Equitable, Innovative, Financially Sustainable
Equity, innovation, talent development, and financial sustainability are central to Prosper Portland’s operations – hence its strategic goal to Operate an Equitable, innovative, and Financially Sustainable Agency. Prosper Portland is committed to modeling its values to meet the expectations of the public.
Desired Outcomes
Employee Development, Engagement & Internal Equity – The work environment displays diversity, fosters productivity, encourages learning and growth; employees understand they are the foundation of Prosper Portland’s success.
Effective Management & Governance – Prosper Portland’s operations are characterized by high-quality management and staff who implement a clear strategic plan effectively and with innovation.
Financial Sustainability & Stewardship – Prosper Portland is transparent in its administration of resources and assets, and ensures that public funds are invested effectively to achieve agency objectives while promoting Prosper Portland’s long-term sustainability.
Communications, Engagement & Community Partnership – Prosper Portland works closely with all communities, particularly the historically disadvantaged, to ensure deep engagement and mutual accountability in addressing structural disparities and creating pathways to prosperity.
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 PDC.
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.
Projects & Programs
These are just some of the projects and programs that demonstrate our commitment to operating an equitable, innovative, financially sustainable agency:
Community Workforce Navigator Program
The Community Workforce Navigator Program (CWNP) is a neighborhood-based initiative to help unemployed and underemployed residents access jobs and workforce development resources.
Community Livability Grant
The CLG program prioritizes projects that benefit communities of color or people with low incomes, and that promote widely shared prosperity.
Inclusive Business Resource Network
The Inclusive Business Resource Network (IBRN) is a citywide program that brings multiple services for small business into a single network for entrepreneurs.
Reimagine Oregon Economic Opportunity Investment Fund Grant
Reimagine Oregon Economic Opportunity Investment Fund Grant Spring 2025 Contact: ReimagineOregon@ProsperPortland.us The Reimagine [...]
SEED Grant
Social Equity and Economic Development (SEED) Grant Update: The City of Portland is no [...]
Equitable Food Economy Collaborative
Equitable Food Economy Collaborative Contact: Shea Flaherty Betin, email The Equitable Food Economy [...]
Community Opportunities and Enhancements Program
CONTACT: Jerrohn Jordan, EMAIL Community Opportunities and Enhancements Program The Community Opportunities and Enhancements [...]
Portland Means Progress
This initiative provides connections for businesses to hire local students and young professionals of color, purchase from businesses owned by people of color and create diverse workforces and vibrant company cultures.
Inspiring Diversity Grant
The Inspiring Diversity Grant offers grant funding of up to $10,000 per traded-sector company to inspire creative equity-related best practices by employers around workforce, marketing and communications.
The Stash Tea Building Leasing Opportunities
Prosper Portland offers the Affordable Commercial Tenanting Program at the Stash Tea Building, a full block of commercial space in the prime West End area of downtown Portland at SW 10th Avenue and SW Yamhill Street. The revitalized building offers a variety of spaces to create a cohesive and complementary mix of tenants.
Lents Town Center Affordable Commercial Tenanting Program
Prosper Portland offers the Affordable Commercial Tenanting Program at two sites in the heart of the Lents Town Center.
Broadway Corridor Redevelopment
The Broadway Corridor project offers the opportunity to demonstrate that redevelopment can be inclusive, sustainable, memorable and financially successful.
Affordable Commercial Tenanting Program
This program reduces barriers to entry for underrepresented businesses, preserves small business vitality, and advances our goal to build an equitable economy.
Prosper Portland Business Finance Programs
Prosper Portland works with Portland businesses to identify business needs and eligibility for either our assistance programs or those of our partners.
Business Advancement Team
Prosper Portland’s Business Advancement Team is a catalyst for equitable economic growth. We help businesses grow by providing support and identifying opportunities that foster the creation of living wage jobs for all Portlanders.
Mercatus
An online platform that highlights entrepreneurs of color through storytelling and a comprehensive inventory.
Youth & Adult Workforce Partnerships
Prosper Portland's workforce partnerships create better access for Portlanders to connect to job training and opportunities.
Workforce Training & Hiring Program
Our goal is to ensure that Prosper Portland projects offer equal opportunity in employment and that those who have been historically underused in the construction trades have access to jobs through training programs.
Business Equity Program
Prosper Portland is committed to providing business opportunities for minority, women and emerging small businesses.
N/NE Community Development Initiative Action Plan
The Action Plan guides the investment of $32 million in the Interstate Corridor urban renewal area to align with strategic goals that benefit the community.
Alberta Commons
Alberta Commons, anchored by Natural Grocers, is at a high-traffic corner and will bring new excitement to the neighborhood, offering small, minority-owned businesses the opportunity to participate in the retail mix.
Lents Town Center Development
Prosper Portland focuses on supporting growth of mixed use, mixed income communities in the Lents Town Center that contribute to improved business and resident satisfaction with the community.