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Witnesses urge $10 million in lottery bonds for James Beard Public Market to revitalize downtown Portland
Summary
Supporters, investors and tourism and hospitality groups testified in favor of House Bill 3377, which would provide $10 million in lottery bond funding toward construction of the James Beard Public Market in downtown Portland; committee heard questions about budget details and requested business‑plan materials.
Supporters of House Bill 3377 told the House Committee on Economic Development, Small Business and Trade on Feb. 12 that a James Beard Public Market in downtown Portland would serve as a regional showcase for Oregon agriculture, create space for around 40 small businesses, and help revitalize the downtown core. The bill would provide $10,000,000 from the sale of lottery bonds to the Historic Portland Public Market Foundation for construction of the market and declares an emergency on passage.
Representative Shannon Jones Isidore, who represents House District 33, described the market as a “catalyst for revitalization” and said it would connect urban consumers with rural producers. “The James Beard Public Market will be a celebration of Oregon's bounty,” Isidore said, noting organizers had purchased the Ungar Building near Pioneer Courthouse Square and planned the market to open in 2026.
Jessica Elkin, executive director of the James Beard Public Market, told the committee the foundation purchased the building on Jan. 17, 2025, for $3,000,000 and has raised more than $3,000,000 in private capital so far. She said the requested lottery bond funding would be used for construction and tenant improvements to build vendor spaces and related market infrastructure. “Owning a site is a huge leap forward for this project,” Elkin said.
Travel Oregon, Prosper Portland, industry associations, restaurateurs and individual investors testified in support. Kate Baumgartner of Travel Oregon said culinary tourism is a major draw for visitors and that the agency contributed $500,000 toward the building purchase and plans promotional support. Kurt Hoffman, who leads Chef's Table in Portland, and Greg Higgins, chef‑owner of Higgins restaurant, said a permanent market would attract visitors, support small producers and help bring activity back to the downtown core.
Committee members asked for the project’s business plan, a breakdown of the market’s total capitalization and how much of the requested $10 million would be used for construction versus administration or other costs. Jessica Elkin said funds would cover construction and tenant improvements for the purchased building and an adjacent leased building and that proponents would provide further financial detail to the committee upon request. No committee vote on HB 3377 was recorded in the hearing.
Ending
Proponents described the market as a public‑private effort intended to boost tourism, jobs and downtown activity; committee members requested additional documentation, including a business plan and detailed budget, before advancing a funding decision.
