic growth within the region.

This document serves as a report accompanying the Burns Urban Renewal Plan, providing background information and project details to support the Plan's approval. The Plan aims to address blight within the City of Burns through several key initiatives: building improvements, comprehensive infrastructure upgrades (water, sewer, streets, sidewalks, parks, and a community center), and housing development and redevelopment through incentives for new construction and rehabilitation. The overall objective is to stimulate economic growth and enhance housing options within the Urban Renewal Area, utilizing Tax Increment Financing over an anticipated thirty-year period ending in FYE 2052.

This comprehensive plan for the City of Burns establishes standards and procedures for land development and resource management, aiming to promote public health, safety, and welfare. It focuses on citizen involvement, detailed land use planning (encompassing natural resources, hazard mitigation, and environmental quality), recreational provisions, and economic development strategies. The plan also addresses housing needs, the efficient provision of public facilities and services (water, sewer, storm drainage, emergency services, medical, solid waste, and schools), and transportation infrastructure.

The Burns Municipal Airport Master Plan Update provides guidelines for airport development to meet future demand over the 2021-2041 planning period. The plan's strategic objectives include preserving public and private investments, aligning with community goals, enhancing safety, protecting the environment, and strengthening the local economy. Priorities identified through stakeholder feedback focus on exploring revenue-generating uses for non-aeronautical land, supporting city-owned hangars, and addressing critical infrastructure needs such as water and sewer systems, fueling, apron lighting, and maintenance equipment storage. This comprehensive approach aims to guide future development, satisfy regional general aviation demands, and maintain environmental compatibility.