HomeMy WebLinkAboutProposal - Dest Resort StudyCommunity Development Department
Planning Division Building Safety Division Environmental Health Division
117 NW Lafayette Avenue Bend Oregon 977)1-1925
(541)388-6575 FAX (541)335-1764
http://www.co.deschutes.or .us/cdd/
MEMORANDUM
DATE: June 23, 2010
TO: Deschutes County Board of County Commissioners
FROM Nick Lelack, Planning Director
SUBJECT: Impact of Destination Resorts in Deschutes County Study Proposal
SUMMARY/BACKGROUND
On May 5, the Board conducted a work session on a concept to study the impacts of destination
resorts in Deschutes County prepared by the University of Oregon's Community Planning
Workshop (CPW). The Board directed to staff to discuss the study concept with stakeholders
and to bring back a proposal for consideration. In response, CPW submitted the attached
proposal, and staff consulted with stakeholders. Stakeholders generally expressed support for
the study, but recommended a slightly modified approach.
The purpose of this agenda item is to discuss the different approaches, and for the Board tc
provide direction on: (1) whether to conduct a study and, if so, (2) which approach should be
pursued?
DISCUSSION
CPW Director Bob Parker submitted the attached proposal for the Board's consideration basec
on the work session discussion. CPW proposes a phased approach that builds from
stakeholder analysis and from a literature review in an initial phase (Phase 1).
The purpose of Phase 1 is to identify and describe the range of impacts of destination resorts
and make a determination about which ones to address in a more comprehensive study (Phase
2). Specifically, CPW's approach consists of the following:
Phase 1
Task 1:
Task 2:
Task 3:
Task 4:
Task 5:
Project Organization and Kick -Off
Stakeholder Interviews
Literature Review
Local Assessment / Focus Groups
Draft and Final Summary Report
The total project cost would be $8,000 and the timeframe is 8-12 weeks.
Quality Services Performed zvith Pride
Phase 2
Phase 2 would be based on the Board's direction at the conclusion of Phase 1.
Staff discussed the study proposal with Linda Swearingen, Erik Kancler of Central Oregon
LandWatch, Department of Land Conservation and Development staff, and others. A majority
of stakeholders expressed strong support for the County's initiating the neutral, third -party
study. However, a couple of stakeholders questioned the need for a study at all. They
explained that a lot of information is readily available, and they said the State's efforts to reform
destination resort law may lead to the adoption of a new resort model with a different set of
impacts than those studied in the proposed project.
Most stakeholders, whether they believed a study was necessary or not, generally supported a
modified version of CPW's proposal. Specifically, they believe Phase 1 of the study should
consist of CPW conducting facilitated "scoping" meeting(s) in a focus group format with
stakeholder groups to determine the specific issues that should be studied in depth in Phase 2.
As a result, CPW would conduct Task 1, and slightly modified elements of Tasks 2, 4 and 5
They contend that the literature review could be more focused to specifically address the areas
identified for in-depth study in Phase 2.
Staff discussed the modified approach with Mr. Parker. CPW is amenable to this modified
approach. The cost would be approximately $3,500 and the timeframe would be approximately
6 weeks.
Table 1: Alternative Approaches to Impacts of Destination Resorts Study
BOARD DIRECTION
Staff seeks the Board's direction on the following:
1. Whether to move forward with the study or not; and
2. If directed to move forward, which approach should be pursued — the approach in the
attached proposal or recommended by stakeholders?
Approach
Tasks
Costs
Timelines
1
Do not conduct the study
Not applicable
$0
Not applicable
2
CPW Proposal
1-5 in the attachment
$8,000
8-12 weeks
3
Modified Approach
1, parts of 2, 4, and 5
$3,500
6 weeks
4
Other (TBD)
TBD
TBD
TBD
BOARD DIRECTION
Staff seeks the Board's direction on the following:
1. Whether to move forward with the study or not; and
2. If directed to move forward, which approach should be pursued — the approach in the
attached proposal or recommended by stakeholders?
DRAFT
Scope of Work:
Phase 1 Analysis — Impacts of Destination
Resorts in Deschutes County
BACKGROUND
Deschutes County is home to several of Oregon's "destination resorts." Goal 8 of the Oregon
Statewide Planning system defines destination resorts as "a self-contained development
providing visitor -oriented accommodations and developed recreational facilities in a setting
with high natural amenities."
