About us

We are the economic and urban development agency for the city of Portland.  We focus on building an equitable economy by carrying out a comprehensive range of economic development programs that support small business, improve access to workforce training, and create jobs for Portland residents. We work with partners to drive public attention and resources to different areas of the city, which helps Portland realize capital projects – parks, streetscape improvements, community centers –that would not happen on their own, making it a better place to live for all Portlanders.

Prosper Portland is headed by an executive director who reports to a five-member, volunteer board of local citizens  appointed by the mayor and approved by City Council. The structure allows us to exercise independence in program implementation and resource allocation.

Prosper Portland is committed to growing quality jobs, advancing opportunities for prosperity, creating vibrant neighborhoods and communities, and collaborating with partners to create an equitable city, with prosperity shared by Portlanders of all colors, incomes and neighborhoods.

Our Mission

To create economic growth and opportunity for Portland.

Our Vision

Portland is one of the most globally competitive, equitable, and healthy cities in the world.

Prosper Portland stimulates job creation, encourages broad economic prosperity, and fosters great places on behalf of the City of Portland.

We are a workplace of choice with passionate staff excelling in an open and empowering environment and sharing a commitment to our collective success.

Our Equity Statement

We acknowledge our past as we move forward to create economic opportunity and prosperity for all communities. We make racial equity the foundation of our community and economic development work. We hold ourselves accountable to Portland’s communities of color and others our work has negatively impacted. While racial equity is the primary lens to focus our efforts, we understand the connection between racism and other forms of bias that lead to oppression.

Within our workplace and working with our partners, we embrace values of authentic inclusion, transparency, and collaboration.

We work toward nothing less than an anti-racist Portland that welcomes and serves all communities and perspectives. We encourage our partners to do the same.

Our Values

Love Portland

Portland is a great place with great communities that inspire everything we do.

Make a Difference

We get things done and strive to have a marked impact on the lives of all people in Portland.

Do Excellent Work

We bring a high level of knowledge, professionalism, and passion, and always aspire to improve.

Build Partnerships

We are most effective when we work together and hand-in-hand with our public, private, and community partners.

Advance Equity

We recognize historic inequities and work tirelessly for a more equitable Portland and agency.

Honor the Public Trust

We seek financial sustainability and, as stewards of public resources, act for the good of the city with integrity and ethics.

Innovate

We are all entrepreneurs. Creativity, agility, and ingenuity elevate our work.

Our Team

Prosper Portland is governed by a volunteer Board of Commissioners who are approved by City Council and report directly to Portland’s Mayor. The Board is authorized by the City Charter to administer the business activities of the agency.

Board of Commissioners

Executive Director

Prosper Portland Directors

Go to Staff Directory & Bios
Go to Staff Contact List
DOCUMENTS

Guiding Documents

View more documents in our Resource Library.