Portland Development Commission

Portland Development Commission was a public agency responsible for urban renewal and economic development in Portland, Oregon, working closely with organizations like the Portland Business Alliance and the City of Portland, Oregon's Bureau of Planning and Sustainability. The commission played a significant role in shaping the city's development, often collaborating with Metro and the Portland City Council. Established in 1958, the commission was instrumental in revitalizing neighborhoods like the Pearl District and Old Town Chinatown, with support from Portland State University and the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry.

● History

The Portland Development Commission was created in 1958, with the goal of revitalizing Portland, Oregon's central business district and addressing issues of urban decay and blight, similar to efforts in Seattle, Washington and Vancouver, British Columbia. Over the years, the commission worked on numerous projects, including the redevelopment of the South Waterfront and the creation of the Portland Streetcar system, in partnership with TriMet and the Federal Transit Administration. The commission also played a key role in the development of the Lloyd District and the Rose Quarter, with input from Oregon Health & Science University and the Portland Trail Blazers. Throughout its history, the commission worked closely with various stakeholders, including the City of Portland, Oregon's Bureau of Environmental Services and the Oregon Department of Transportation.

● Organization

The Portland Development Commission was governed by a board of commissioners, appointed by the Mayor of Portland, Oregon and confirmed by the Portland City Council, with advice from the Portland Planning Commission and the Oregon State Legislature. The commission was staffed by a team of professionals, including urban planners, economists, and community development specialists, who worked with organizations like the Urban Land Institute and the National Association of Counties. The commission was organized into several departments, including urban renewal, business development, and community development, with support from Portland Community College and the Oregon Community Foundation. The commission also had a number of advisory committees, including the Citizen Advisory Committee and the Development Review Advisory Committee, which included representatives from Habitat for Humanity and the American Institute of Architects.

● Projects and Initiatives

The Portland Development Commission was involved in a wide range of projects and initiatives, including the redevelopment of Portland's waterfront and the creation of the Eastbank Esplanade, in partnership with the United States Army Corps of Engineers and the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department. The commission also worked on the development of the South Waterfront and the Lloyd District, with input from Oregon State University and the University of Oregon. Additionally, the commission supported the growth of Portland's tech industry, with organizations like the Technology Association of Oregon and the Software Association of Oregon, and worked to promote sustainable development and green building practices, in collaboration with the United States Green Building Council and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory. The commission also provided funding and technical assistance to small businesses and non-profit organizations, including the Portland Business Journal and the Oregon Nonprofit Association.

● Economic Impact

The Portland Development Commission had a significant impact on the economy of Portland, Oregon, with projects and initiatives generating billions of dollars in investment and creating thousands of jobs, according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and the United States Census Bureau. The commission's work in urban renewal and economic development helped to revitalize neighborhoods and attract new businesses and investments, with support from the Portland Development Commission's partners, including the City of Portland, Oregon's Bureau of Development Services and the Oregon Employment Department. The commission's efforts also helped to increase property values and tax revenues for the City of Portland, Oregon and Multnomah County, Oregon, with analysis from the Urban Institute and the Lincoln Institute of Land Policy. However, some critics argued that the commission's focus on urban renewal and economic development came at the expense of affordable housing and community development, with concerns raised by organizations like the National Low Income Housing Coalition and the American Planning Association.

● Controversies and Criticisms

The Portland Development Commission was not without controversy, with some critics arguing that the commission's projects and initiatives benefited large developers and corporations at the expense of small businesses and low-income communities, with concerns raised by the Portland Mercury and the Willamette Week. Others argued that the commission's focus on urban renewal and economic development led to the displacement of long-time residents and small businesses, with analysis from the Brookings Institution and the Urban Displacement Project. The commission was also criticized for its handling of public funds and its lack of transparency and accountability, with concerns raised by the Oregon Secretary of State and the City of Portland, Oregon's Auditor's Office. Despite these criticisms, the commission remained a key player in Portland, Oregon's development, working with organizations like the Portland Business Alliance and the City of Portland, Oregon's Bureau of Planning and Sustainability.

● Legacy and Dissolution

In 2019, the Portland Development Commission was dissolved and its functions were transferred to the City of Portland, Oregon's Bureau of Development Services and the Prosper Portland agency, with support from the Portland City Council and the Mayor of Portland, Oregon. The commission's legacy is complex, with some arguing that its work helped to revitalize Portland, Oregon's economy and neighborhoods, while others argue that its focus on urban renewal and economic development came at the expense of affordable housing and community development, with analysis from the Urban Land Institute and the National Association of Counties. Despite its dissolution, the Portland Development Commission's impact on Portland, Oregon's development will be felt for years to come, with ongoing projects and initiatives supported by organizations like the Portland Business Journal and the Oregon Business Council. The commission's work also serves as a model for other cities, including Seattle, Washington and Vancouver, British Columbia, which are grappling with similar issues of urban renewal and economic development, with input from the United States Conference of Mayors and the National League of Cities.

Category:Government agencies disestablished in 2019