With the nation in its 24th month of a gripping national recession and an unemployment rate of 10.7% in Portland, it’s clear that the most pressing issue has been getting Portlanders back to work now, while positioning Portland for success in the future. In 2009, Mayor Sam Adams made job retention and growth the top priority.
Working with City Council and our partners, we have taken every opportunity to use resources and policy tools in impactful, innovative ways to help jump-start our economy. From fast-tracking $285 million of local capital improvement projects to using Federal American Recovery & Reinvestment Act resources to grow new industries, to adopting and implementing the first economic development strategy in 15 years, we’re proud of the work we’ve accomplished together.
Economic Development in 2009:
City Council Approves Mayor’s Basic-Needs Budget
Budget protects core services and invests in our communities hardest hit
Fast-tracking the “Local Stimulus”
Capital improvements deliver $285M in projects, $67M in taxpayer savings
Three-part strategy for local, small, minority and woman-owned businesses
Getting help to where it's needed
Ramping up Small Biz Support
City Budget Increases Funding for Small and Local Business Assistance
Give Help. Get Help. Choose Local
City launches "Portland is Better Together" campaign
Hello, Innovation and Transparency!
City Council Adopts Open Source and Open Data Policy
Keeping Businesses Here
City launches pilot retention and recruitment effort
Portland Competes for Federal Recovery Aid
$35M secured, so far, for new jobs, better roads and greener innovations
The Green Collar Moment
Portland Adopts Nationally Innovative Community Workforce Agreement to bring Equity to Quality Green Jobs
Ready - Set - Go!
Region Invested in Green Job Training
10,000 new jobs in five years – Council adopts Mayor’s Economic Development Strategy
City Council Adopts First Economic Development Strategy in 15 years
100 Businesses was Just the Beginning
Mayor Adams reaches out to businesses throughout the year
Focusing On Our Strengths
Economic strategy highlights target industry clusters for growth
All the World’s a Market
Mayor pushes for international trade and export assistance
All the World’s a Market (part two)
Mayor takes the show on the road to sell Portland across the U.S. and overseas
A Green Building Laboratory Like No Other
Oregon Sustainability Center goes for Living Building status
Spotlighting neighborhood businesses and Portland’s downtown
Mayor's PDC realignment puts resources into main streets and retail corridors
Renewing the Focus on Housing and Neighborhoods
Mayor Adams and Comm. Fish create new Portland Housing Bureau and Reorganize PDC to focus on neighborhood vitality
Plan Your Prosperity
Worksystems launches new, online, interactive tool
GOOAAAALLL!
Portland Scores Major League Soccer Franchise
Pass the Scissors
City consolidates permitting to keep up with the speed of business
