Central City Roundtable Focuses on Housing and Downtown Activation

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Mayor Keith Wilson convened the Central City Roundtable on Friday, June 5 for a discussion focused on priority areas where public, private, and community partners can help accelerate housing production, bring more people downtown, and strengthen Portland's Central City.

The meeting included the first report from the housing work group, which recommended that the Roundtable look at reforms to inclusionary zoning and system development charge policies. The group emphasized the importance of a growing economy to jump-start the housing production, and the opportunity to take advantage of the $100 million ($50 for cities) middle housing fund recently announced by the Oregon Community Foundation.

"Housing is not separate from downtown recovery," said Mayor Keith Wilson. "It is one of the ways we bring more people, more energy, and more stability back into the core of the city. It creates community and makes everyone feel welcome."

Curtis Robinhold, Executive Director of the Port of Portland and co-chair of Governor Tina Kotek's Prosperity Council, joined the meeting to discuss the Council's progress and opportunities to align Roundtable work with the state's broader economic strategy. Robinhold stressed that Oregon needs to make it easier for businesses to get up and going, whether in craft beer or tech, while leading with our values.

The discussion came as Portland continues to see visible signs of renewed downtown activity:

• Mayor Keith Wilson marched with 51 of his fellow mayors from around the state in the Rose Festival Grand Floral Parade.
• On May 30, the Burnside Bridge Centennial recently drew thousands of people for a block party celebration.
• The Portland Fire energized fans with a surprisingly strong start to their first season in the WNBA and are using Portland State University Athletics facilities as training facilities until their permanent home opens later this summer.
• Portland State University will host 11 commencement ceremonies at Viking Pavilion from June 12-14, celebrating 4,715 new graduates and bringing thousands of graduates, families, faculty, and visitors to the downtown campus. PSU also opened the first dog park in downtown Portland.
• This month, Portland will also celebrate the opening of Darcelle XV Plaza, creating a new public gathering place honoring one of Portland's most beloved cultural icons.

Additional upcoming events and investments are adding to the momentum.

• Bank of America announced plans to open a new financial center in the Meier & Frank Building.
• The historic Italian chocolatier Lavoratti 1938 opened its only U.S. location on Broadway.
• The Portland Timbers will host a Soccer Celebration at Pioneer Courthouse Square from June 12-15, including live viewing events tied to FIFA World Cup 26™ matches and family-friendly programming.

"We are thrilled to bring the world's game to Portland's living room," said Portland Timbers CEO Heather Davis. "We will celebrate the tournament, free of charge, with 14 games over four days, and look forward to seeing the community come together in the heart of the city."

More information about the Central City Roundtable and its membership is available at pdxcentralcityroundtable.com.