accepted report

Appoint Felisa Hagins and reappoint Gustavo J. Cruz, Jr. to the Prosper Portland Board for terms to expire June 30, 2027

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  • economic development
  • appointment
Department
Prosper Portland
Introduced by
Former Mayor Ted Wheeler Former Commissioner Carmen Rubio
Status
Accepted

Impact statement

Purpose & background

Reappoint Gustavo J. Cruz, Jr. and Appoint Felisa Hagins to the Prosper Portland Board for terms to expire June 30, 2027.

Financial impacts

There are no financial or budgetary impacts related to this action.

Community impacts

There are no community impacts nor has there been community involvement related to this action.

Full text (the legislation as adopted)

As Mayor of the City of Portland, I Ted Wheeler, jointly with Commissioner Carmen Rubio, request City Council confirmation of the following reappointment and appointment to the Prosper Portland Board: Appointment Current Term New Term Felisa Hagins New appointment 7/1/2024 to 6/30/2027 Reappointment Current Term New Term Gustavo J. Cruz, Jr. 7/1/2021 to 6/30/2024 7/1/2024 to 6/30/2027 Felisa Hagins Bio: 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. Felisa Hagins Statement of Interest: "Prosper Portland's mission to build an equitable economy resonates deeply with my professional ethos and personal values. I believe that by collaborating on this board of Prosper Portland, we can foster a more inclusive economic environment where both businesses and workers flourish. My goal is to bridge gaps between diverse communities and the economic opportunities that Prosper Portland can facilitate, ensuring that our growth is not just robust, but also broadly shared. Through strategic partnerships and targeted programs, we can transform Portland into a model city where equity and economic prosperity are realities for everyone." Gustavo J. Cruz, Jr. Bio: Gustavo J. Cruz, Jr. is a partner in the law firm of Hathaway Larson LLP, with a practice in commercial finance, corporate finance and general business matters. His professional background includes work as a commercial banker, a partner in an AMLAW 100 law firm, and in-house counsel with a large financial institution. He is a native of Portland, and attended Lincoln High School, Santa Clara University, the University of Oregon, and Lewis and Clark Law School. He has been active on numerous nonprofit boards, including the Hispanic Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce, the Northwest District Association (the neighborhood association for northwest Portland), and Literary Arts. He also served as Chair of the Business Law and Securities Regulation Sections of the Oregon State Bar. Cruz played rugby in college and for a men's club team, and he enjoys spending time with his son and following University of Oregon football. Gustavo J. Cruz, Jr. Statement of Interest: “I am honored to be considered for reappointment to the Prosper Portland Board. Through my past experience, I have come to learn that most of the projects or initiatives in Prosper Portland’s portfolio are complex, require input from multiple partners, and frequently involve quick turnaround. Yet time and again, Prosper Portland delivers, and I am extremely proud of the positive impact the agency has had in service to the city and its residents. “Whether it’s assisting a small business in Cully, creating a series of events to support downtown vibrancy, partnering with an international company on a local expansion plan, or leading the redevelopment of Broadway Corridor, staff delivers on all aspects of our work with a singular focus. The ability to simultaneously focus on such a variety of the work and do so throughout the city is a testament to the skill and professionalism of the staff and leadership at Prosper Portland. “It’s also a clear vote of confidence from city leaders and partners that Prosper Portland’s engagement is needed to lead or collaborate on a project to get it across the finish line. As I said, I’m proud of the impact of our work and I’m so pleased to work with such a committed team on an array of challenges that face our city. Thank you for your consideration and I would be honored to serve another term.” Respectfully submitted, Ted Wheeler Mayor Carmen Rubio Commissioner

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5 yea 0 nay

Roll call (5)