On Tuesday, December 3, Oregon Governor Tina Kotek unveiled a sweeping economic plan — the “Prosperity Roadmap” — a multi-year strategy aimed at reversing the state’s sluggish economic performance and restoring Oregon’s competitiveness for business investment and job growth.
The Portland Metro Chamber applauds the Governor’s focus on economic development and tackling the many barriers that hinder business investment in our state.
Andrew Hoan, President and CEO of the Chamber, released the following statement in support of the Governors initiative:
The Portland Metro Chamber and our partners strongly support Governor Kotek’s leadership in formally acknowledging the need for change and stronger public-private partnership across the state. Reversing Oregon’s downward economic trajectory will require a focused, strategic policy approach that addresses the root causes of our persistent economic barriers. The Governor’s commitment to tangible change and engagement with the business community is encouraging and necessary to ensure a vibrant economic future for the Portland Metro Region and the entire State of Oregon.
Oregon’s economic growth lags the national average, the state has fallen in multiple competitiveness rankings, and the loss of employers has left buildings vacant and communities less vibrant. We must come to terms with why Portland and the State of Oregon lag behind national counterparts. We have passed policies over time that drive households and business activity away.
We face some of the highest businesses taxes in the nation and complex layers of regulations that make starting and operating a business costly and confusing. When businesses leave because of these pressures, the tax revenue they contribute leaves with them, weakening tax-funded essential services like public housing, transportation, and emergency services.
If we want to fund core services and maintain safe, vibrant communities, we must keep, grow, and attract businesses of all sizes – not push them away. Oregon should be a place that supports those willing to take the leap of entrepreneurship – not one that burdens them with avoidable obstacles.
 |
Andrew HoanPresident & CEO
Portland Metro Chamber |