When people talk about the future of Portland, Oregon, business can sometimes be treated as separate from the broader health of the community. In a recent conversation with David Moore, CEO of Equity Advantage, Jose Cienfuegos, president of the Revitalize Portland Coalition, made the case for looking at that relationship differently. When businesses invest, grow, and succeed, he believes Portland, Multnomah County, and Oregon benefit right along with them.
The Revitalize Portland Coalition (RPC) brings together people and companies with a significant stake in the region’s real estate market. Jose describes the coalition as having 10,000 members and 25 companies, all invested in making sure Portland, Multnomah County, and Oregon continue to thrive.
The reason is straightforward. If the region is doing well, businesses have more opportunities to succeed. And when those businesses are thriving, Jose believes the benefits reach much further than the business community itself.
Business Is a Partner in Portland’s Success
“Business is not a bad word,” Jose says. “It is a partner.” Business isn’t the enemy – Portland, Oregon needs to hear this.
That distinction is important to how he thinks about Portland’s recovery. Businesses are not operating separately from the people who live here. They employ people, invest in property, bring money into the region, and contribute to the economic activity that helps support the community.
So when the business community is doing better, Jose sees that as a positive sign for everyone.
That means the conversation does not have to be about choosing between what is good for businesses and what is good for Portlanders. From Jose’s perspective, the two are connected.
If Portland wants a stronger economy, part of the solution is creating an environment where businesses have reasons to invest and grow.
What Does a Thriving Portland Look Like?
Jose points to several signs that would tell him investment is returning to the region.
He wants to see:
- Cranes and new development
- More 1031 Exchanges taking place
- Outside investment money coming into the region
- Companies choosing to move here
- Local businesses growing and doing better
Each represents activity. Someone is building, buying, reinvesting, expanding, or deciding that Portland is a place worth putting money into.
For David and Equity Advantage, 1031 Exchanges are one piece of that larger picture. When investors complete a 1031 Exchange, they are selling investment real estate and reinvesting in other investment property rather than simply cashing out.
Jose includes that kind of reinvestment alongside development, outside capital, and companies moving into the area because they all point toward the same thing: people choosing to invest in the region rather than somewhere else.
When Business Grows, the Region Benefits
For Jose, the discussion ultimately comes back to revenue.
“If you guys are all doing better, we are all going to do better,” he says. “Because that means one thing: revenue.”
That is the connection he wants more people in Portland, Multnomah County, and across Oregon to recognize. A stronger business community can mean more economic activity taking place locally rather than investment moving elsewhere.
It also gives Portland a different way to think about economic recovery. The goal is not simply to convince businesses to stay. It is to create the conditions that make people want to build, reinvest, bring outside capital into the region, and move companies here.
Jose believes businesses should be viewed as partners in that process. Their success and Portland’s success do not have to be competing goals.
The more reasons businesses and investors have to choose Portland, the more opportunity there is for the broader region to thrive with them.
The Guys With All The Answers…
David and Thomas Moore, the co-founders of Equity Advantage & IRA Advantage
Whether working through a 1031 Exchange with Equity Advantage, acquiring real estate with an IRA through IRA Advantage or listing investment property through our Post 1031 property listing site, we are here to help Investors get where they want to be. Call them today! 503-635-1031.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Revitalize Portland Coalition?
The Revitalize Portland Coalition (RPC) is a group focused on helping Portland, Multnomah County, and Oregon thrive. Jose Cienfuegos describes RPC as having 10,000 members and 25 companies involved in the real estate market.
Why does business growth matter to Portland, Oregon?
Business growth can bring investment and economic activity into the region. Jose believes that when businesses are succeeding and investing locally, the broader community benefits as well.
What are signs of increased investment in Portland?
New development, 1031 Exchanges, outside investment, companies moving into the region, and local businesses growing are all signs Jose looks to as indications that people are choosing to invest in Portland.
