Post by Juan Barraza

Portland is at a critical crossroads. The Portland City Council is considering a $11 million cut to Prosper Portland’s funding — a move that would unravel years of investment in small businesses, workforce development, and inclusive economic growth. Here's why it matters: 📌 94% of Portland’s nearly 20,000 employer businesses are small. 📌 These businesses drive 35% of local jobs and generate over $467 million in annual tax revenue. Prosper Portland supports: Small business grants Minority- and women-owned businesses Traded-sector job growth Citywide workforce initiatives Events, film, and commercial lending If this cut passes, the consequences are long-term: 📉 2 years: Fewer startups, shuttered storefronts 📉 5 years: Slower job growth 📉 10 years: A weaker economy and less tax revenue for public services We understand hard budget decisions — but cutting economic development today means losing Portland’s future. To Portland City Council: Stay the course. Keep investing in inclusive growth, small business success, and a resilient economy. #EconomicDevelopment #Portland #SmallBusinessSupport #ProsperPortland #InclusiveEconomy #PDXLeadership #BudgetDecisions #FutureOfWork Oscar Arana Nicole Davison León Abby Guyer Guyer Shea Flaherty Betin Keith Wilson Elana Pirtle-Guiney Candace Avalos Angelita Morillo Dan Ryan Loretta Smith Sameer Kanal Tiffany Koyama Lane Rick Turoczy Ciara Pressler Eric Zimmerman, MBA Felisa Hagins Chabre Vickers Mitch Daugherty

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