# Portland City Council Finance and Governance Committee of the Whole Meeting  **Re-Upload** 11 12 26

The Portland City Council Finance and Governance Committee of the Whole met on November 13, 2026, to hear a presentation and public testimony on downtown revitalization. Presenters described improving visitor activity and perceptions alongside persistent office vacancies, business closures, safety concerns, and weak employment. Prosper Portland reported that its vacant-storefront tenant-improvement grant program received more than 80 applications and paused new applications after two weeks; eligible applicants remain in the queue pending review and available funds. The city also supported a holiday pop-up program covering 17 storefronts, and presenters cited continued downtown marketing funding. Proposed approaches included streamlining development and permitting, incentives for housing and office conversions, support for local employers and cultural destinations, and stronger public safety and outreach services. Testifiers also urged funding for safety and cleanliness, support for Oldtown Chinatown cultural organizations, and a public-sector partnership to pursue Frog Ferry funding. No downtown spending measure, contract award, or procurement action was approved; the committee did not reach its planned council discussion, with further discussion and remaining testimony deferred.

The committee also considered appointments. It voted 7–2, with three members absent, to refer the reappointment of Thomas Kramer to the Fire and Police Disability and Retirement Board to Council with a recommendation for approval. It voted 9–0, with three absent, to refer Charity Crider’s reappointment to the Portland Children’s Levy Allocation Committee with a recommendation for approval. These were appointment actions, not procurement decisions.

**Jurisdictions:** sled
**Industries:** Construction & Infrastructure
**Topics:** Grants & Funding
**Published:** November 13, 2026

### Sources
- [Portland City Council Finance and Governance Committee of the Whole Meeting  **Re-Upload** 11 12 26](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7XN0Rs75eQk) - eGov PDX