Heightened by bills in the 2009 and 2010 State legislative sessions, considerable community
dialog surrounds Deschutes County's current effort to establish a legislative process for
amending the County's destination resort map and allow, potentially for the siting of new
resorts. The public's dichotomous reaction to this project stems from, among other things, the
impacts of "legacy" resorts (resorts that were developed prior to the state siting criteria),
several approved and partially constructed resorts, resort litigation, and the economic
downturn.
Several studies examining the impacts of destination resorts exist—as well as a lot of anecdotal
evidence.1 Our review of these studies is that each served a specific purpose and looked at a
relatively narrow aspect of destination resorts. What is lacking is a study that provides a
comprehensive overview of the fiscal, economic, societal, and environmental impacts (both
positive and negative) and implications of destination resorts.
In March 2010, County staff contacted the University of Oregon's Community Planning
Workshop (CPW) to inquire about our capacity and interest in conducting research on the
impacts of destination resorts in Deschutes County. CPW staff presented a project concept to
the Deschutes County Board of Commissioners in April 2010. The Phase I work program that
follows reflects input provided by the Board and subsequent discussions with County staff.
1 These include an analysis of the fiscal and economic impacts by Fodor and Associates, a 2007 analysis of
employment and payroll generated by destination resorts by the Oregon Employment Department, and
considerable work on the issue by County staff as a part of the Destination Resort Remapping project, and several
studies by private development interests and non-profit organizations such as the Urban Land Institute.
Impacts of Destination Resorts in Deschutes County May 2010 Page I 1
PROJECT APPROACH
CPW proposes a phased approach that builds from a stakeholder analysis and from a literature
review. The purpose of the initial phase is to identify and describe the range of impacts of
destination resorts and make a determination about which ones to address in a more
comprehensive study. Such a study could evaluate many potential categories of impacts:
• Costs of services: transportation systems, schools, public safety and emergency services,
parks and recreational facilities, water, wastewater, storm drainage, libraries, etc
• Water and wildlife impacts: both direct and indirect
• Economic impacts: jobs and payroll—both direct and indirect
• Revenue impacts: taxes and expenditures
• Social impacts: impacts to public services, school enrollment, community events, non-
profit organizations, etc
• Travel and tourism impacts: Impacts to the travel industry
• Secondary impacts: Impacts such as economic stimulus, business development,
exposure, etc
The results of Phase I would mark a decision point in the project; CPW proposes to present the
results of the stakeholder analysis and literature review to the Board of Commissioners in a
work session. The intent of the work session would be twofold: (1) present the results of the
literature review; and (2) identify priorities for additional research (if any). The remainder of
this memorandum provides a more detailed description of the conceptual work program.
PROPOSED WORK PROGRAM
The Community Planning Workshop working under the direction of Robert Parker (Managing
Director), and Amanda West (Project Coordinator) proposes to complete the following tasks in
the Phase I analysis.
Task 1 — Project Organization and Kick -Off
CPW will meet by phone with representatives of Deschutes County and other stakeholders to
clarify the goals and objectives of the project and refine the work plan. We will review the
sequence of activities and the project approach and refine the project schedule. This meeting
with also result in a list of stakeholders to interview, key literature already gathered by County
staff, and a discussion of any easily accessible data sources.
Product: Kick-off meeting
Schedule: Week 1
Meetings: One in Bend
I. Impacts of Destination Resorts in Deschutes County
May 2010 Page 1 2
Task 2 — Stakeholder Interviews
CSC will conduct stakeholder interviews with individuals identified by the County staff.
Individuals interviewed may include county staff, business owners, community leaders, interest
group representatives, and others. The purpose of the stakeholder interviews is to identify the
range of perceived impacts and the priorities for analysis of the impacts.
Product: Interview summary
Schedule: Week 2-6
Meetings: None
Task 3: Literature Review
The literature review would be a comprehensive assessment of academic and professional work
related to the impacts and implications of destination resorts. The product of this task would be
a memorandum that summarizes the literature, provides a bibliography of materials reviewed,
and describes the impacts of destination resorts based on the literature.
