1. The City should support all new potential independent business owners.

• People deeply appreciate the creative, innovative environment for self-employment and independent businesses that exists in Portland.
• At the same time, many people feel that emerging entrepreneurs lack the support they need to get their businesses off the ground and succeed.
• In particular, respondents would like to see more support provided to minority business owners and potential minority entrepreneurs.
• Respondents also believe that all potential small business owners could benefit from the following types of support:
  • Reductions in business license fees and lower business taxes;
  • Financial incentives to integrate sustainable products and practices into their businesses; and
  • Access to technical assistance.

2. Economic growth will result in more local jobs.

• People want more work options from which to choose (for more information, go to Economy: Employment).
• Some people want to see more jobs that help enhance Portland’s livability, distinctive qualities and sense of community.
• Businesses should be encouraged to hire employees from minority and underrepresented communities. This would help ensure equal access to employment.
• At the same time, it is also important to expand access to high paying jobs for skilled workers.

“More job opportunities…but it would be great if there were a way to encourage the type of job opportunities that many of us come here for—not the traditional measures usually taken to encourage economic growth, which are sometimes contrary to Portland’s character.”

“[I would like to see] an effort to attract more business into not only the city core, but to the outlying areas as well. If we can attract more businesses into the city, there will be more jobs and resources to reduce the demands on existing resources and in turn provide less of a need to subsidize housing.”

“[In the future, I'd like to see a] Vibrant thriving economy built on a diverse population.”

3. An increase in local economic opportunities should result in a reduction of poverty.

• Portlanders want increased economic opportunity to benefit those who are currently disadvantaged in the system. They do not want this opportunity to simply improve the prospects of those who are already well-off.
• Newly created jobs should benefit those who currently struggle to find work, including homeless individuals, young people and individuals with criminal backgrounds.
• When providing assistance to local businesses, the City should make sure that this assistance is targeted to predominantly low-income and disadvantaged neighborhoods and not just the “up and coming” communities in urban renewal areas.
• The City should also look to spread its assistance equitably among different geographic locations.

4. Portland’s traded sector has room for growth.

• A small number of respondents express approval of Portland’s regional and even international leadership in products such as semiconductors (high technology industry), microbreweries and sporting goods.
• Many acknowledge that the Port of Portland is important for import/export activity and for creating a link to the global market.
• Some people want to draw more businesses here through infrastructure investments in our ports, highways, freight transit systems and airport.
• A large number of respondents want to develop less dependence on imported goods and services by expanding local industries that will help to grow Portland’s export base.
• Numerous respondents express strong sentiment supporting a sustainable economic trade model that reduces Portland’s dependence on imports, yet expands the city’s exports.
• Creative industries unique to the city, such as arts, should be exported.
• Portland should encourage a diverse cross-section of industries to settle here grow the local economy.
  • This could minimize the risk of economic instability.
  • These industries would have to provide livable wage jobs.
  • One intended effect of the diverse industries would be to increase jobs and reduce crime rates.

5. More tourism would help boost the economy.

• People want more tourist attractions, such as professional sports teams, amusement parks and cultural tours.
• More international flights will help promote global business and attract international tourists.

Sample Strategies:

1. Create a bullet train along the west coast linking the major cities together. This can be used by tourists, commuters and business people alike.

6. Portland has incredible opportunity to continue developing a “green,” sustainable economy.

• Residents value Portland’s growing focus on building a sustainable local economy that balances social and cultural equity with economic and environmental aspects.
• The direct connection between local farmers, consumers, markets, schools and restaurants must continue to flourish.
• Portlanders are ready to invest in and expand local, sustainable businesses.
• A portion of respondents are eager to explore community-based ownership of natural resources, such as energy, as a way to practice sustainability on an individual and neighborhood level.
• Portlanders equate environmentally-friendly business practices with “Portland values” and believe companies can make a profit while protecting the environment.

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