2014 National Convening Skills Presenations Portland Plan | Page 51
Economic
Prosperity and
Affordability
Goal: Expand economic opportunities to support a socially and
economically diverse population by prioritizing business growth,
a robust and resilient regional economy, and broadly accessible
household prosperity.
This will be achieved by focusing on actions and policies that:
Foster regional traded sector business and job
growth. Traded sector businesses have a central role
in driving and expanding the region’s and Portland’s
economy across the board. Staying competitive in the
changing global marketplace is essential to business
survival and growth.
Support public and private urban innovation.
Portland has expertise and businesses that have
capitalized on research, technology and sustainability
practices developed and used in Portland. In particular,
green technology businesses are growing and this
sector can thrive as an export industry.
Support Portland’s advantages as a trade and
freight hub. Portland’s industrial freight districts, like
the port and airport, continue to be a core part of
the city’s living-wage job base. Strategic investments
are warranted to maintain and grow our competitive
position.
Elevate the growth and vitality of the city’s
employment districts. The Central City, industrial
districts, harbor, hospitals and universities, and other
commercial centers are the places where business
and job growth happen. Policies, programs and
investments will continue to be needed to maintain
and grow Portland’s share of regional job growth and
ensure these districts prosper.
Support the vitality of Portland’s neighborhood
based businesses. Neighborhood-serving business
districts are predominantly comprised of small
businesses and can be a source of job growth, minority
entrepreneurship and neighborhood health. While
many neighborhoods are thriving, prosperity is uneven
across the city.
Meet Portland’s needs for quality, affordable
homes for current and future residents. Housing
development will play a significant role in the future of
the city. It is key to meeting the economic and social
needs of households, shaping neighborhoods and
meeting Portland Plan equity objectives.
Ensure access to education and job skills needed
by Portlanders and industry. The economy has
become more skill-dependent. Portland’s systems for
education and workforce training and development
must be high-quality and effective to help meet
household economic needs, reduce disparities and
maintain a competitive local economy.
Provide for the economic security of lowincome households. Portland cannot succeed as
a prosperous, sustainable and resilient city without
pathways for upward mobility for the working poor
and unemployed, and a safety net for basic needs.
These actions are mutually reinforcing — each has a role in expanding both economic opportunity and economic equity.
At its core, this inclusive economic growth strategy aims toward a city where every Portlander who wants a stable,
well-paying job has one and can afford to meet their basic needs.
www.pdxplan.com | April 2012
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