Menu
Policy Agenda

Central City

Building a better downtown Portland

Downtown Portland is the economic engine of our region—and the entire state of Oregon. Ensuring a vibrant, clean, safe, and livable downtown is one the Chamber’s highest priorities.

Urgent actions are needed in returning our urban core to its previous status as one of the nation’s safest and most attractive downtowns for living, working, and playing. Downtown will not recover unless employees feel safe going to work, and retailers are able to operate thriving, successful businesses. We urge elected leaders to invest in basic services, housing development, and livability initiatives in building a more resilient economy for Portlanders.

Central City Policy Priorities

1. Restore a clean, safe, and vibrant Central City for employees, residents and visitors.

  • Urgent action is needed to enforce rules and laws that maintain clean sidewalks and increase safety for employees and visitors.
  • Maintain consistent garbage collection service.
  • Support police-led initiatives including Entertainment District street closures.
  • Increase the number and availability of safe needle disposal stations in the Central City.
  • Support collaboration between Multnomah County and neighboring downtown businesses in planning the downtown Behavioral Health Resource Center.
  • Develop a plan for meeting the public-space goal in the City of Portland’s Central City Plan.

2. Invest in public safety services and accelerate culture change.

  • Make significant investments in public safety services appropriate for the size and needs of 21st century Portland.
  • Accelerate culture change for eliminating racial bias in our social justice system.
  • Increase funding for Portland Police Bureau staffing, including increased walking-beat assignments in Downtown Portland.
  • Restore past cuts and increase funding to community corrections, jails, and the Multnomah County District Attorney Office.
  • In restoring public safety, support investments in technology for the most efficient and effective deployment of Portland police officers and law enforcement resources.

3. Adopt policies that help retain businesses and allow them to thrive.

  • Fulfill and meet the city’s historic financial commitment to support and retain businesses and encourage commerce.
  • Advocate for the highest and best use of retail tenancy in key areas throughout Downtown Portland.
  • Support key partners in their commitment to the vibrancy of Downtown Portland, while encouraging visitors and supporting employees and residents.
  • Encourage local governments to support all modes of transportation while taking steps to reduce congestion during commute times. Allow for the efficient movement of goods.

4. Advocate to shelter houseless Portlanders and fund wrap-around services.

  • Continue to adopt policies and allocate funds necessary to rapidly shelter the houseless and end unsanctioned camping.
  • Invest in mental health funding, housing placement, outreach, and addiction services.

5. Support changing Portland’s form of government.

  • Transition Portland’s antiquated form of government to a modern structure that meets the needs of a growing, more diverse population.

Download Priorities (PDF)

Central City Updates

March 2024

Member Spotlight: El Gaucho Portland

Meet our member, El Gaucho Portland! Their team of expert chefs and dedicated staff are here to provide you with tableside service that goes beyond just a meal.
March 2024

Become a Sponsor of Coraline’s Curious Cat Trail in Portland

This summer, businesses and individuals can sponsor unique cat sculptures, created and decorated by local artists. These sculptures, each with their distinct flair, will line Portland's streets, showcasing the region's artistic talent.
March 2024

Chamber advocates for expanding Business Incentive Tax Credit program

On February 28, Jon Isaacs, the Executive Vice President of Public Affairs for the Portland Metro Chamber, testified to advocate for significant amendments to the Downtown Business Incentive Tax Credit (DBITC) Code.
March 2024

Chamber cautions federal rule that impacts small business access to capital

The Portland Metro Chamber signed on to a letter with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and other chambers across the county to raise concerns for the proposed rule known at the "Basel III Endgame."
February 2024

Member Spotlight: Alberta Eye Care

Meet our member Alberta Eye Care, a small and family-owned business in Portland.
February 2024

A Love Note to Portland: Woonwinkel

Woonwinkel celebrates the creative spirit of downtown Portland and the small businesses that make it thrive.
February 2024

2024 State of the Economy and Central City reports

Portland Metro Chamber's 2024 State of the Economy report, outlining the health and trajectory of the Portland Oregon's regional economy.
February 2024

2024 State of the Economy

This report offers some modest improvements over last year’s checkup, but on critical measures like population growth and housing production, the region still has a long way to go.
February 2024

2024 State of Downtown & the Central City

In this year's report, we document the first steps of the Central City recovery locally and in comparison with peer cities.
View More

Central City Standing Committee

Open to all Chamber members, this committee considers public policy proposals related to downtown vibrancy, economic development and livability.

Join Today