Take action with NAIOP Oregon on issues of concern to the commercial real estate industry locally in Portland, Oregon, such as the revitalization of the downtown core, safety, tax policy that fosters economic growth, and clear, consistent regulatory policy.

Members can join monthly Public Affairs calls, featuring local elected officials, economic partners and policy experts.

 

Fall 2025 Update:

NAIOP was a leading supporter of an ordinance before the Portland City Council to suspend enforcement of four code provisions concerning permitting for additions and alterations to commercial development. The Code Alignment Project, which was spurred in part by NAIOP’s regular meetings with permitting staff to discuss problem areas, would apply to requirements for street tree planting (Title 11); street improvements, such as to sidewalks, curbs, and ramps (Title 17); seismic evaluations (Title 24); and site upgrades (Title 33).

The recommendation to suspend the four code areas until January 1, 2029, and was sent to the Council on a unanimous vote by the Planning Commission. An initial public hearing on an ordinance to do so was held before the City Council Committee on Homelessness and Housing on August 12^th, with NAIOP President-Elect Michelle Schulz and Public Affairs Consultant Kelly Ross both providing testimony in support. This resulted in the Committee sending it to the full Council with a unanimous “do pass” recommendation.

The full Council held a hearing on September 3^rd, with Schulz and Ross again testifying in support. No opposition was voiced by any Councilors and it is expected to pass on September 24^th. The NAIOP testimony emphasized  that delaying the four code requirements will allow time for an in-depth review and analysis of the areas that are causing code conflicts, and that they will continue Portland’s aggressive actions that have previously been made to improve and speed up the permitting process for commercial development, and in so doing, will help with bringing new tenants to commercial spaces that are currently vacant.

 

 

NAIOP joined with eight other regional business organizations to jointly sign a letter of support for semiconductor manufacturer Lam Research’s application to the City of Tualatin for a new $1 billion, 241,230 square-foot expansion that was projected to create 600 additional high-paying jobs.

“Throughout the planning and public hearing process, Lam has been a collaborative and transparent partner to both the City of Tualatin and Washington County,” said the business organizations’ letter. “The proposed expansion represents a transformative opportunity for our region—one that should not be jeopardized by unfounded opposition. Failing to advance this project would send a discouraging message to companies seeking to invest in Oregon: that we prioritize resistance over progress, even when the stakes involve career pathways, homeownership, and long-term economic vitality.”

Although the application stirred widespread opposition from neighboring property owners and others, with over 500 comments filed urging that the expansion be denied, the city Architectural Review Committee unanimously approved it on September 10^th.