OBC supports the vision of the Oregon Business Plan, a policy forum that we’ve shared nearly two decades with leaders from all sectors of Oregon life. This vision, recently updated, embraces three intertwined policy priorities for a coming decade of shared prosperity:
GROW Oregon’s Economy With Well Paying Jobs
INCREASE the Education and Work Skills of Oregonians
ENHANCE the Economic Mobility of More Oregonians
The Oregon Business Council embodies Oregon’s long history of business leaders who contribute their energy and expertise to civic life. A roundtable of top executives, OBC was founded in 1985 with the idea that a small, committed group of business leaders could make a significant contribution to Oregon’s well-being and future. Our mission is to enhance Oregon’s quality of life and economic prosperity — for all Oregonians in all parts of our state.
We do that through engagement in public issues in a range of ways – research and analysis, communication, convening, advocacy, and direct action with community partners. We’ve had an impact on some of Oregon’s most pressing public issues. These include public finance, economic development, education, poverty, health care, community health, and resource and environmental issues. We are non-profit, non-partisan, and independent, and our work is aimed at a broad public benefit.
In 2023, a diverse group of civic, business, and community leaders came together to define a bold, long-term vision for Portland's Central City recovery. Grounded in months of public input, the Committee organized its work around three long-term value propositions: that Portland’s Central City should serve as the region’s gathering place, a complete set of livable urban neighborhoods, and a hub of innovation and opportunity. These value propositions became the foundation for the recovery strategy. All In on Central City, a new report released by the Committee, is a strategic roadmap for revitalizing Portland’s civic core. The report identifies over 75 projects across six districts and sets bold 2030 goals - including restoring foot traffic to pre-pandemic levels, absorbing 2 million square feet of office space, and adding 2,500 new housing units, with a focus on affordability. Organized around a vision of livability, culture, and innovation, the report also launches the Central City Roundtable to lead the next phase of civic collaboration, track progress, and help Portland deliver on its promise. Read the full strategy and learn how you can be part of Portland’s next chapter here.
