Prosper Portland Awards More Than $1.8 Million in Community Livability Grants

Significant projects include the expansion of classroom space at Childworks Learning Center in Gateway; gallery expansion at the Oregon Jewish Museum, upgrades to the Oregon College of Oriental Medicine, and new space for the Homeless-to-Work program at Central City Concern, all in Old Town; and tenant improvements for the Mental Health Association of Oregon office in Lents Town Center.  

The agency will award $1,805,738 in Community Livability Grants for fiscal 2022-23 to 32 projects in five tax increment districts or neighborhoods, leveraging more than $10 million in private investment. Two projects in Gateway Regional Center, four projects in Central Eastside, five in Lents Town Center, eight in Interstate Corridor, and 13 in the Old Town neighborhood will receive funding. 

Prosper Portland Executive Director Kimberly Branam said, “Our assistance to community-serving projects is more critical than ever in the face of the challenges presented by the current public health and economic crisis. We’re grateful to be able to continue helping community organizations fulfill the aspirations of their neighborhoods and better serve diverse populations throughout the city with this year’s awards.” 

The evaluation committees for each area included representatives from community organizations, neighborhood and business associations, and non-profit organizations as well as individual business owners and Prosper Portland staff. 

The Community Livability Grant Program gives funding priority to projects that improve access to jobs and workforce development services; support wealth creation opportunities for small business owners; honor and enhance the neighborhood’s cultural diversity and history; deliver a community asset tailored to the community’s expressed priorities and opportunities; and advance goals of area-specific action plans. 

Since 2006, Prosper Portland has awarded more than $13 million to more than 230 community livability projects across multiple neighborhoods and TIF districts. 

More information on the program and the full list of 2022-23 recipients is posted here.