An enlightening business roundtable
Last week I met with representatives of the region’s business community to gain their insights into what role Metro could play in the region’s economy. The Roundtable included building owners, labor leaders, heavy industry, healthcare and the law.
My goal was to have a grounding in the issues to help me begin to develop a Plan for Action that I will implement as Metro President. And some of the ideas were so good and urgent that I will start working on them right away!
Common themes were a need for greater coordination among the many government-led economic development efforts, the need for fiscal stability in the state and the importance of education. Participants brought up Metro’s successes as a facilitator and source of expertise and funding. Examples cited included the planning of land recently brought into the urban growth boundary, funded with a region-wide construction excise tax orchestrated by Metro.
Another big issue was making vacant industrially-zoned ready for use. Thousands of acres aren’t available now because they lack the necessary roads or other infrastructure, or they are in multiple ownerships. The Roundtable discussed how these obstacles might be overcome, say, through having the Port of Portland active in more areas of the region, getting properties “shovel ready” as it has done in Rivergate and is now doing in Troutdale.
Most of the breakfast roundtable discussion was about the challenge of funding and reforming education, particularly K-12. Businesses need competent and motivated workers as well as high quality public schools to attract and retain talent. What I heard was real concern and support for innovative approaches to overcome the institutional barriers to reform.
Finally, I was urged to work to unite the legislators representing the region to push for action in Salem. With 45% of the state’s population, attendees were frustrated that key initiatives fail because the Region’s Legislators aren’t united.
Thanks to all who attended, and our hosts John Russell and Bernie Bottomly.