Profile: Portland Development Commission

PDC's Vision...

The Portland Development Commission’s Vision is to be a catalyst for positive change in the creation of a world-class 21st Century city; a city in which economic prosperity, quality housing and employment opportunities are available to all.

Our Mission is to bring together resources to achieve Portland’s vision of a diverse, sustainable community with healthy neighborhoods, a vibrant central city, a strong regional economy, and quality jobs and housing for all.

Where We've Been...       Where We're Headed...

In the fall of 2007, the PDC Board of Commissioners adopted a Strategic Plan to guide the Commission's work over the five year period 2008 through 2012. The Plan's Five Strategies guide Key Actions that focus on job creation, a diverse workforce, community partnerships, expansion of existing and new sources of funding, and the continued stewardship of the public's resources through performance measurement, and effective program and project management.

Created by Portland voters in 1958, PDC has played a major role in keeping Portland one of America's most livable cities. During the past 50 years, PDC has taken forward 20 urban renewal plans that have helped change the face of the city—making it a better place to live for all Portlanders. (See PDC history.)

Waterfront redevelopment, small business loans, affordable housing, new retail opportunities, transit-oriented development, business recruitment and retention—all this and more make up the day to day work of the staff at PDC.

This website is intended to give a better understanding of PDC and Portland, Oregon—a city that half a million people and businesses call home.