Have you reviewed the recent “Our Creative Future” multi-county cultural plan (linked above)? Would you endorse the plan as a candidate?

Yes, I have reviewed the multi-county cultural plan, and I sincerely hope we can take meaningful steps to implement it in the most equitable way possible. After reading through it, I’m encouraged by the efforts being made to challenge the status quo and reshape the narrative. As a Moorish American, it excites me to see that my culture, along with many others in the tri-county area, will have the opportunity to be acknowledged and celebrated. This plan represents an important step toward inclusion and cultural recognition for all communities.

Portland is facing job losses, particularly in the downtown core. How can arts/culture workforce investments be part of a wider strategy to improve the workforce outlook for the region?

Viable investments into the arts and culture workforce should focus on areas that enrich the community and drive economic growth. Bolstering tourism and agrotourism can be key, as they provide opportunities for local artists and cultural workers to showcase their talents while attracting visitors. Agrotourism, in particular, ties together cultural heritage and regional agriculture, offering unique experiences that highlight traditional practices and crafts. Additionally, supporting concerts and cultural festivals allows diverse voices to be heard and shared, fostering a greater appreciation for various artistic expressions such as one of the ancient art forms stand-up comedy. These events generate revenue, create jobs, and offer platforms for both emerging and established artists. By investing in these areas, we can build a sustainable arts economy while celebrating the rich cultural diversity within our communities. What I see as viable investments into the arts/culture workforce should include bolstering tourism, agrotourism, concerts, and cultural festivals.

Arts, culture, design and creative entrepreneurship are key elements of Portland’s national and regional brand. Portland has the fourth-highest concentration of artists in the nation, after New York, San Francisco and Los Angeles, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. What policies or investments would you back to ensure that arts, culture and the creative economy are part of the city’s priorities in investments and new policies?

In support of culturally specific foods produced by diverse restaurant owners, my campaign is offering $5,000 to $5,000,000 in growth capital to qualified businesses. This initiative aims to help restaurant owners preserve and expand their unique culinary traditions, promoting cultural diversity in the food industry. Through the endorsement from Bey Group of Companies, we are able to provide critical financial backing, ensuring these restaurants have the resources to succeed. Our goal is to celebrate and sustain the rich food heritage of various communities, making these unique flavors more accessible while also boosting the local economy. In addition, we are focused on enriching local urban farmers by encouraging the production of fresh, organic foods. This holistic approach strengthens the connection between local agriculture and culturally diverse cuisine, benefiting both producers and consumers while fostering sustainable growth across the food sector. Currently, in the spirit of supporting culturally specific foods produced by various restaurant owners, my campaign provides $5,000 to $5,000,000 of growth capital to all who qualify.

How do you see museums, cultural institutions, creative independent venues, nightlife and festivals as part of the downtown revitalization and general community stabilization?

Museums, cultural institutions, creative independent venues, nightlife, and festivals play a crucial role in downtown revitalization, serving as key components of an economic development strategy. By attracting both locals and tourists, these cultural hubs generate revenue, create jobs, and boost surrounding businesses such as restaurants, retail shops, and hotels. Creative venues and festivals, in particular, breathe life into urban areas, drawing diverse crowds and fostering a sense of community. Nightlife also contributes by keeping the downtown area vibrant and active beyond business hours, enhancing its appeal as a destination. Museums and cultural institutions preserve and showcase heritage, offering educational experiences that enrich the community while driving tourism. Collectively, these elements create a dynamic cultural ecosystem that stabilizes downtown economies and encourages long-term growth. By integrating arts and culture into economic planning, cities can attract investment, support local talent, and promote sustainable development.

Portland is home to an incredibly diverse range of cultural organizations, artists co-ops, and small businesses that make our neighborhoods unique and distinct. What small business and cultural activation ideas do you have for Portland’s neighborhoods?

I envision expanding the Portland Street Response to 95 divisions, ensuring they work in harmony with neighborhood associations across the city. This expansion would strengthen the connection between community services and local needs, providing a more comprehensive and responsive approach to public safety and support. In addition to this, I propose creating four Youth Innovation Hubs, one for each district. These hubs would serve as spaces for multicultural youth and community advocacy organizations to thrive, offering resources, mentorship, and opportunities for collaboration. Each hub would focus on empowering young people, fostering creativity, and supporting initiatives that address the unique challenges faced by diverse communities. By integrating these hubs with the expanded Portland Street Response, we can create a holistic system that not only improves public safety but also nurtures the next generation of leaders and advocates. This vision promotes inclusivity, innovation, and a stronger, more connected community across all districts of Portland.

