Today, Multnomah County Commissioner Julia Brim-Edwards, in partnership with Chair Jessica Vega Pederson, introduced a proposal to kick-start efforts to reverse recent economic trends and accelerate economic growth in Multnomah County.
The proposal, which will be brought to the full Board of Commissioners on April 17, would fund the creation of an Economic Development Landscape Analysis and Report that will inform the development and implementation of a countywide economic development strategy.
For decades, the County has played a limited role in propelling economic development in the area. Historically, cities and other partners in the Downtown core and Central City have driven economic development initiatives.
However, Commissioner Brim-Edwards and Chair Vega Pederson see it as imperative for the County to become an active partner and leader in strategies to not only revitalize the Central City but also promote sustained economic growth and activity across the County. That growth directly contributes to the County’s economic outlook and ability to provide core services.
Growing a strong economy and supporting a diverse workforce remains a priority for Commissioner Brim-Edwards, whose District 3 includes much of East and Southeast Portland.
“Let’s not kid ourselves: We need to change the trajectory of our economy and reverse recent trends,” she said. “The County needs to be in the driver’s seat of our own economic future, and we can start by creating a countywide economic development and empowerment strategy to improve family incomes and the economic future for Multnomah County residents.”
“The health of our economy deeply impacts our families and everyone’s ability to live, rise, and thrive. This report will give us the knowledge to do sound policy and planning,” said Chair Vega Pederson. “It will support our ability to help grow our economy, empower local businesses, and drive our community’s economic future.”
The County has a unique responsibility and plays a vital role as the provider of social services, health services and supportive safety net services. These include key economic development and empowerment strategies, as well as addressing our homelessness crisis, economic opportunity and living-wage jobs, workforce development, expanding access to high-quality preschool, and investing in community-based strategies to mitigate the impacts of the climate crisis.
However, the County’s ability to fund and provide these critical services is inextricably linked to the vitality of the local economy and wellbeing of our workforce.
The Multnomah County analysis and report will inform the development and implementation of County-specific strategies to effectively retain and support existing businesses, industries and employers; recruit new businesses and employers; support a diverse, competitive workforce; and spur community and multigenerational wealth throughout the County, including in North Portland, East Portland, and East Multnomah County, as well as in east County cities.
The County must play an active role in improving economic conditions for Multnomah County residents by reversing recent economic trends and accelerating economic development and creating more opportunities for residents and businesses. Propelling economic activity in Multnomah County is key to our region’s economic health and the overall prosperity of the Oregon economy.
Join the discussion by attending the Board’s discussion Thursday morning, April 17. Read more about Multnomah County’s Economic Development Landscape Analysis and Report.
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