Commercial Activations

Information
The Commercial Activations program provides a series of activations to support and increase visibility for small businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Overview

Given ongoing pandemic impacts, Prosper Portland is committed to sustaining support of public and private property owners, small businesses, artists, and event producers with a focus on investing in Portland’s “main streets,” This funding will support the following initiatives:

  • Develop an Activation Strategy that helps to determine ideal commercial corridors where activation has the largest impact for small businesses in the area
  • Produce a consistent flow of activations, events, and art installations throughout the city to bolster commercial corridors

Who does this program serve?

Portland small businesses that have been economically impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Timeline

February 2023 Program launches

March 2023 Activation Strategy developed

April 2023 – February 2024 Activation implementation

How is this program funded?

The City of Portland has committed $507,000 to this program. This money comes from the federal government’s 2021 American Rescue Plan local recovery funds. Portland will receive a total of $208 million from the American Rescue Plan and has the next few years to spend it. The City of Portland is spending money in three priority categories:

· Houselessness Response and Household Stabilization

· Small Business and Commercial District Stabilization

· Community Health and Safety Read more about these investments in this article: American Rescue Plan: Investing in Portland

Who manages this program?

Prosper Portland, the city’s economic development agency, operates this program. Prosper Portland’s mission is to create economic growth and opportunity for Portland.

Results

We want to be transparent and accountable with how the City of Portland is spending American Rescue Plan money. Explore the different projects at our Rescue Plan Open Data website.