Reappoint Chris Oxley to the Metropolitan Exposition and Recreation Commission to fill a City of Portland position
WHEREAS, through the 1989 Intergovernmental Agreement Regarding Consolidation of Regional Convention, Trade, Spectator and Performing Arts, the City of Portland and Metro established the Metropolitan Exposition and Recreation Commission (MERC) to provide oversight and direction for the ongoing operations of visitor facilities owned by the parties and agreed on the management of those facilities; and
WHEREAS, Metro Code Section 6.01.030 requires the City Council to nominate candidates to fill two MERC positions allocated to the City of Portland, the Metro Council President to concur with or reject such nomination, and the Metro Council to confirm the appointment; and
WHEREAS, on February 21, 2024, the Portland City Council unanimously approved a resolution recommending Chris Oxley as the City’s nominee to fill a mid-term vacancy on MERC; and
WHEREAS, Mayor Ted Wheeler and Commissioner Dan Ryan have been pleased with the professional leadership and extensive experience Mr. Oxley has demonstrated in representing the City on the Commission; and
WHEREAS, Mayor Wheeler recommends that the City Council nominate Mr. Oxley to fill the City of Portland’s MERC position for a full four-year term ending on September 25, 2028; and
WHEREAS, the Mayor recommends Mr. Oxley be appointed to MERC, subject to the Metro Council President’s concurrence and the Metro Council's confirmation; and
WHEREAS, in Resolution 37148, the City Council adopted a process for MERC nominations, and the Mayor has followed this process, including confirming the City’s MERC nomination through a Resolution.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City Council nominates Chris Oxley to represent the City of Portland as a member of the Metropolitan Exposition and Recreation Commission to serve a full four-year term beginning on September 26, 2024, and ending on September 25, 2028, subject to concurrence by the Metro Council President and confirmation by the Metro Council.
Official Record (Efiles)
Impact Statement
Purpose of Proposed Legislation and Background Information
The City of Portland is allocated two positions on the Metropolitan Exposition and Recreation Commission (MERC). Chris Oxley has been serving as a member of the commission since February 2024, filling a mid-term vacancy. This resolution nominates Chris Oxley to serve a full four-year term, which will end on September 25, 2028.
Mr. Oxley is a seasoned executive in the sports and entertainment industry with a career spanning over two decades. His extensive experience in arts, culture, and entertainment industries has made him a vital asset to Portland. Currently, he serves as the Senior Vice President of Government Affairs & Strategic Initiatives at the Portland Trail Blazers and Rip City Management. Previously, he held the role of General Manager of the Rose Quarter. In these capacities, Oxley managed the renovation of the Trail Blazers' practice facility and led a $16 million capital campaign that brought critical new entertainment infrastructure to the Rose Quarter and enhanced the fan experience. His expertise extends to travel and tourism enterprises, both domestically and internationally, and he brings deep industry relationships and community connections that are highly beneficial to serving on MERC.
Financial and Budgetary Impacts
This resolution has no direct financial impact on the City. However, the Metropolitan Exposition and Recreation Commission oversees the operation of the Portland’5 Centers for the Arts, which are arts facilities owned by the City of Portland and managed by the Office of Arts & Culture under an Intergovernmental Agreement between the City and Metro. The annual budget and long-term financial health of the Portland’5 are largely controlled by MERC.
The financial health of many of the Portland-metro region’s venues, including those overseen by MERC, are facing significant challenges, exacerbated by the slower-than-desired recovery of the travel and tourism industry, among other factors. Mr. Oxley’s professional experience and extensive community connections will be invaluable in his leadership as a member of the commission as these venues continue to navigate challenges in the coming years.
Community Impacts and Community Involvement
This resolution does not have direct or specific community impacts, and no formal public input was sought in recommending Mr. Oxley for re-appointment to the Commission. However, Mr. Oxley possesses the professional qualifications and experience necessary to assist in overseeing the City’s interest in these functions as a voting member of MERC.
Biography: Mr. Oxley is a seasoned sports and entertainment industry executive and has been professionally involved with arts, culture and entertainment at a large scale in Portland for many years. His relevant experience includes serving as General Manager of the Rose Quarter and Senior Vice President of the Portland Trail Blazers and Rip City Management and more than a decade. He has extensive experience with travel and tourism enterprises both domestically and internationally. Mr. Oxley brings deep industry and community connections that will be beneficial to serving on MERC.
Statement of Interest: Mr. Oxley welcomes the opportunity to apply his expertise to the MERC board to further Portland's economic and artistic future.
100% Renewable Goal
N/A
Financial and Budget Analysis
No Fiscal Impact.