The 2025 legislative session brought significant victories for downtown Portland and the broader regional economy.
Historic Public-Private Partnership
In a historic first, Prosper Portland and the Portland Metro Chamber partnered to advocate for a six-month economic action plan aimed at addressing growing signs of economic weakness and accelerating Portland’s recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. Another milestone: the Chamber hosted the inaugural Portland Lobby Day, bringing together over 100 civic, government, nonprofit, and business leaders.
Key Legislative Investments
This public-private collaboration paid off, with the Oregon Legislature delivering several major investments backed by strong bipartisan support:
- $800 million in bonding capacity for a new waterfront Major League Baseball stadium
- $10 million in lottery bonds to launch construction of the long-planned James Beard Public Market, celebrating Portland’s world-class food economy
- $35 million in lottery bonds for upgrades to Port of Portland Terminal 6 and channel maintenance
- Over $100 million in bonds to build the new PSU Performing Arts + Culture Center (PACC), including a Broadway-capable theater owned and operated by the City of Portland
- $5 million to support redevelopment of the OMSI District
- $20 million for Columbia River levee safety and conservation improvements
- $3 million to stabilize Portland’s festivals and modernize infrastructure at Tom McCall Waterfront Park
- Over $1 billion in one-time funds to boost Portland’s economic vitality
Oregon Bottle Bill Reform
In addition, the Chamber worked with the City of Portland, the NW Association of Grocers, and the Oregon Beverage and Recycling Cooperative to pass historic reforms to Oregon’s Bottle Bill. These changes will reduce the negative livability impacts of bottle returns while preserving the bill’s core environmental values.
Looking Forward
The Chamber remains committed to working with public sector partners to champion Portland’s economic and cultural future. When the public and private sectors align on shared priorities, solutions come faster, investments are secured, and the entire community benefits. Thanks to this collaborative approach, Portlanders and visitors alike can look forward to new attractions, cultural experiences, and expanded opportunities for small businesses to thrive.