About Us
We are the economic and urban development agency for the city of Portland.
Get to Know
Prosper 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.
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
Gustavo J. Cruz Jr.
Commission Chair
Cruz is of counsel at the law firm Hathaway Larson with a practice in commercial finance, corporate finance and general business matters. His background includes service as a commercial lender and credit approval officer at a financial institution, and as in-house counsel with U.S. Bank in the Special Assets Group. He was born in Portland and has been active on several nonprofit boards, including the Hispanic Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce, where he currently serves as board chair, and the Northwest District Association. Cruz played rugby in college and for a men’s club team and enjoys reunions with his rugby friends. He also enjoys spending time with his son, volunteering in his community, reading, and University of Oregon football. He is a graduate of the University of Oregon and Lewis and Clark Law School. Cruz was appointed to the Prosper Portland Board of Commissioners on July 1, 2015.
ProsperCommissioners@ProsperPortland.us
Marcelino Alvarez
Commissioner
Marcelino Alvarez is the CEO of Photon Marine, which is building an intelligent electric outboard motor system, tailored to commercial boat fleets. He began his career in advertising, producing digital campaigns at Crispin Porter + Bogusky and Wieden + Kennedy. He later founded Uncorked Studios, a product design firm that helped companies such as Samsung, Nike, Google, Intel, and Adidas bring innovative software and hardware products to market. He is a mentor for PIE (Portland Incubator Experiment) and a member of the board of directors for The Freshwater Trust. He was appointed to the Prosper Portland Board of Commissioners on September 6, 2023.
ProsperCommissioners@ProsperPortland.us
Felisa Hagins
Commissioner
As the SEIU (Service Employees International Union) Oregon State Council Director, Felisa Hagins has dedicated her career to advocating for fair labor practices and economic equity, ensuring that every worker, regardless of their background, has the opportunity to thrive. Felisa’s experience in labor relations, labor policy, housing advocacy, commercial development, and workforce development has equipped her with a deep understanding of the economic challenges that diverse communities face in Portland. Felisa is committed to bringing this crucial perspective to the forefront, striving to implement strategies that elevate economic prosperity and create equitable opportunities across all sectors of our city. She was appointed to the Prosper Portland Board of Commissioners on June 5, 2024.
ProsperCommissioners@ProsperPortland.us
Serena Stoudamire Wesley
Commissioner
Serena Stoudamire Wesley is a lifelong Oregonian recognized for her expertise in public service, community engagement, and strategic leadership. She currently serves as Assistant Director for the Oregon Department of Transportation. Serena previously served as Deputy Director and Chief Program Officer for the Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care, Chief Cultural Change Officer for the Oregon Department of Administrative Services, Director of The Youth Development Division, and Director of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion for Governor Kate Brown, where she shaped statewide equity strategies and policy direction. She has served on the Board of Trustees for Warner Pacific University, the Portland Children’s Levy Allocation Committee, and represented the Chief Education Office on both the Education Northwest Board of Directors and the Oregon Leadership Network Executive Committee. She was first appointed to the Prosper Portland Board of Commissioners on July 10, 2020 and subsequently reappointed for a third term ending September 30, 2028.
ProsperCommissioners@ProsperPortland.us
