2014 National Convening Skills Presenations Portland Plan | Page 21

Introduction

But we must address key challenges that impede
a more vibrant future.
The working poor made up 23 percent of Multnomah County
households in 2005–07. These households did not earn enough
income to cover their basic needs. Average wages in Multnomah
County have not kept pace with the rising cost of housing and living.
In the past decade, Portland experienced relatively flat job growth
(0.1 percent average annual growth rate) and many of Portland’s 23
neighborhood market areas lost jobs. Redeveloping brownfields to
support manufacturing jobs is difficult and suburban job growth
rates outpaced the city’s job growth rate.
Not all of our children are getting the education they need. Only 60
percent of Portland’s high school students graduate in four years and
20 percent drop out altogether.
Our bridges, schools, roads and parks need repair and attention.
Portland has many streets without sidewalks and many of our
bridges, roads and schools are not built to withstand a major
earthquake. We need to spend over $300 million more per year to
effectively maintain and manage our existing infrastructure.
Chronic disease rates have increased, and more than half of
Multnomah County residents are overweight or obese.
Portland and Multnomah County’s total carbon emissions were six
percent below 1990 levels in 2010. We are doing markedly better
than the rest of the nation; however, by 2030, total emissions need to
be 40 percent below 1990 levels to reach critical city goals.
In some inner neighborhoods, many renters and small businesses
have been involuntarily displaced. Other Portland neighborhoods are
also at risk, with a high percentage of renters who are people of color
and/or low income. Displacement related to gentrification separates
and marginalizes communities.
Runoff from yards, streets and buildings is a significant source of
pollution and contaminants in local waterways, compromising the
habitat and water quality of Portland’s streams, rivers and other
natural areas. More than 80 special status species that are rare, in
decline, or of concern either reside or pass through our city.

www.pdxplan.com | April 2012

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