Latest news with #PortlandMetroChamber
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Chamber President calls for collaboration to address Portland's economic challenges
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – Hundreds gathered at the Portland Metro Chamber's annual meeting where the governor's Central City Task Force unveiled its plan to get Downtown Portland back on track. Some main goals in this plan — dubbed All In on Portland's Central City — are to bring Central City foot traffic back to pre-pandemic levels, capitalize on big projects in downtown, and turn the city's center into a place where people can live and work. Body of unknown woman found in wooded area of Milwaukie Mayor Keith Wilson and members of the Chamber spoke at the event. Chamber President Andrew Hoan acknowledged the city is coming out of a tough few years, but said Portlanders should feel confident about the future now. 'While we're working on the hard stuff like public safety and unsheltered homelessness and behavioral health issues, those things need to happen,' he said. 'And we have to have a vision for what we can be. And it is clear to me that we have the vision, and now we need collaboration and the coordination to get it all done.' Hoan said in addition to collaboration, it will take time. But he said people in power need to realize Portland's economy is challenged right now. 'Either get on the public private partnership bandwagon or find a different place to spend their time,' he said. 'Because the reality is, when you're in a hard spot, you don't measure the drapes, you don't look at what color the wallpaper is. You focus on the core issues.' Kyron's dad after 15 years: 'You're not home, we're not done' Hoan commended Mayor Wilson and Governor Kotek for working together to turn the city around, encouraging other leaders to do the same. He said Portland residents can play a role also, they just need to show up. 'Let your voice be heard,' he said. 'Because if you're not involved, you're not voting. If you're not testifying, you're not writing letters to the editor, to your state representatives, and you're not part of the solution. Be part of the solution. Get off the sidelines. Get involved.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
30-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Oregon's ‘trade surplus' persists as tariffs begin to impact small businesses
PORTLAND, Ore. () — While researchers have highlighted the 'urban doom loop' hitting the City of Portland's economy, a new report highlights a more positive look at Oregon's trade industry. The Portland Metro Chamber's latest data show there were around $42 billion worth of goods and services exported from the state in 2022. This makes Oregon one of 11 states with a 'trade surplus' — meaning that it exports more than it imports to other locations. Alaska Airlines will 'invest more' in stops at Portland International Airport According to the report, approximately 88% of those exporters owned small or medium-sized businesses. The report also shows that 270,735 jobs — about one in eight — are connected to international trade. And exported goods and services made up about 10.3% of the state's Gross Domestic Product last year. Researchers noted that semiconductors have continued to be Oregon's top export, while Mexico has become the state's leading destination for exports. The value of exports into the country rose from $464 million in 2018 to $6.26 billion in 2024. But officials say recent and looming federal tariffs 'are raising red flags.' President Donald Trump's administration has already implemented a 145% tariff on imports from China. Tariffs on most global imports stand at 10%. 'We continue hearing from countless Oregonians whose businesses and livelihoods depend on access to global markets — from distillers in Hood River who import bottles from Asia to fill with their products, to small companies in Portland and farmers statewide who face retaliatory tariffs on the Oregon-grown goods they export,' Port of Portland Executive Director Curtis Robinhold said in a statement. 'Their stories underscore just how much international trade affects everyday Oregonians, their livelihoods and our state's economy, and why we must do everything possible to support it.' Trump executive order 'another attempt to bully Portland' Portland Metro Chamber's revealed that many local businesses, specifically in the metro area, have already been struggling. The 2025 State of the Economy noted that Portland's post-pandemic recovery has been slower than most major cities, leading to an 'urban doom loop' that causes small companies to shut down and tax revenues to decline. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
07-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Multnomah County Board members unveil plan to put county in ‘driver's seat' of economy
PORTLAND, Ore. () – Multnomah County Chair Jessica Vega Pederson and Commissioner Julia Brim-Edwards are introducing a proposal to 'kick-start' the county's economy. The Multnomah County Board members unveiled their plan on Friday, which requests $100,000 to create an Economic Development Landscape Analysis and Report to help the county develop an economic strategy. The proposal for an economic report comes as the board members say Multnomah County has played a 'limited' role in boosting the economy for decades. City of Portland managers to make full-time return to workplace 'The health of our economy deeply impacts our families and everyone's ability to live, rise, and thrive. This report will give us the knowledge to do sound policy and planning,' said Vega Pederson. 'It will support our ability to help grow our economy, empower local businesses, and drive our community's economic future.' According to Vega Pederson and Brim-Edwards, it is 'imperative' for the county to have an active role in promoting economic growth as cities and other community partners in Portland's Downtown Core and Central City have created their own initiatives to spur economic activity. In a draft budget request for the proposal, Vega Pederson's office notes that the proposal should leverage efforts underway and work with organizations, including, the Port of Portland — which 'significantly contributes' to local economic development with freight and passenger service and offers a mentorship program — along with Micro Enterprise Services of Oregon, Travel Portland, along with local colleges and universities. Troutdale's Sugarpine Drive-In brings new dish to Portland sandwich shop The report will help the county develop county-specific strategies to support existing businesses, industries and employers, while recruiting new businesses, the board members said, noting the county's ability to provide services from addressing the homelessness crisis to preschool access, is 'inextricably linked' to the vitality of the area's economy. 