Oregon Public Broadcasting

The city of Portland is waiting for a decision on a matter that may affect its agenda for years to come. April Baer reports.

Portland leaders are locked in a battle with a small but dedicated group calling itself the Friend of Urban Renewal.

The group believes city commissioners have over-reached their authority on matters of urban re-development.

Two cases are at issue: one is Council's plan to expand and extend a tax deal that plows redevelopment cash back into the booming River District -- that's the trendy Pearl area, and some surrounding land.

The second case is a proposal to send money from the River District across town, to build a school for the cash-strapped David Douglas School District.

Within the past week, the city has defended both matters before the state Land Use Board of Appeals.

City attorney David Ellot says Portland officials hope to get a judgment in their favor.

David Ellot. "The city and PDC believe that they've correctly interpreted the law, and that the arguments before LUBA confirmed that, and that LUBA's decision ultimately will affirm the city's actions."

The Friends of Urban Renewal are people with long experience in urban development -- and some who may have  a financial stake in how development is done.

They say council is breaking long-standing rules to get pet projects funded. 

LUBA is expected to decide by mid-January.