Development Opportunity Services (DOS) Program
The Portland Development Commission (PDC) has designed the Development Opportunity Services (DOS) Program for property owners in targeted neighborhoods in the city of Portland. The purpose of the DOS Program is to assist property owners (and, in some cases, tenants) with seed money and in evaluating development project feasibility by providing real estate development expertise and technical assistance. It also supports PDC goals by bringing new development and jobs to Portland.
Program Guidelines and Requirements
"I've used the program twice and it has helped to identify issues with my buildings on a technical level and clarify how to resolve them. It's really beneficial, especially for an individual who isn't highly familiar with the development process."
— Roslyn Hill, Urban Renaissance Designer
The Development Opportunity Services (DOS) Grant Program provides a maximum of $12,000 to businesses and property owners for evaluating development project feasibility. The program promotes PDC’s goals to stimulate redevelopment and private investment. The DOS Grant supports property owners and business tenants in their efforts to evaluate possible uses and improvements for underutilized properties; it is particularly aimed at assisting applicants who may not be familiar with the development process. The matching grant supports PDC’s goals of revitalization and economic development by encouraging commercial or industrial development, enhancing the livability of neighborhoods, and bringing new jobs to Portland.
Eligible Areas
The Development Opportunity Services (DOS) Program is applicable in the following URAs: Central Eastside, Gateway, Interstate, Lents, Oregon Convention Center and River District.
Eligibility
Funding may be available for specific pre-development activities prior to construction, such as architectural planning studies, building inspection, engineering reports, market assessments, environmental studies and real estate financial analysis. DOS funding is only available for professional services related to planning for development and does not cover attorney’s fees, the preparation of construction drawings, permitting or the actual cost of construction. Materials produced through a DOS project may be made available for public review following the completion of the project.
Development projects can include rehabilitation or redevelopment of an existing structure or new development on vacant land. Properties must be zoned for commercial or industrial uses. To be eligible applicants must have site-control; ownership an option or lease of the property.
Applicants may be required to incorporate community strategies and visions in their development or redevelopment plans. Projects must have a reasonable chance of being completed within a 5 year period to be considered eligible for funding.
Please call the DOS program manager at 503-823-3406 if you have questions about the program.
Map your property
You can easily see if your property qualifies for the Development Opportunity Services (DOS) Program benefits by searching for a specific address at PortlandMaps.com. Map your property >
Letter Agreement
The contract between PDC and the grantee will be in the form of a letter agreement which specifies the location of the property, the development concept, the scope of work and cost of predevelopment services. The agreement will also identify the terms of the contract, funding level, and expiration date.
Disbursement of Funds
The DOS grantee is responsible for paying the full cost of the consultants’ invoices. PDC will reimburse the grantee up to 80 percent of the cost of predevelopment services up to a total of $12,000. The grantee is responsible for 20 percent of the predevelopment services and any amounts in excess of PDC’s contribution. Copies of paid consultants invoices and deliverables are used as proof of payment for PDC reimbursement.
Project Management
PDC staff serve as project managers and work with the grantee to identify and manage the predevelopment consultant(s) and evaluate options. The PDC DOS project manager and the grantee work together during the duration of a DOS project. Materials produced through a DOS project are kept on file at PDC and may be available for public review following the completion of the project.
DOS Project Steps
- An applicant completes and submits an application.
- Staff reviews with applicant the project vision and goals for alignment with URA goals.
- If property is eligible, staff sets up a meeting with applicant and consultants (if applicable) to tour the property and to review the DOS process.
- If there is a consultant involved, a scope of work is developed. If there is no consultant, staff assists in the solicitation for consultant assistance – three proposals are recommended. PDC staff approves all scopes of work. Applicant selects a consultant to work on their DOS project.
- The applicant executes contract with the selected consultant(s).
- PDC project manager prepares a Letter Agreement based on the scope of work and consultant contract.
Please note that no work can begin on a DOS project until the Letter Agreement has been approved and fully executed.
- A kick-off meeting is scheduled with the project team including grantee, and PDC staff.
- The grantee works with PDC project manager and the consultant(s) to complete the scope of work, review work products and assess for project implementation feasibility within a 6-month time frame.
- After final payment and all deliverables are received, the final reimbursement is processed and the DOS project is closed.
Contact us
Contact the PDC Business Development Officer in your area for more information about this program.
DOS Program Materials