By Aneesa Grant, The Portland Medium
The City of Portland is set to embark on a study aimed at preserving historically significant businesses and institutions, thanks to a $352,000 grant awarded by the U.S. Small Business Administration. The grant, secured with the assistance of U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden, will support the Bureau of Planning and Sustainability (BPS) in diversifying the city’s historic preservation programs to encompass places of social and cultural importance.
The Bureau of Planning and Sustainability, in collaboration with other city bureaus and community partners, will spearhead this project, prioritizing the protection of enduring community institutions such as retail businesses, production facilities, and gathering places, many of which have been overlooked for landmark designation despite their immense significance to the city’s cultural identity.
“In recent years, retail services, fraternal clubs, and culturally specific restaurants and bars that historically served under-represented communities have been among the most vulnerable to involuntary displacement in the city,” explained Portland City Commissioner Carmen Rubio. “This program will provide a menu of resources and protections to support the ongoing operation of diverse institutions.”
The initiative, slated for completion by late 2025, will focus on businesses and institutions owned by and catering to communities of color, LGBTQ+ Portlanders, and under-represented neighborhoods. It will involve an in-depth examination of existing legacy business preservation programs in other cities, an analysis of various policy alternatives for safeguarding Portland’s legacy businesses, and the development of recommended actions for City Council consideration.
The Bureau of Planning and Sustainability has been working in recent years to expand the list of historic resources on the citywide Historic Resources Inventory. This expansion particularly emphasizes the designation and protection of African American, Asian American, and LGBTQ+ historic resources to prevent erasure, create economic opportunities for owners and tenants, and ensure inclusivity for all Portlanders.
Portland’s project follows in the footsteps of similar efforts in San Francisco, San Antonio, and other cities, all geared towards protecting intergenerational historic resources from displacement and closure.
“This program recognizes the importance of sustaining and preserving local small businesses that contribute to Portland’s economy and make up the fabric of Portland’s rich culture and heritage,” emphasized Zachary Stocks of Oregon Black Pioneers, a supporter of the grant application.
With the grant secured, the Bureau of Planning and Sustainability will work closely with stakeholders to develop an approach that aligns with the needs of Portland’s long-standing small businesses and community-serving institutions. The community will have opportunities for participation and feedback in 2024 and 2025. The project is slated for completion in late 2025, after which the city will consider implementing one or more programs designed to protect historically significant legacy businesses.