Have you reviewed the recent “Our Creative Future” multi-county cultural plan (linked above)? Would you endorse the plan as a candidate?

Portland’s artists and cultural institutions deserve and need more funding. I think the plan is not adequate in size or scope. I propose to increase the funding by four times at current levels to mirror Seattle’s support of the arts. This is detailed further in my plan to make Portland better located at joshforportland.com/plan. Read my commitment to the arts under my plan to Invest in Arts & Culture located at: https://www.joshforportland.com/plan/invest-in-arts-amp-culture

Portland is facing job losses, particularly in the downtown core. How can arts/culture workforce investments be part of a wider strategy to improve the workforce outlook for the region?

Our city needs better ideas to address the job losses, particularly in the downtown core. I have a plan to revitalize the downtown core. We need to create more jobs and support the jobs already here. Read more about reviving the downtown at https://www.joshforportland.com/plan/revitalizedowntown but also check out my plan to help small businesses, often representative of arts/culture workforce teams: https://www.joshforportland.com/plan/small-business-revolution

Arts, culture, design and creative entrepreneurship are key elements of Portland’s national and regional brand. Portland has the fourth-highest concentration of artists in the nation, after New York, San Francisco and Los Angeles, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. What policies or investments would you back to ensure that arts, culture and the creative economy are part of the city’s priorities in investments and new policies?

Our city needs to be rebranded in the eyes of both our residents and the world. I discuss this further in my plan: https://www.joshforportland.com/plan/rebrand-portland

I also believe that the arts are underfunded in our city. And for our efforts to have more value, we need to make a commitment to increase funding immediately as detailed in my plan to invest in arts & culture: https://www.joshforportland.com/plan/invest-in-arts-amp-culture

How do you see museums, cultural institutions, creative independent venues, nightlife and festivals as part of the downtown revitalization and general community stabilization?

We need to invest in arts and culture more than our current leadership believes is needed. I strongly believe they are wrong for not prioritizing arts and culture: https://www.joshforportland.com/plan/invest-in-arts-amp-culture

Portland is home to an incredibly diverse range of cultural organizations, artists co-ops, and small businesses that make our neighborhoods unique and distinct. What small business and cultural activation ideas do you have for Portland’s neighborhoods?

My plan discusses many benefits for small businesses and arts and cultural organizations. Please review my Jobs for All Programs giving people facing housing insecurity or income insecurity access to funds today: https://www.joshforportland.com/plan/jobs-for-all

My proposal to increase arts funding by 4 x up to 10x its current levels: https://www.joshforportland.com/plan/invest-in-arts-amp-culture

And my commitment to small businesses: https://www.joshforportland.com/plan/small-business-revolution

Have you reviewed the recent “Our Creative Future” multi-county cultural plan (linked above)? Would you endorse the plan as a candidate?

Yes, I have thoroughly reviewed the “Our Creative Future” cultural plan, which was adopted by Portland City Council in May 2024. This comprehensive plan offers a visionary framework to strengthen arts and culture across the tri-county region, with a focus on community engagement, equity, and sustainable support for the creative sector.

As a candidate for mayor, I wholeheartedly endorse the plan. It aligns with my commitment to fostering a vibrant, inclusive, and economically robust arts community in Portland. By implementing its strategies, we can ensure that arts and culture remain central to our city’s identity and future growth.Yes, I have thoroughly reviewed the “Our Creative Future” cultural plan. Adopted by Portland City Council in May 2024, this comprehensive plan outlines a visionary framework to enhance arts and culture across the tri-county region, emphasizing community engagement, equity, and sustainable support for the creative sector.

Portland is facing job losses, particularly in the downtown core. How can arts/culture workforce investments be part of a wider strategy to improve the workforce outlook for the region?

Investing in the arts and culture sector is pivotal for revitalizing Portland’s downtown and enhancing regional employment. The “Our Creative Future” plan highlights the significant economic impact of the arts, noting that the creative sector contributes substantially to job creation and economic development.

By supporting cultural institutions, festivals, and public art initiatives, we can stimulate tourism, attract businesses, and retain talent, thereby bolstering the overall economy.

Arts, culture, design and creative entrepreneurship are key elements of Portland’s national and regional brand. Portland has the fourth-highest concentration of artists in the nation, after New York, San Francisco and Los Angeles, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. What policies or investments would you back to ensure that arts, culture and the creative economy are part of the city’s priorities in investments and new policies?

