Advance to content

John Branam: Strong Values, Bold Leadership

[photo: American flag on wall]

Economic Development

A strong local economy is vital to a healthy, livable Portland. We should all have access to good jobs with reliable benefits. Although the City of Portland has taken important steps towards providing more support for workers and businesses, we still have more we can do. Towards this end, it’s important for the City of Portland to support entrepreneurs and small/medium-sized business owners who want to start or grow their companies. Not only is this critical for job growth, this investment will help stabilize and support our neighborhoods. After all, good jobs and a healthy local economy ensure our schools and social services are well funded, and that our neighborhoods thrive.

As a City Commissioner I will advocate for the strategic use of Urban Renewal dollars to support the sustainable growth of small and medium-sized businesses. I will also support providing training and assistance dollars for existing businesses that fall within zones targeted for improvements. Further, I will work to increase our investment in the Association of Portland’s Neighborhood Business Associations as it works to support each of the city’s 35 business districts.

Portland also must prioritize additional investments in workforce development and provide a more strategic direction for the region’s workforce development. Establishing stronger public-private partnerships is one strategy for accomplishing this goal. For example, Worksystems, Inc. is an important local nonprofit that provides job training and connects job seekers with employers. The Bureau of Housing and Community Development, via its Economic Opportunities program, also works to support those who most struggle as they seek to develop job skills and secure jobs. City Hall must increase its support for these programs as they play a pivotal role in growing our economy. As a City Commissioner, I will foster stronger public-private partnerships with key non-profits, and with local schools and community colleges. Such partnerships will ensure Portland’s workforce continues to grow, and that Portlanders from all backgrounds are better able to secure higher paying , more rewarding jobs.

Below are a few additional thoughts regarding how we should further improve and develop Portland’s economy:

The benefits for supporting job development and small-businesses are benefits that will be shared by all of us. As a City Commissioner, I will work hard to bring about smart-growth in our economy, and will then market these successes so that we can continue to attract sustainable businesses to Portland.

Read more of John's thoughts on these and other issues.

Website by Mark Wyner Design.