2014 National Convening Skills Presenations Portland Plan

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 45

2014 National Convening Skills Presenations Portland Plan | Page 51