To maintain and enhance Portland’s reputation as a creative hub, I propose the following initiatives:

• Increased Funding for the Arts: Advocate for sustained and increased public funding to support arts organizations and individual artists, ensuring financial stability and growth.
• Creative Economy Incentives: Develop policies that provide incentives for creative businesses and entrepreneurs, such as tax benefits, grants, or affordable workspace programs.
• Arts Education and Community Engagement: Invest in arts education programs and community workshops to cultivate local talent and ensure equitable access to creative opportunities across all neighborhoods.

How do you see museums, cultural institutions, creative independent venues, nightlife and festivals as part of the downtown revitalization and general community stabilization?

Museums, cultural institutions, venues, nightlife, and festivals are vital to downtown Portland’s revitalization and community well-being. They attract diverse audiences, foster community engagement, and drive economic activity. Supporting these entities aligns with the “Our Creative Future” plan’s goals to enhance cultural experiences and promote community stabilization through the arts.

Portland is home to an incredibly diverse range of cultural organizations, artists co-ops, and small businesses that make our neighborhoods unique and distinct. What small business and cultural activation ideas do you have for Portland’s neighborhoods?

To celebrate and strengthen Portland’s cultural diversity at the neighborhood level, I suggest:

• Neighborhood Arts Grants: Establish a grant program to fund local arts projects, events, and organizations, empowering communities to create and sustain cultural activities.
• Cultural Districts: Designate specific neighborhoods as cultural districts, providing resources and support to preserve and promote their unique artistic and cultural heritage.
• Pop-Up Art Installations: Facilitate temporary art installations and performances in vacant storefronts or public spaces, enlivening neighborhoods and providing platforms for local artists.

By implementing these strategies, we can ensure that arts and culture continue to thrive in Portland, enriching the lives of residents and visitors alike.

Have you reviewed the recent “Our Creative Future” multi-county cultural plan (linked above)? Would you endorse the plan as a candidate?

Yes, I believe that the arts in all mediums need to be out in public spaces. The younger the crowd the better. I would be very interested in having several cultural center in town that have a variety of art types taking place at the same time. The culture center can have art as painting and someone painting, or a class space, with , a featured event as glass, pottery, metal, wood, etc, live music, and a live theater.. The roaming and checking out of different arts and seeing them made in front of you or being a part of it and then years later it in your community.
The city can lead the way in planning events and cheering on the need to support art. and create traditions that bring us together.

Portland is facing job losses, particularly in the downtown core. How can arts/culture workforce investments be part of a wider strategy to improve the workforce outlook for the region?

It would be nice to bring back the theater district live and movie and then have an art mall atmosphere around it. Step up kind of like Open Mic is for music, instead bring your art, skills, and story and be seen. Portland has talent and we need to brand it like Made In Oregon does and ship out of state for money and recognition Helping to create a district with leadership asking for support to head in the direction of “an arts district” in downtown as a focus.

I would also like to have our freeway wall turned into murals with agreement that space for respect no tagging art Set up a raffle of the freeway walls with rules and guideline and the artist design.

Arts, culture, design and creative entrepreneurship are key elements of Portland’s national and regional brand. Portland has the fourth-highest concentration of artists in the nation, after New York, San Francisco and Los Angeles, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. What policies or investments would you back to ensure that arts, culture and the creative economy are part of the city’s priorities in investments and new policies?

Commercial property zoning needs to be relaxed as live-work properties.
A push to have cultural center out in the communities large enough to be a complex and have several venues going at one time. This would provide even more exposure and workspace for Portlanders to get involved in art and help its promotion.

How do you see museums, cultural institutions, creative independent venues, nightlife and festivals as part of the downtown revitalization and general community stabilization?

Positively. I have been involved in fairs and festival as an Event Director when I was young and believe it is a great way to bring all kinds of people together as a citywide event. I do not believe that citywide events should have entrance fees to have the open, fun and inclusiveness the barriers of money must be removed.

Queen Anne Hill in downtown Seattle with the fun center atmosphere of a fair has happy people all year long.

Portland is home to an incredibly diverse range of cultural organizations, artists co-ops, and small businesses that make our neighborhoods unique and distinct. What small business and cultural activation ideas do you have for Portland’s neighborhoods?

I would like to see us take out a bond to pay for upgrading the skills of our citizens using the small businesses as the skill centers. The small businesses have the skills, shop, tools, and clients all they need is students to learn from them. We have students using tax abatement and a bond that pays wages, licensing, tools, classes, and benefits a Small Business Skill Center is formed. The bond is paid with taxes on future earnings of students. The knowledge is kept alive in actively learning how to work many types of materials. With the fires we have a lot of salvaged wood that needs a second chance before it leaves the state or is an addition on a home.

