2014 National Convening Skills Presenations Portland Plan | Page 53

Economic Prosperity and Affordability

2035 Objectives

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Grow exports: The metropolitan area rises into the top ten nationally in export income, and jobs in the
city’s target clusters grow at rates that exceed the national average.
Public and private urban innovation: Portland grows as a national leader in sustainable business and
new technologies that foster innovation and adaptation to change, spur invention, and attract and develop
talent. Portland produces the “next generation” high-performance urban places and systems that foster
creativity and invention.
Trade and freight hub: Portland retains its competitive market access as a West Coast trade gateway, as
reflected by growth in the value of international trade.
Grow number of jobs: Portland has 27 percent of the region’s new jobs, more of which provide a living
wage, and continues to serve as the largest job center in Oregon. Portland is home to more than 515,000
jobs, providing a robust job base for Portlanders.

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Neighborhood business vitality: At least 80 percent of Portland’s neighborhood market areas are
economically healthy. They promote the economic self-sufficiency of resident households through the
strength and performance of local retail markets, job and business growth, and access to transit and nearby
services that lower household costs.

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Affordable community: No more than 30 percent of city households (owners and renters) are cost
burdened, which is defined as spending 50 percent or more of their household income on housing and
transportation costs.
Access to affordable housing: Preserve and add to the supply of affordable housing so that no less than
15 percent of the total housing stock is affordable to low-income households, including seniors on fixed
incomes and persons with disabilities.
Job training: Align training and education to meet workforce and industry skill needs at all levels. At least
95 percent of job seekers who need it receive training for job readiness, skill enhancement and/or job search
placement services.
Household economic security: Expand upward mobility pathways so that at least 90 percent of
households are economically self-sufficient.
Energy and infrastructure resilience: Portland has strategically upgraded energy, infrastructure, and
emergency-response and recovery systems to reduce long-term vulnerabilities and liability costs to Portland
households and businesses.

www.pdxplan.com | April 2012

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