| Task Force Members Address the Oregon Legislature: |
| In early November, Portland Central City Task Force members updated the Oregon Legislature on ways the business community and public sector can work together to improve and revitalize Portland’s Central City. President of the Oregon Business Council Duncan Wyse; chair of the Livable Neighborhoods Committee Vanessa Sturgeon; and chair of the Value Proposition Committee Nolan Lienhart conveyed the urgent need for intervention to improve Portland’s central city during testimony before the Oregon House Economic Development and Small Business Committee. “We know the Central City must be safe, livable and vibrant for residents, employees and visitors alike. It is an economic engine for the entire state, which is why this task force is convening a diverse group of federal, state, and local government leaders, in partnership with the business and non-profit community,” said Duncan Wyse. The Livable Neighborhoods Committee is working on measurable clean-up and trash pick-up goals, including budgetary and staffing plans for work in this area. Following a recommendation from the Liveable Neighborhoods Committee, Governor Kotek announced that her office is partnering with Union Pacific (UP) to invest in trash and graffiti abatement along UP right-of-ways. The Governor’s Office and UP are also working to identify specific areas for additional clean-up. “Even in just a few months, the change in downtown Portland is impossible to miss,” said Vanessa Sturgeon. Specifically, Sturgeon shared with the legislative committee that early recommendations include: • Additional resources for ODOT dedicated to graffiti and litter removal • Leveraging existing volunteer organizations, and removing barriers to their participation • Creating an “adopt a highway” program for corporate and philanthropic entities The Value Proposition Committee centers on advancing a compelling vision for a vibrant future for the state’s largest city. It is identifying key steps needed to achieve this vision, with a focus on employment, housing, shops and restaurants, arts and culture, education, and tourism. To engage the community in this discussion, the Value Proposition Committee held over 25 in-person listening sessions throughout October and November, with over 250 people representing business, arts and culture, and nonprofit organizations. “One clear theme that has emerged from these listening sessions is a desire for more human connections, as well as collaboration amongst government, private sector, non-profit, and education communities to reach our goals,” said Nolan Lienhart. |
| Other Task Force Updates Several organizations represented on the task force have announced additional efforts to help revitalize the central city, including: • The Oregon State Police and Portland Police Bureau Central Precinct Bike Squad are partnering to patrol the streets of Downtown Portland, with a focus on reducing criminal activity through high-visibility uniformed police presence and enforcement activities. • Downtown Clean and Safe’s clean-up efforts to target Director Park in the heart of downtown Portland with increased security patrols and extra attention. • The Portland Bureau of Transportation is implementing increased security measures at parking garages. • The Multnomah County DA is adding an additional deputy district attorney assigned to Trimet to better address safety issues on the City’s transit system. • A Portland based men’s apparel company whose CEO sits on one of the committees just re-signed their downtown lease. |