Have you reviewed the recent “Our Creative Future” multi-county cultural plan (linked above)? Would you endorse the plan as a candidate?

Yes.

Portland is facing job losses, particularly in the downtown core. How can arts/culture workforce investments be part of a wider strategy to improve the workforce outlook for the region?

My plan is to convert office to alternative housing with a 20% discount to downtown workers, students and ARTISTS. This will help revitalize downtown and bring artists closer to the retail arts markets.

Arts, culture, design and creative entrepreneurship are key elements of Portland’s national and regional brand. Portland has the fourth-highest concentration of artists in the nation, after New York, San Francisco and Los Angeles, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. What policies or investments would you back to ensure that arts, culture and the creative economy are part of the city’s priorities in investments and new policies?

Same answer as above.

How do you see museums, cultural institutions, creative independent venues, nightlife and festivals as part of the downtown revitalization and general community stabilization?

Arts provide public beauty to a city.murals sculptors, fountains, murals etc. City’s tend to follow form/function whereas arts provide beauty. The one thing that a city can provide is cheap housing.
An additional idea I have is ,with conditions , allow the rental of garages. Garage rental will allow artists with studio rental that is affordable.

Portland is home to an incredibly diverse range of cultural organizations, artists co-ops, and small businesses that make our neighborhoods unique and distinct. What small business and cultural activation ideas do you have for Portland’s neighborhoods?

Support parks programs that bring families from communities together like closing streets for bike, walk events, movies in the parks, pedal papoose, bike the bridges, arts fairs, etc.

Have you reviewed the recent “Our Creative Future” multi-county cultural plan (linked above)? Would you endorse the plan as a candidate?

Yes and Yes.

Portland is facing job losses, particularly in the downtown core. How can arts/culture workforce investments be part of a wider strategy to improve the workforce outlook for the region?

The arts ARE the path forward. There is a crisis of hopelessness downtown. Arts heal, arts inspire, arts invigorate. The arts are a huge, undersung economic engine.
Repurposing the empty buildings downtown for low-income housing, practice spaces, and artist studios will turn this ship around. Small businesses will follow to serve those denizens, followed by tourists, and downtown will be revivified.

That said, arts funding is needed throughout Portland, in every neighborhood and every school, bringing inspiration and hope to every community.

Arts, culture, design and creative entrepreneurship are key elements of Portland’s national and regional brand. Portland has the fourth-highest concentration of artists in the nation, after New York, San Francisco and Los Angeles, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. What policies or investments would you back to ensure that arts, culture and the creative economy are part of the city’s priorities in investments and new policies?

In Portland, our arts scene and our artists persist and thrive IN SPITE of being one of the most underfunded arts scenes in the US. This is unconscionable, and embarrassing.
The policies enumerated in the “Our Creative Future” plan are a wonderful start, with actionable ideas that will make a genuine difference in the lives of our artists, and our city.

Let’s incentivize making arts here. Attract more film/video/media makers. Imagine innovative spaces to house and encourage the arts. Employ artists as valued counsel at every level of governance. Creativity and innovation are more necessary than ever when our city budget is ever-tightening.

How do you see museums, cultural institutions, creative independent venues, nightlife and festivals as part of the downtown revitalization and general community stabilization?

Portland MUST embrace the idea that a city is an organism that is alive 24/7. Historically, Portland governance has worked against entities like music venues that operate after dark. Again, this is embarrassing, Hire a night mayor to ensure that our city’s programming is vital and attractive after-hours, and to be an ear and an advocate for those businesses. Don’t roll up the sidewalks at 5pm. That shuts the door to a HUGE influx of money and energy.

Portland is home to an incredibly diverse range of cultural organizations, artists co-ops, and small businesses that make our neighborhoods unique and distinct. What small business and cultural activation ideas do you have for Portland’s neighborhoods?

So much wonderful happens at any given moment in any given neighborhood, yet too few of us ever hear about it. It would be cheap and easy to set up an online city-wide events calendar, that includes EVERY event in every neighborhood and is easy to navigate. A high schooler could set this up on Spring Break, and it would breathe life into every art form, every neighborhood. That said, we should EMPLOY that high schooler (or the like). This is a simple, highly effective tool. As our media has gone tits-up, so too has the arts coverage. If our city truly values our arts and artists, it should trumpet that from the hilltops.

Have you reviewed the recent “Our Creative Future” multi-county cultural plan (linked above)? Would you endorse the plan as a candidate?