Product: Interview summary
Schedule: Week 2-6
Meetings: None
Task 4: Local Assessment / Focus Groups
The intent of the local assessment is to develop a refined understanding of what individuals
that are knowledgeable about destination resorts see as key impacts. The local assessment
would consist of four focus groups conducted during the same visit with representatives from
(1) the tourism industry; (2) environmental community; (3) resort industry; and (4) affected
agencies — e.g., cities, irrigation districts, Oregon Department of Transportation, Housing
Works, and Central Oregon Intergovernmental Council. The product of this task would be a
chapter in the summary report that summarizes the focus group discussions.
Product: Focus Group summary
Schedule: Week 4-8
Meetings: None
Task 5. Draft and Final Summary Report
CPW will summarize the results of the Phase I analysis in a draft report to the County Board of
Commissioners. The report will be submitted for review by staff. Staff will provide comments
within two weeks and CPW will address comments in a revised report within two weeks of
receiving comments.
Product: Draft and final Report
Schedule: Week 8-12
Meetings: One — to present findings to the Board of Commissioners
Impacts of Destination Resorts in Deschutes County
May 2010 Pa€e 1 3
PROJECT SCHEDULE AND BUDGET
CSC is available to initiate work on this project starting June 2010. We anticipate finishing the
project by September 30, 2010. Table 1 presents our proposed project schedule. The
Community Service Center proposes to complete the work described for a fixed fee or $8,000.
Table 1. Proposed Project Schedule
1. Project Kick -Off
2. Stakeholder Interviews
3. Literature Review
4. Local Assessment
5. Draft and Final Report
Week 1
Week 2-6
Week 2-6
Week 4-8
Week 8-12
Table 2. Proposed Project Budget
Labor
Amount
Task 1: Kick-off $600
Task 2: Stakeholder Interviews $1,500
Task 3: Literature Review $2,500
Task 4: Focus Groups $1,750
Task 5: Draft and Final Report $1,200
Subtotal $7,550
Direct Costs
Phone (project specific long distance calls only) $100
Printing (project specific printing of reports, drafts, etc) $50
Travel (site visits and meetings with client $300
Subtotal $450
Total $8,000
ABOUT THE COMMUNITY SERVICE CENTER
The Community Service Center (CSC), a research center affiliated with the Department of
Planning, Public Policy and Management at the University of Oregon, is an interdisciplinary
organization that assists Oregon communities by providing planning and technical assistance to
help solve local issues and improve the quality of life for Oregon residents. The role of the CS:
is to link the skills, expertise, and innovation of higher education with the transportation,
economic development, and environmental needs of communities and regions in the State of
Oregon, thereby providing service to Oregon and learning opportunities to the students
involved.
The CSC provides three service learning programs through which student participants gain
important service and professional experience by helping solve community and regional issi es.
Impacts of Destination Resorts in Deschutes County May 2010 Pa ;e 14
• Community Planning Workshop — Community Planning Workshop (CPW) is an
experiential program within the Department of Planning, Public Policy and Management
at the University of Oregon. Students work in teams under the direction of faculty and
Graduate Teaching Fellows to develop proposals, conduct research, analyze and
evaluate alternatives, and make recommendations for possible solutions to planning
problems in Oregon communities. The CPW model is unique in many respects, but is
transferable to any institution that desires to link pedagogy with community service.
• Resource Assistance to Rural Environments - The mission of the Resource Assistance for
Rural Environments (RARE) Program is to increase the capacity of rural communities to
improve their economic, social, and environmental conditions, through the assistance of
trained graduate -level participants who live and work in communities for 11 months.
Participants assist communities and agencies in the development and implementation
of plans for achieving a sustainable natural resource base and improving rural economic
conditions while gaining community building and leadership skills.
• Partnership for Disaster Resilience - The Oregon Partnership for Disaster Resilience
(Partnership) is a coalition of public, private, and professional organizations working
collectively toward the mission of creating a disaster resilient and sustainable state.
Developed and coordinated by the Community Service Center (CSC) at the University o.
Oregon the Partnership employs a service learning model to increase community
capacity and enhance disaster safety and resilience statewide.
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