On September 4, the Portland Metro Chamber testified in support of the OMSI District plan that would transform the land surrounding the museum into a bustling neighborhood with affordable housing, access to transit, new outdoor parks and community spaces honoring Indigenous communities.
The outline of the OMSI District plan is broken into three phases:
- Phase One: Build a “New Southeast Water Avenue” to expedite traffic – ranging from heavier freight from nearby industrial businesses to bicycle traffic that will be built alongside the current Southeast Water Avenue. Along with breaking ground on new privately-funded housing developments.
- Phase Two: Development of more affordable housing in partnership with the Portland Housing Bureau, along with beginning construction of a new waterfront park in partnership with the Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission.
- Phase Three: Focus on completing construction of the above projects and adding more affordable housing, infrastructure, parking or other private investments in the district.
The Chamber is strongly supportive of this transformative project and believes it is vital to our city’s future, because:
- The OMSI District is projected to generate $1 billion in economic output and create more than 11,000 jobs. The council’s approval of the $15.4 million infrastructure investment will unlock this huge potential.
- The Council’s approval today will invest in the infrastructure necessary to catalyze the OMSI District’s growth. This funding lays the groundwork for new development and attracts and leverages significant private sector investment
- This project is proof that prioritizing big projects that center racial equity as a core tenant and value is vital for the future of our city.
- The OMSI District’s mixed-use development will create new opportunities for businesses, particularly in the innovation and sustainability sectors and foster a thriving business environment in Portland’s Central Eastside.
- The OMSI District’s integration of sustainable transportation infrastructure aligns with the Chamber’s priority of creating a responsible, growth-oriented business environment. Approval of this investment will ensure that Portland continues to lead in sustainable urban development.
The Chamber would like to acknowledge the public-private partnership that has led to this pivotal step in realizing the vision for the OMSI District. Thank you to the teams at OMSI, the City of Portland, Prosper Portland, and the Portland Bureau of Transportation. The Portland Metro Chamber will continue to be involved and is committed to moving this project forward.
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