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 Government Affairs calls, featuring local elected officials, economic partners and policy experts.

Spring 2026 Update:

Three of the city’s leading commercial real estate and development organizations have joined forces with the Portland Metro Chamber (PMC) to launch the Portland Metro Chamber Public Affairs Collaborative.

The Portland Metro Chamber is currently seeking a Director of Commercial Real Estate and Development Policy to support a new regional advocacy initiative.

In partnership with NAIOP Oregon, BOMA Oregon, and Oregon Smart Growth, the Chamber has launched a Public Affairs Collaborative to address pressing challenges facing the region’s commercial real estate sector. This effort brings together leading industry organizations to align policy priorities, strengthen advocacy efforts, and promote economic growth across the Portland metro area.

The Director will serve as a key advocate for the industry, working closely with government officials, stakeholders, and Collaborative partners to advance policies that support development and regional prosperity. Responsibilities include tracking and shaping policy, producing public affairs communications, representing the Collaborative in public forums, and coordinating advocacy efforts at the local, state, and federal levels—reflecting a unified commitment to elevating the voice of commercial real estate in Oregon.

TO APPLY please submit a resume and cover letter to careers@portlandalliance.com

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.