Recently, a story on this newsfeed recapped a May 17 conversation between the Metro Council and members of the Metro Exposition Recreation Commission regarding ideas to support the long-term financial viability of our Oregon Convention Center.
I appreciate the summary of details covered by our staff reporter, Nick Christensen, and want to add my perspective to provide some context and clarity for our newsfeed readers.
A range of development projects in the Lloyd District, both public and private, are under consideration that have potential to support the business needs of the OCC. At one end of the range are efforts to improve existing hotel and restaurant facilities. To that end, Mayor Sam Adams has discussed renovating the city-owned Inn at the Convention Center, netting roughly 90 quality hotel rooms adjacent to the OCC. A mid-range scenario could net 300-400 quality nearby hotel rooms and is under consideration by several private owners of nearby properties. And, at the other end of this range, is the concept that was considered by the Metro Council and City of Portland in 2007-09 but shelved due to the bad economy: a 500- to 600-room headquarters hotel providing quality rooms, meeting spaces and restaurants.
Tuesday’s Council-Commission discussion included all three concepts as well as the need for other investments critical to the success of the OCC and the district, such as adding new retail and restaurants, residential and office space, and the new streetcar route along Northeast Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. These different components, potential combinations and other possible scenarios prompted me to ask aloud, “If we do halfway measures, does that get us further or does it foreclose full-term measures later on?” I sincerely believe we need to consider all parts and combinations of each to determine the best investments Metro and our partners can make to attract conventions, increase tourism, and improve the Lloyd District.
My campaign for Council President was based upon an economic development and jobs platform and each of these considerations listed above represent exciting opportunities in support of our convention center and in the interest of creating and sustaining local jobs. I am grateful that public and private sector leaders support these same goals and are willing to collaborate with my colleagues and me over the coming months as we explore the best way to manage the future financial success of one of our region’s key economic drivers: the Oregon Convention Center.