City Advances Downtown Specific Plan Amid Federal Funding Freeze

by ROGER GITLIN, Eye on Del Norte

What Is Crescent City’s Specific Plan?

Crescent City’s Specific Plan is a strategic initiative to revitalize the downtown area by fostering economic growth, improving quality of life, and creating a vibrant hub focused on public-private partnerships. The plan emphasizes infill development, improved walkability, integration with the Harbor, and designs that reflect the city’s Redwood coastal identity. Current efforts include market analysis, community input, and project planning, such as the Lighthouse Cove integration.

It is a key goal for economic growth.

In December 2024, the City was notified that it had been preliminarily selected to receive $186,000 in federal economic development funds to complete the Downtown Specific Plan. The funds were expected to be delivered this month, but a federal spending freeze has delayed the process.

At Tuesday’s City Council meeting, city councilors nonetheless moved forward and approved the 20 percent matching funds requirement for Phase 1, authorizing a professional services agreement with Crandall Arambula, PC for development of the Downtown Specific Plan. The City approved an additional contribution of $48,000, bringing the total match to $94,000. The California Endowment has previously contributed $30,000 to the City for economic development efforts.

The planning process commenced in March 2025.

Several options are under consideration as the project moves into Phase 2:

• Transit Center
• Retail Streetscapes
• Redwood Downtown Project

Phase 2 will initiate full project management activities, including data collection and analysis, cost-of-doing-business studies, business recruitment, and business retention efforts.

Several Strategic Plan goals are addressed through the multi-phase Downtown Specific Plan.

City staff is awaiting the release of the $186,000 in federal funds before advancing fully into Phase 2.