Elections, Tourism Events, and Safety in Portland

Addressing Future Elected Leaders: Portland Events and Tourism
ORLA’s Director of Government Affairs, Greg Astley, recently joined Jim Etzel, CEO of Sport Oregon and Christina Fuller of Fuller Events on a panel discussing the importance of the hospitality and tourism industry to 35+ Portland City Council candidates. The event was a joint effort with United for Portland to help educate candidates running for Portland City Council. The panel discussion was followed by a Q&A from the candidates and wrapped up with a social meet and greet. Many, if not most, candidates in the room are very probable to be elected leaders for the city and last night’s discussion provided a glimpse into the impacts and importance of a thriving hospitality industry and the challenges our industry hopes to overcome in Portland. Watch the full news story here.

Portland Lodging Alliance (PLA) and Portland Kitchen Cabinet (PKC) Meeting Updates
PLA and PKC convened on September 16 with Portland City Commissioner Dan Ryan as our guest. Commissioner Ryan spoke to the group about the importance of the upcoming election and how important it will be to elect people who are willing to get things done and who have a willingness to work together and make progress in the city. Commissioner Ryan encouraged members to show up at county and city meetings to share stories and testify to help advocate for policy that will uplift the community. At the meeting, United for Portland’s Executive Director Doug Moore also shared an overview of the upcoming election, polling and what is expected in the months leading up. PLA and PKC are starting the process to find new volunteer leaders to step in and help facilitate meetings, shape agendas with minimal time commitment. Interested? Please email Makenzie Marineau.

Travel Portland Stakeholder Meetings
As the hospitality community wraps up a successful summer season, Travel Portland is excited to convene a series of stakeholder meetings to update you on the organization’s latest efforts, outline new initiatives and solicit feedback.
Join Travel Portland and other partners on one of the following dates:

• Oct. 9 from 3-4 p.m. at the Sheraton Portland Airport Hotel
• Oct. 14 from 3-4 p.m. at the Hilton Portland Downtown

 To RSVP, click here.

Weigh In: Oregon Building Performance Standards
The Energy Performance Standard policy for commercial buildings addresses energy use and emissions from existing commercial buildings. The latest proposed rules don’t take the hotel and restaurant industry into consideration, resulting in concerns with existing infrastructure, piping and appliances, and retrofitting older buildings. The Oregon Department of Energy requests stakeholders’ input on the draft rules; share your comments virtually through the end of October. To stay informed of program updates, sign up for the Oregon BPS distribution list.

Future of Keller Auditorium to be Made this Fall
Portland City Council is delaying a final decision on the future of the Keller Auditorium to October and directing two groups to work together to create a plan to upgrade the aging performing arts venue. Portland State University put forward a plan to build a new, similar-size venue near the university and Halprin Landscape Conservancy has proposed to renovate the auditorium at its existing site. Last Wednesday, the council passed a resolution directing city staff to work with PSU and Halprin to “seek a collaborative solution that combines their respective projects.” The combined proposal from PSU and Halprin is due to the city council by October 9.

Business Safety and Continuity During Civil Unrest
As a follow up to the ‘Safety Summit in an Election Year’ held earlier this year, Portland Downtown Clean & Safe has partnered with the Professional Security Association of Oregon (PSAO) to host a free two-hour resource seminar. The event aimed to help businesses how to best prepare for civil unrest and potential property damage, how to build a communication plan for your staff and patrons, and how to connect with existing public safety networks and the City of Portland. Contact [email protected] for more information on the resources available.

Upcoming ORLA Portland events
The Portland Lodging Alliance and Portland Kitchen Cabinet will meet October 16 with guest presentations from Travel Portland and the City of Portland’s Portland Solutions. Stay tuned for more information on a Meet and Greet with Oregon Treasurer Tobias Read in October.

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ORLA members wanting to get involved in a Portland area Regional Leadership Team should contact Makenzie Marineau, Government Affairs and Regional Leadership Teams Coordinator.