REDMOND, OR  -- The proposed Urban Renewal District in Redmond is designed to help the city with safety and economic development issues. Program Manager Chuck Arnold says time is of the essence, and different parts of the project are already in progress. One of the plans includes work on South Highway 97. He says an average of 43 crashes a year happen between Yew Avenue and Veterans Way. Arnold says they expect the number will double and grow if nothing is done. He says the plan includes goals to expand, improve and diversify the economy in the Redmond Urban Growth boundary area while maintaining the city’s quality of life.