Milwaukee leaders propose partnerships to enhance local business engagement through Pokémon Go

The City Council of Milwaukie, Oregon, convened for a work session on April 1, 2025, to discuss various initiatives aimed at enhancing local business engagement and community development. The meeting focused on strategies to leverage community events, particularly those related to popular games like Pokémon Go, to stimulate local commerce.

The session began with a discussion on the potential for businesses in downtown Milwaukie to capitalize on Pokémon Go community days. Council members emphasized the importance of marketing these events to attract players to local businesses, suggesting that businesses could promote themselves through in-game locations known as PokéStops. This initiative aims to increase foot traffic and engagement in the downtown area.

Following this, the council reviewed metrics for tracking community engagement and event attendance. They discussed the need for better data collection to understand the impact of events on local businesses and to inform future planning. The conversation highlighted the importance of establishing a clear connection between community events and business support.

The council also explored partnerships with local organizations, including TIE, which focuses on entrepreneurship and business incubation. Members expressed interest in collaborating with educational institutions like Schellingburg to enhance vocational training and business development opportunities. The goal is to create a supportive ecosystem for local businesses through these partnerships.

As the meeting progressed, the council outlined a three-year plan focusing on supporting downtown momentum, enhancing neighborhood hubs, and institutionalizing business support as a core city function. They acknowledged the need for regular engagement with the business community to identify their needs and obstacles.

A significant point of discussion was the current business license code, which primarily serves revenue generation. Council members expressed a desire to shift this focus towards providing tangible support for local businesses, including clearer communication about how business taxes contribute to community development.

The session concluded with a consensus on the importance of ongoing collaboration among council members and community stakeholders. They agreed to publish progress updates on their initiatives on the city’s website, ensuring transparency and accountability in their efforts to foster economic growth in Milwaukie.

Overall, the meeting underscored the council's commitment to enhancing local business engagement and creating a vibrant community through strategic partnerships and targeted initiatives. The next steps include refining their action plans and continuing to build relationships with local businesses and organizations.