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Policy Agenda

East Multnomah County

Working for equitable regional development

East Multnomah County has long been an underserved, economically distressed region that has failed to benefit from Portland’s otherwise rapid economic growth.

In 2018, the Portland Metro Chamber identified the economic development of East Multnomah County as a strategic priority and committed to supporting the people and businesses of the region.

East Multnomah County Policy Priorities

1. Prioritize state and local government investment in East Multnomah County

  • Provide funding to restore the loss of federal funding to Worksystems, Inc. This includes funding for the WorkSource Portland Metro Gresham (WSPMG) program at Mt. Hood Community College, the only one of its kind in East Multnomah County.
  • Support legislation creating equitable state-funding formulas designed to give special consideration to high-needs geographic areas within high-population counties.
  • Continue to support efforts for building a central business district located east of N/SE 82nd Avenue. This secondary regional downtown district would anchor economic strategies, bringing new investment and high-wage jobs, and close the pay-equity gap.
  • Support specific programs for recruiting new and current employers in expanding in East Multnomah County.
  • Accelerate implementation of the East Portland Action Plan. We will collaborate with East Multnomah County leaders in holding the city accountable for renewed action and progress.

2. Advocate for necessary investments for improving transportation options for resident and employers of East Multnomah County

  • Encourage regional transportation partners to make service improvements in East Multnomah County a clear priority over the next decade, including:
    • Rapid bus service on main thoroughfares from Gresham to Downtown Portland.
    • Seven-day-a-week bus service with frequencies that reflect the diverse needs of residents and various family-wage shifts.
    • Direct service to Mt. Hood Community College.
    • Fund and develop a dedicated transit terminal at the main Mt. Hood Community College campus.
  • Prioritize funding for and encourage development of biking, walking, and pedestrian safety projects in East Multnomah County and East Portland.
  • Advocate for the State of Oregon to transfer jurisdictional authority of N/SE 82nd Ave. to the City of Portland. This will allow local communities to actively inform the future development of this critical transportation artery.
  • Support a region-wide transit youth pass program.
  • Prioritize East Multnomah County projects in any regional transportation infrastructure measure referred by Metro.

Download Priorities (PDF)

East County Policy Updates

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

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

Chamber endorses Senate Bill 1553

On February 12, Jon Isaacs, the Executive Vice President of Public Affairs for the Portland Metro Chamber, spoke before the Joint Committee on Addiction and Community Safety Response, advocating for the endorsement of Senate Bill 1553.
State of Oregon. February 2024

Chamber testifies in support of House Bill 4002

On February 7, Jon Isaacs, the Executive Vice President of Public Affairs for the Portland Metro Chamber, addressed the Joint Committee on Addiction and Community Safety, advocating for immediate action against the rampant proliferation of fentanyl in Portland.
River view of the Fremont Bridge across the Willamette. February 2024

Chamber releases poll showing voters are concerned about quality of life

From December 13 to December 19, 2023, DHM Research conducted a hybrid survey of 500 registered voters in the tri-county area.
February 2024

Chamber unveils 2024 Policy Agenda

Over the past five years, Portland has faced a cascading series of crises that have measurably damaged our city’s reputation and spurred the realization that the condition on the streets is simply not consistent with Portland’s values.
February 2024

Auto Theft and Retail Theft Task Force reports on progress

In a concerted effort to combat theft and safeguard communities, the Auto Theft and Organized Retail Theft Task Forces recently held a press conference to update the public on their progress since the initiative's inception seven months ago.
October 2023

Chamber asks for transparency in county health inspection fee increase process

The Portland Metro Chamber, in coalition with six other business organizations, sent Multnomah County Chair Pederson and the County Commission a letter expressing deep concern regarding the large fee increases […]
September 2023

2023 State of Small Business

Portland's small business owners dream big, take risks, and make our city a uniquely creative and inspiring place. In recent years, Portland has experienced a surge in small business activity, with thousands of new enterprises taking root.
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