Westside Economic Alliance

Yesterday in our regular newsletter our Executive Director, Elizabeth Mazzara Myers, addressed some recent coverage of Portland, and Oregon, in the NY Times. Here's what she had to say. "Portland in the NY Times & Why WEA Cares Back on June 15 Oregon-born journalist Nicholas Kristof wrote an opinion piece in the NY Times and asked the question, "Why put liberals in charge nationally when the places where they have greatest control are plagued by homelessness, crime and dysfunction?" He makes the case that the issues we are currently facing here in Oregon is the result of liberal governance in West Coast cities and states. What his opinion piece failed to do was to give an honest assessment of the work that has been done to address some of the challenges we currently face. In response to Krisrof, Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler wrote to the Times (second piece on the page) to point out the important work being done on the ground in Portland to address some of the issues highlighted. Why does WEA care enough about the woes of Portland to feature this op-ed response in our newsletter? Because we function as a three county, regional economy. And our problems don't care about city or county borders. When Portland is under attack by the national media as a 'liberal dumpster fire' or Oregon is under attack for 'failed policies', that has an impact on business recruitment and retention. And it is important that we lean into efforts to correct the perception that we are a failing state or region. When we talk about Westside Economic Alliance working to create a vibrant economy on Portland's Westside, we are by definition in a relationship with the City of Portland itself. Yes, maybe we do things a little different on the Westside, but it only harms our chances of realizing our goal when we dismiss the good work being done to help cement smart and pragmatic policies and programs by our neighbors. Kudos to Mayor Wheeler for standing up for the good work. There is a lot more work to be done. But, together, I am confident we will find solutions that will work for our tri-county region."

As Westside Economic Alliance leans into the conversation around transportation revenue models and afternoon joining the 6th Annual Business Leaders Regional Transportation Summit seemed a good way for our Executive Director to spend a rainy Monday afternoon. Columbia Corridor Association, Identity Clark County, TriMet, Portland Metro Chamber, Black Business Association of Oregon, Interstate Bridge Replacement Program #Transportation #odot #TriMet #Transit #KeepOregonMoving #Westside #JoinWEA

Come work with me and Elizabeth Mazzara Myers!

We are excited to announce we are hiring for a newly created position: Executive Assistant & Committee Coordinator. We are looking for someone to bring their eye for details and excitement for working in person and at events with us. Are you ready to learn more about regional policy? Do you care about regional growth and prosperity? If so, maybe this job is for you! Visit www.WestsideAlliance.org for more information and instructions to apply. #hiring #Westside #transportation #landuse #housing #housingproduction #advocacy #business #regionalgrowth

Every six years, Metro Regional Government issues a report that provides a growth forecast to ensure there is enough land for 20 years of growth. The land inside the boundary must be available for production of housing, employment lands and retail areas. WEA has been actively engaged in the conversations leading up to the production of the report, which will issue at the end of June. The public will have the opportunity to review the report and submit comments during the month of July. Westside Economic Alliance members are welcome to join us on Thursday June 6 at our Land Use and Housing Committee as we get an update from Metro staff on where they are in the process and what comes next. Sign up here: https://lnkd.in/ghwCkxsx #LandUse #Growth #Business #UrbanGrowthBoundary #JoinWEA #Westside

Congratulations to the Port of Portland for nearing the end of phase 1 of this project. Westside Economic Alliance is proud to have members like the Port who do more than just employ workers or provide a critical service, they dig deep to reflect the best of what our region is all about. #PDXNext #JoinWEA #Westside

At our March Policy Conference we had experts from the transportation world speak to us about funding challenges faced by Oregon Department of Transportation. Our amazing panel moderator Tom Rinehart sat down with Representative Susan McLain, Metro Councilor Juan Carlos González, and ODOT's Rian Windsheimer. Tom asked the panelists to dig into the question: Are we, as a state, meeting the moment in finding the needed funding for both transportation projects and critical ops & maintenance? The answer: not yet. And so Westside Economic Alliance, with 3J Consulting, has launched a summer workshop to dig into transportation revenue sources to better understand the challenges and opportunities. We plan to be ready to join the table as the 2025 legislative session digs into transportation funding options. You can watch the full panel here: https://lnkd.in/ggj7mAJF.

We just wrapped our annual Mayors Forum. We hosted nine Mayors from across our region to talk about successes, challenges, and discussed what it means to ensure cities are safe and thriving. Our takeway? Our region is facing serious shortfalls for basic infrastructure funding needs: we need roads, bridges, water, and sidewalks to create complete communities. But also, we have a LOT of opportunity to grow in ways that provide well-paid jobs, housing at all prices, and vibrant restaurant and entertainment districts. The question is: Will we be able to work as a region to take advantage of these generational opportunities? We think so! We have a strong and vibrant business community who is ready to roll up their sleeves and work with the public sector to get to SMART, COLLABORATIVE POLICY SOLUTIONS. Already a #WEA member? Get involved in our committees! Not a member and want to learn how to #JoinWEA? Reach out to [email protected]. Thanks to Our Mayors and their Teams! Lacey Beaty, Frank Bubenik, Rory Bialostosky, Steve Callaway, Julie Fitzgerald, @stephanie jones, Heidi Lueb, Tim Rosener. City of Beaverton, City of Hillsboro, @City of North Plains, City of Tigard, @City of Tualatin, @City of Sherwood, @City of Wilsonville @City of West Linn @City of Banks

Just one week to go until our 2024 Mayors Forum. This is our annual event when we sit down with Mayors from across the region to find out more about successes and challenges from the previous year, plans for what's next and dig into their policy priorities. Don't miss out: https://lnkd.in/g8HFNnw3 #JoinWEA #Westside #Housing #Infrastructure #Business #EconomicDevelopment #Leadership #Collaboration #RegionalGrowth

Thanks to City of Tigard and Mayor Heidi Lueb for putting on a terrific State of the City. #Westside #JoinWEA #WomenInLeadership #FirstNotLast