2014 National Convening Skills Presenations Portland Plan | Page 20

THE PORTLAND PLAN

Portland is known for its commitment to positive change
and resilient communities.
Portland is Oregon’s largest employment center and the state’s hub
for business services.
Portland’s products and services are in demand, bringing dollars
to the city and region. Portland is second among U.S. metropolitan
areas in five-year export growth. In 2008, exports generated $22
billion for the regional economy.
Portland boasts one of the largest concentrations of green building
professionals in the country, with many also working in wind energy and
solar photovoltaic manufacturing.
More than 40 percent of Portland adults have a college degree, and
Multnomah County’s library circulation rate is among the highest in
the nation.
Portland has the ninth largest Native American population in the
U. S., including descendants of more than 380 tribes. This diverse
population includes enrolled members of local tribes with reserved
treaty rights to fish and gather in the Columbia and Willamette Rivers.
Portland also has one of the nation’s highest percentage of bike
commuters (6 percent) and more than 300 miles of developed
bikeways.
People continue to seek out Portland as a place to call home. In
recent years, more than 50 percent of new housing units in the
Metro region were built in the city.
Portland has numerous historic districts and thousands of historic
buildings that enhance our built environment and contribute to
community character.
More than 20 farmers markets and 35 community gardens emerged
to provide access to fresh, locally-sourced food.
People aren’t the only ones who enjoy Portland. Over 200 native bird
species, 13 native species of reptiles, fish and many other wildlife
species either live in or migrate through Portland’s watersheds.
The city continues to expand its green stormwater management
infrastructure as an efficient, cost-effective way to control stormwater
at its source. Portland’s combined sewer overflow control program,
completed in 2011, significantly reduced sewage overflows to the
Willamette and virtually eliminated overflows to the Columbia Slough.

14

April 2012 | www.pdxplan.com