Portland leaders urge support for $10 million festival stabilization and Waterfront Park study in House Bill 2,291

Mayor Keith Wilson, Portland City Councilor Dan Ryan, business leaders and festival organizers told the House Committee on Economic Development, Small Business and Trade on March 31 that House Bill 2,291 would help stabilize major Portland festivals and launch a collaborative study of Tom McCall Waterfront Park.

The bill, as summarized for the committee, would direct the Oregon Business Development Department (OBDD) to conduct a study on economic development and, in the dash-1 form read at the hearing, appropriate $10,000,000 to Travel Portland "to establish a revolving grant program for festivals or cultural events in the city of Portland" and "establish the task force on Tom McCall Waterfront Park." The summary also stated the measure takes effect on the 91st day following adjournment.

Why it matters: Testifiers said Portland's large-scale festivals are cultural and economic engines for the state whose operating models remain fragile following the pandemic. Proponents said a combination of short-term stabilization grants and a longer-term operating and infrastructure plan would protect events that drive downtown foot traffic, hotel stays and small-business revenue.

Who testified and the main points

Mayor Keith Wilson, Mayor of Portland - "The festivals need help now," Wilson told the committee, saying the city is "still recovering from the pandemic" and that festivals "bring together people from all backgrounds to celebrate music, art, food, and culture." He asked the committee to support the bill to sustain "key iconic festivals" and to avoid returning to the Legislature in two years seeking more help.

Councilor Dan Ryan, Portland City Councilor and co-chair of the…