Economic Development Director

I am the economic development director for Portland Oregon. As the director of development I take seriously what was written in Economic Development and the Construction of Opportunity, " Most cities have failed in the last decades as a  result of industrial dispersal and other forms of capital disinvestment"(93) I am a firm believer in attracting businesses and keeping them thriving in Portland again. This is why I am putting together an economic development plan that will be full of polices that have been proven to be highly effective in cities all over. Economic Development and the Construction of Opportunity also backs my idea by saying, "Effective economic development polices promise to generate employment, reduce poverty, raise incomes, boost tax revenues,and improve public services"(93). Portland has a culture all of it's own. Portland prides it's self on having one of the most sustainable and eco friendly cities in America. We as a city aim to keep this reputation. This is how I believe we should appeal to new businesses wanting to relocate in the Portland. We will offer generous tax deductions, and start up cost to businesses that are willing to build or reconstruct LEED certified buildings. Or if the company can operate on a sustainable level evaluated by us. I also wanted the businesses to know that we want them to thrive in our city. I can promise that Portland has what it takes to harvest a fruitful work force. A work force that is innovative, and creative. An educated work force that has endless amounts of drive and talent. Our nationally ranked Universities has some of the best students and programs around. Producing some of the brightest minds, that are willing to stay local after graduation and work for a solid company. With this factor in place, it gives us and the companies the peace of mind that a repeat of the Google incident in Arizona will not happen in Portland.

I also would like to support applying for HOPE VI grant. I am also a huge believer in equal opportunity housing for everyone. One of the effects of a thieving city is the price of living goes up as well. I believe we should apply for HOPE VI grants as soon as possible. With my economic plan in place, the cost of living will continue to go up as it succeeds. Having this housing is essential to our city. The demand is here now for it, and will only continue as we succeeds as a city. I strongly support the application for HOPE VI.