But Renteria's position is unique among the city's mayoral candidates. Most of the other eight candidates, as well as Mayor Rocky Anderson, who is not seeking re-election, have praised the church for investing in downtown, even as they sometimes questioned specific elements of the plan.

Candidate and current councilwoman Nancy Saxton said she believes the city should closely scrutinize the church's design plans and ensure the development enlivens the rest of downtown, rather than asking whether the church's role is appropriate. But she said the city also should take care that the church doesn't receive preferential treatment in the approval process.

Keith Christensen, a former city councilman whose candidacy Anderson has endorsed, said the church's development work will increase the city's tax base and spur other developers to bring growth to surrounding parts of downtown. And because of the church's size and resources, the city can trust that the project will be carried out to completion, he said.

"They've always been very responsible with not only the development, but also the maintenance of their properties. So I give them high marks," he said.

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