accepted report 2026-080

Accept the Supporting Portland’s Storefronts Report to establish a Storefront Support Program

economic development
plan policy

Department: Portland Solutions
Introduced by: Mayor Keith Wilson
Status: Accepted

Impact statement

Purpose & background

The purpose of this item is to accept the Supporting Portland's Storefronts Report. Portland City Council directed the City Administrator to develop an action plan for establishing and implementing a citywide Storefront Support Program (Resolution 37718). The plan outlines ways the city can develop a program that improves vacancy trends, respond effectively to street-level issues, and provide consistent, equitable assistance to storefront owners.

Financial impacts

There are no financial or budgetary impacts from report acceptance. The report includes potential considerations for Council on action items, with cost estimates that may be considered during the budget process as part of bureau or Prosper Portland program offers.

Economic impacts

The legislation was shaped through early outreach to small-business storefront owners and operators, whose feedback led to the development of project insights and action items. Economically, the proposal is designed to improve street and storefront conditions and programs that will lead to job retention and improved business stability. The program action items are focused particularly on small businesses, helping maintain Portland's competitiveness and reverse trends in vacancies and lost business tax revenue.

Community impacts

The project team engaged with a core stakeholder group of business owners and storefront staff in the development of the plan. The project team also used existing plans and outreach efforts completed by other Bureau's to help inform core insights.

▸ Full text (the legislation as adopted)

TO THE COUNCIL: I am pleased to share that my office, under the leadership of the Portland Solutions team and Public Environment Management Office (PEMO), have completed the work directed under Resolution 37718, Require City Administrator to develop a plan that establishes a storefront support program . This report reflects extensive engagement with storefront owners and staff across all districts, analysis of citywide trends, and a framework for collaboration on data collection and reinvestment prioritization. It documents the conditions storefronts are facing, the gaps in the City's current response, and the opportunities to stabilize and strengthen business districts through coordinated action. The team has developed opportunities to undertake immediate Fields of Action through the existing workflows and processes of PEMO to capitalize on existing program infrastructure and human capital. With the report complete, we are asking Council to formally accept it. Acceptance will allow Portland Solutions, PEMO, and partner bureaus to begin coordinated implementation planning, prepare pilot districts for FY 2026–27, advance data collection and dashboard development, and align operational roles ahead of the upcoming budget cycle. I appreciate Council's leadership in initiating this work and look forward to moving from planning to action. Respectfully submitted – Raymond Lee

Tally

9 yea 3 nay