No, maybe.

Portland is facing job losses, particularly in the downtown core. How can arts/culture workforce investments be part of a wider strategy to improve the workforce outlook for the region?

Mainly in the private, but if you can make it, take it.

Arts, culture, design and creative entrepreneurship are key elements of Portland’s national and regional brand. Portland has the fourth-highest concentration of artists in the nation, after New York, San Francisco and Los Angeles, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. What policies or investments would you back to ensure that arts, culture and the creative economy are part of the city’s priorities in investments and new policies?

Free college, education reform will help people learn skills. there is elements of art in many trades, architecture, clothing, software design. it is important to focus on economic activities that provide a real function to society, but if people want to be involved in art in their free time it is a positive activity, if they can make it, take it.

How do you see museums, cultural institutions, creative independent venues, nightlife and festivals as part of the downtown revitalization and general community stabilization?

there are many museums, and art festivals, there could be ways to increase these, such as waiving rental fees for street fairs and events in general

Portland is home to an incredibly diverse range of cultural organizations, artists co-ops, and small businesses that make our neighborhoods unique and distinct. What small business and cultural activation ideas do you have for Portland’s neighborhoods?

making loyyd center great again, making pioneer place great again. working with clothing stores trying to have them more clustered together, better for shoppers. 23rd and hawthorn could have more clothing stores. i plan on building some new parks too.

Have you reviewed the recent “Our Creative Future” multi-county cultural plan (linked above)? Would you endorse the plan as a candidate?

Yes.

Portland is facing job losses, particularly in the downtown core. How can arts/culture workforce investments be part of a wider strategy to improve the workforce outlook for the region?

Investing in a robust marketing campaign to highlight Portland as a thriving artistic hub will enhance the city’s national reputation and attract greater interest. The arts and cultural industries create jobs and bolster sectors, such as hospitality, retail, and tourism. By increasing funding for arts programs and fostering collaborations between cultural institutions and local businesses we can attract new talent and visitors, revitalize downtown, and boost our overall workforce prospects.

Arts, culture, design and creative entrepreneurship are key elements of Portland’s national and regional brand. Portland has the fourth-highest concentration of artists in the nation, after New York, San Francisco and Los Angeles, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. What policies or investments would you back to ensure that arts, culture and the creative economy are part of the city’s priorities in investments and new policies?

First, I support integrating additional funding for arts and culture into Portland’s parks budget, reinforcing the connection between our vibrant cultural scene and green spaces. I’m committed to collaborating with all relevant stakeholders, guided by the principle of ‘nothing about us without us.’ Portland’s arts are unique and essential, and they deserve robust protection and support.

Second, I will advocate for an artistic advisory board composed of local artists, cultural leaders, and creative entrepreneurs. This board will guide policies related to architecture, events, and the broader creative economy. By giving artists a formal voice in city planning, we can ensure that our investments prioritize creativity and reflect the needs of the artistic community.

How do you see museums, cultural institutions, creative independent venues, nightlife and festivals as part of the downtown revitalization and general community stabilization?

Institutions like museums, cultural venues, and independent spaces will be critical to Portland’s downtown revitalization and community stabilization. As we work toward the renaissance we all envision for our city, these creative hubs can serve as anchors, drawing people back to the downtown core and re-establishing it as vibrant and bustling. Our vision for downtown includes not only economic recovery but a thriving cultural scene, showcasing Portland’s unique identity.

I want to see downtown buzzing with concerts, art exhibits, festivals, and events that bring people together and foster community. To make that happen, we will partner with every creative institution, ensuring they have the resources and support to succeed. Cleaning up our downtown and revitalizing our parks are all part of this broader effort.

Portland is home to an incredibly diverse range of cultural organizations, artists co-ops, and small businesses that make our neighborhoods unique and distinct. What small business and cultural activation ideas do you have for Portland’s neighborhoods?

Portland’s diverse cultural organizations, artist co-ops, and small businesses are central to the unique character of each neighborhood. To celebrate and support this, I propose coordinating with Prosper Portland and local business associations to launch a series of ‘Neighborhood Nights.’ These events spotlight neighborhoods like Kerns, the Alphabet District, and Multnomah Village with evenings of local art, performances, food, and community gatherings.

Additionally, I support our pop-up arts and culture fairs in different parts of the city throughout the year. These fairs activate public spaces and parks, attract visitors to lesser-known areas, and create ongoing opportunities for local businesses and artists to collaborate and thrive, encouraging local spending, and fostering a stronger sense of community connection.