Business Support

Business Advocacy

PDC’s Economic Development staff participates in the City’s discussion of policy and business climate issues and provides research and recommendations on city policies of concern to the business community and residents. We act as an advocate for businesses, promoting transportation, telecommunications and other infrastructure improvements in anticipation of business needs; and provide technical assistance in a variety of ways:

• We participate as a member of the Mayor's Strategic Development Opportunity Team, an interbureau group that addresses land use and regulatory issues that affect business and development in the city. Members include the city's bureaus of: Planning, Transportation, Environmental Services, Development Services, PDC, and Mayor's staff.
• We advocate for regulatory reform that responds to the needs of businesses and industries in the city
• We help companies meet their plan and permit requirements
• We coordinate meetings and infromation with state and local agencies to ensure a smooth and timely development process
• We provide briefings and technical information regarding zoning and permitting requirements in the metropolitan area for specific projects—for example, the Development Opportunity Strategy (DOS) Program, which offers funding and real estate development expertise to business owners, tenants and area developers needing help evaluating the feasibility of potential development projects
• We partner with such groups as the Oregon Entrepreneurs Network (OEN) to allow regional businesses to tap into the forum's entrepreneurial resources. Services available range from informal reviews of new venture start-up ideas, educational speakers, workshops for pre-funded companies on how to develop business plans, information on how to access venture capital, and OEF’s many networks to learn new business strategies.

Agencies involved in policy and business issues are listed under Business Support —>Business Links in the navigation above.

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