'Let's not kid ourselves: We need to change the trajectory of our economy and reverse recent trends,' Commissioner Brim-Edwards said. 'The County needs to be in the driver's seat of our own economic future, and we can start by creating a countywide economic development and empowerment strategy to improve family incomes and the economic future for Multnomah County residents.' The proposal will be introduced to the Multnomah County Board of Commissioners on April 17. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Vega Pederson and Brim-Edwards' plan comes after a Portland Metro Chamber report released in February painted a grim picture of the city's economy — showing Portland has had a slower post-pandemic recovery than most major cities. The Portland Metro Chamber report referred to Portland's economy as an 'urban doom loop,' a vicious cycle in which businesses close, people leave and tax revenues decline. 'It is on all of us to make sure that we continue to address the key issues like live-ability, homelessness, substance abuse,' Portland Metro Chamber President and CEO previously said. 'But now we have to get real about the economy and start competing for business and investment, or we have some serious consequences that we will have to grapple with in the future.' The report ends with a call to action for city leaders, to fix our economy or face the consequences. 'Our region's leaders must turn their attention to make our economy competitive or face the daunting realities that other regions have faced before – an urban doom loop.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
25-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Rose Festival's Grand Floral Parade Rose Festival's Grand Floral Parade
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — After several years of an alternative route after the pandemic, Rose Festival organizers and city officials announced the Rose Festival Grand Floral Parade is returning to downtown Portland for the 2025 celebration. 'This beloved tradition has been a cornerstone of our city's history and culture, bringing together generations of Portlanders and showcasing the vibrant, best parts of our city and our community,' Portland Mayor Keith Wilson said during the Tuesday morning announcement. Project Pabst unveils lineup for second year since its return to Portland 'This is really a monumental moment for the festival and for Portland and for the hundreds of thousands of spectators who make this parade exactly what it is, and after careful planning, thoughtful discussions and strong support from our city and community partners, we knew this was the right move at the right time,' Jeremy Emerson, Rose Festival president, said during the press conference. Tuesday's announcement comes on the released by the Portland Metro Chamber painting a grim picture of an 'urban doom loop' as data showed a decline in population for both Multnomah and Washington counties as the metro area lost jobs in high-paying sectors as the cost of living continues to increase. 'This move is not just about changing the location, it's about bringing us together in our urban core and reminding us of why we all love Portland and why the renaissance is within our reach together when we celebrate together,' Wilson said. 'The Grand Floral Parade has always been more than just a parade, it's a celebration of our city's spirit, diversity, resilience — it's about bringing our families closer together in an iconic event.' Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Stay with KOIN 6 News as we learn more. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
21-02-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Wyden introduces bill raising age limits to buy assault weapons
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR) introduced a bill on Wednesday that aims to decrease gun violence by raising the age limit to purchase assault weapons, handguns, and high-capacity magazines. The Age 21 Act increases the minimum age to buy assault weapons from 18 to 21, which is already the age limit for handgun purchases from federally licensed dealers. This bill would expand that requirement to assault weapons, and large-capacity ammunition devices. The legislation would also bar most people under 21 from possessing assault weapons with exceptions in certain circumstances, such as service in law enforcement or the armed forces. 'Urban doom loop': Portland Metro Chamber economy report paints grim picture 'If you're not old enough to purchase alcohol, you shouldn't be allowed to buy an assault weapon either,' Wyden said. 'We need to be doing everything we can to stop America's gun violence epidemic, including raising the legal age of purchase to 21. I am proud to support this bill that will help keep weapons of mass destruction out of the hands of teenagers.' In a press release announcing his support for the bill, Wyden's office explained that assault weapons – which were originally made for military combat – are often used in mass shootings 'because of their ability to inflict catastrophic harm in mere seconds,' noting people under 21 years of age have used these guns in some of the most devastating school shootings in U.S. history, including shootings at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, and Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut. The bill is led by Senator Alex Padilla (D-CA), with several co-sponsors including, Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Sen. Tim Kaine (D-VA) and Sen. Bernie Sanders (D-VT.) Former Oregon judge who refused to marry same-sex couples appointed to Trump administration Multiple organizations have also endorsed the bill, including Brady: United Against Gun Violence, March for Our Lives, Giffords, Newtown Action Alliance, and Everytown for Gun Safety. The bill comes as the Centers for Disease and Prevention reported more than 48,000 gun-related deaths in the United States in 2022, which is similar to about 132 people dying every day from firearm-related injuries. According to the CDC, more than half of those gun-related deaths were in cases involving suicide and four out of every 10 deaths were identified as firearm homicide. If you or someone you know is in crisis, the offers lists of resources, along with resources from the . Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
