The Hwy 99 / Bear Creek Greenway Corridor Re-Visioning will create a comprehensive vision and strategies to redevelop land in Talent, Phoenix, and Jackson County that was affected by the devastating 2020 Almeda Fire. This is the area that runs along Highway 99 and the Bear Creek Greenway. The vision will be implemented by updating local plans and zoning ordinances, which are the regulations that determine where and how development happens. The project will support transportation options like walking, biking and transit throughout the corridor; evaluate ways to build more housing; and identify areas for mixed-use developments so that people can be closer to their destinations, which makes it easier to walk and bike. This project is focused on land uses, development, and better-connected transportation routes along both sides of Highway 99; however, this project will not identify any changes to the highway itself. More information about highway improvement projects can be found below under “Other Planning Efforts.”

The project will be conducted in two phases. Phase One was a visioning and planning process that:

• Identified opportunity areas and projects to enhance walking, biking and transit

• Addressed redevelopment opportunities and challenges in areas that were burned

• Evaluated options for increasing housing, especially in mixed-use areas

• Developed design concepts for strengthening public spaces in Talent and Phoenix

Phase Two of the project is currently underway and will develop adoption-ready recommendations for policy, comprehensive plan, and development code amendments to implement the vision from Phase One in order to:

• Identify specific and measurable actions to implement the vision from Phase One

• Increase safety, visibility, and connectedness to the Bear Creek Greenway

• Implement Phase One recommendations with the goal of increasing housing, mixed-use options, and pedestrian-friendly development

• Bring the City of Talent and the City of Phoenix plans and codes into compliance

The Hwy 99/Bear Creek Greenway Corridor Re-Visioning (Phase Two) process will continue through Spring 2025. Over the next few months, the project team will work closely with local jurisdiction staff members, a Project Advisory Committee (PAC), a Community Advisory Committee (CAC), stakeholders, and the communities at large through a variety of engagement efforts.

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