The Springfield Economic Development Agency (SEDA)

SEDA serves as the Urban Renewal Agency for the City of Springfield, Oregon. Its primary mission is to stimulate economic growth in two geographic areas of the city —Glenwood and Downtown – in order to bring better uses and jobs to the community and increase the property tax value. Glenwood and Downtown Springfield, now Urban Renewal Districts (URDs), were established by Springfield’s voters in 2004 and 2007, respectively.

The City’s Economic Development team implements the vision and goals set by SEDA, conducting research, working with businesses, and strategizing for the present and future of Springfield. The Economic Development team works hard to create an environment that supports job development, business recruitment and retention, and smart redevelopment. Their work is dynamic, impactful, and essential as new and exciting projects continue to emerge through thoughtful planning for our growing community.

The City of Springfield is known for helping businesses grow and thrive. Our community has drawn independent entrepreneurs and global industries alike, thanks to our highly skilled workforce, pro-business attitude, and incredible natural amenities. SEDA plays an important role in guiding the City’s economic development and climate through a variety of tools and programs. This includes the establishment of two Urban Renewal Districts for Glenwood and Downtown Springfield, as well as a system development charges payment program.

Economic Development in Practice

SEDA looks at parts of our community that could benefit from revitalization and steps in with targeted investments to improve infrastructure, attract businesses, and boost economic activity.

In Glenwood, SEDA has supported major projects like the completion of a new hotel and the launch of a company headquarters, both of which contribute to the area’s taxable value and future growth.

In Downtown Springfield, SEDA has focused on helping local businesses succeed. One example is the System Development Charge (SDC) Payment Program, which has helped spark several development projects — including restaurants, retail spaces, and new housing.

By investing in Glenwood and Downtown, SEDA is working to build a stronger, more vibrant Springfield. These improvements don’t just attract businesses and new residents — they also benefit the people who already call Springfield home. It’s all about creating a sustainable economic future while protecting the unique character that makes our city special.

Glenwood Riverfront Development

SEDA and the Springfield City Council have shaped the vision for Glenwood through decades of significant work, leadership, and engagement with community members. The vision for development in the Glenwood area of Springfield has been guided by foundational planning efforts such as the Glenwood Refinement Plan, which was later improved and refined through an extensive community engagement process. This led to the formation of the voter-approved Glenwood Urban Renewal District and the development of the Glenwood Riverfront Plan.

Project Goal

The community’s vision for Glenwood includes development of a vibrant riverfront neighborhood that promotes density and a mix of housing, a focus on access to the riverfront and open spaces, and incorporation of commercial and hospitality opportunities. Under this vision, the Glenwood project’s principles are:

• To connect the community to the river.
• To meet the intent of the Glenwood Refinement Plan.
• To be flexible in approach and timely in outcome.
• To be economically viable in development considerations and property tax performance.
• To feel right-sized for Springfield.

Glenwood Commitment

Glenwood has been, and continues to be, a high-priority investment area for SEDA and the Springfield City Council. SEDA continues to demonstrate this priority by supporting and actively participating in the development of three new Glenwood area hotels, the expansion of significant manufacturing and employment sites, the construction of Franklin Boulevard, investments in road design and site recruitment along Franklin Boulevard/Hwy 225, the extension of the 14th Street bike path, the riverfront path viaduct, and many other partnerships. Learn more about the extensive efforts in Glenwood at https://springfield-or.gov/city/development-public-works/glenwood-refinement-plan/

Glenwood Riverfront Redevelopment Master Plan Conceptual Posters

Click to enlarge any of the nine poster images (February 2026).

Housing Downtown – A Focus of SEDA

In Downtown Springfield, the SEDA Board is focused on bringing more housing and pedestrian-friendly development. The Board has adopted several actionable goals to support this type of growth. They are:

• To create “proof-of-concept” developments that communicate the viability and profitability of new construction types and heights in Springfield.
• To provide market-rate, high-density housing developments to serve as an example to financial institutions reviewing similar future projects, as there are no demonstrations of this type of housing project in Springfield today. By proving that it can be built and occupied, future developers and banks will have greater confidence and anticipate less risk in building and paying for similar projects.
• To create a dense development in Downtown Springfield, spurring subsequent private, taxable development and increasing market-rate housing stock.

Upcoming SEDA Board meeting agendas are posted each Thursday afternoon the week prior to the scheduled meeting at https://springfield-or.gov/city/city-council-meetings/