PORTLAND ENTERPRISE ZONE - REAUTHORIZATION
Binding City Policy
BCP-ENB-23.04
PURPOSE
WHEREAS, The Oregon Enterprise Zone Act, Oregon Revised Statutes (“ORS”) 285C.045 – 285C.250, authorizes the designation of Enterprise Zones, and provides for property tax abatement, job creation, and local municipal incentives to stimulate economic development in an economically disadvantaged area (“E-Zone”);
WHEREAS, in January 1986, the Portland City Council (“City”) adopted Resolution No. 34019, which authorized Prosper Portland, the City’s designated economic development agency, to prepare and submit an application on behalf of the City to the Oregon E-Zone program;
WHEREAS, in March 1987, City Council adopted Ordinance No. 159467, accepting the Governor’s designation of the first City of Portland E-Zone, with the City as the E-Zone Sponsor, and authorizing Prosper Portland to manage the City’s E-Zone program as part of its economic development responsibilities;
WHEREAS, the City reauthorized its E-Zone program for two additional 10-year designations in 1996 (City Resolution No. 35506) and 2008 (City Resolution No. 36583);
WHEREAS, on October 11, 2017, the City adopted Resolution No. 37321 which amended the Portland E-Zone Policy in accordance with the provisions of ORS 285C.150 and ORS 285C.160, which policy, as may be amended as necessary from time to time;
WHEREAS, the current Portland E-Zone, designated in 2008, expires June 30, 2019;
WHEREAS, the Enterprise Zone (“E-Zone”) program allows for industrial and other qualifying firms making substantial new capital investments an exemption of 100% of real property taxes attributable to the new investment(s) for a five-year period;
WHEREAS, the E-Zone program is one of the City’s most important tools to incent major new capital investments that create primarily traded sector job opportunities for local residents;
WHEREAS, the City authorized the East Portland E-Zone in 2012 (City Resolution No. 36934) which will expire in 2022;
WHEREAS, the combined East Portland and Portland E-Zones in 2017 created 2,834 new jobs which paid an average of $41.96 in combined wages and benefits, and between 2015 and 2018 generated a total of $801,966,258 in capital and procurement investment;
WHEREAS, the Portland E-Zone will advance objectives of the Prosper Portland 2015-2020 Strategic Plan and 2012 Portland Plan, which emphasize making investments that create quality jobs and collaboration between community-based organizations, the private sector and public entities to support equitable outcomes for residents facing economic disadvantages;
WHEREAS, the Prosper Portland Board of Commissioners requests that the City apply for reauthorization of another 10-year Enterprise Zone designation from Business Oregon to replace the expiring Portland E-Zone with no changes to the 2017 E-Zone Policy;
WHEREAS, the proposed Portland E-Zone is in an area that meets the requirements as set forth by ORS 285C.090, maintains the current boundaries, and makes 10 adjustments in alignment with the priorities of taxing jurisdiction partners including the City of Portland, Prosper Portland, Port of Portland, and Metro;
WHEREAS, the City has consulted, through Prosper Portland, with local taxing jurisdictions in compliance with ORS 285C.067;
POLICY
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Portland City Council requests the area shown in the map attached hereto as Exhibit A, be designated by the Director of the Oregon Business Development Department as an Enterprise Zone pursuant to ORS 285C.065(3);
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Council authorizes Prosper Portland to submit an application on behalf of the City to the State of Oregon for re-designation of the Portland E-Zone and appoints Prosper Portland to continue as zone manager of the re-designated Portland E-Zone;
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City will comply with ORS 285C.105 and will fulfill its duties as E-Zone Sponsor under ORS 285C.050 to 285C.250 including processing applications, managing compliance, managing local public benefit requirements, and completing all required documentation;
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Council-adopted Enterprise Zone Policy will continue to be the guiding/binding policy for the re-authorized Portland Enterprise Zone in accordance with Exhibit B.
Link to Exhibits A and B (PDF Document, 727 kb)
HISTORY
Resolution No. 37423, adopted by City Council May 1, 2019.