During a recent government meeting, key stakeholders voiced their support for the establishment of the Sumner Park Rose Tax Increment Financing (TIF) District, emphasizing its potential to address pressing issues of housing and economic development in the Park Rose area. Superintendent of the Park Rose School District highlighted the urgent need for affordable housing and economic opportunities, particularly for marginalized youth and families facing displacement. He expressed hope that the TIF would provide essential resources to help families remain rooted in their community.

Sarah Radcliffe, Director of Government Relations for Habitat for Humanity Portland Region, echoed these sentiments, advocating for a focus on affordable homeownership as a means to stabilize communities and combat displacement. She called for a minimum of 20% of TIF funding to be allocated specifically for affordable homeownership initiatives, citing strong community support for this approach.

Karen Wolfgang, a member of the working group for the East of 205 TIF, shared her experiences in developing community resilience projects and stressed the importance of city support in fostering local initiatives. She urged for a coordinated effort between community groups and the city to ensure that TIF funds are effectively utilized to meet community needs.

Terrence Hayes, representing the East Portland community, raised concerns about the potential for East Portland to become a dumping ground for low-income housing projects. He called for equitable distribution of housing developments across neighborhoods and emphasized the need for specific strategies to promote homeownership among communities of color, particularly those affected by gentrification.

Corky Collier, Executive Director of the Columbia Corridor Association, highlighted the TIF district's potential to enhance local infrastructure and support businesses that employ a diverse workforce. He praised the collaborative efforts of Prosper Portland in managing the TIF proposals and underscored the importance of creating a vibrant community that benefits both residents and local businesses.

Orlando Simpson, CEO of a local recycling innovation company, concluded the meeting by expressing gratitude to Mayor Ted Wheeler for his leadership during challenging times, acknowledging the complexities faced by the city.

The discussions underscored a collective commitment to leveraging the TIF district as a tool for fostering economic growth, affordable housing, and community resilience in the Park Rose area, while addressing historical inequities and displacement challenges.