Why join BBPDX?

We’re your voice in the civic arena.

Business owners and professionals lead busy, sometimes unpredictable lives–especially after the pandemic struck. It can feel like there’s just no time to track what’s happening at City Hall or to get into the weeds of policy and solutions to our city’s most pressing problems.

That’s why Business for a Better Portland exists. While you work to keep our community thriving, we work for you to create lasting structural change. We like to say that “business thrives when people thrive,” and we believe that everyone who lives and works in Portland deserves a voice in the civic process and economic opportunity.

If it seems like your government doesn’t understand the challenges you face or the values you have as a business owner, know that we’re working hard with our coalition partners to lift up your needs and create a more just and equitable economy.

We make it easy to learn and participate in Portland’s civic life.

Our Civic Engagement Onramp spells out unique and impactful opportunities to learn, show up, give or participate in the life of our city. We convene engaging and thoughtful forums and discussions about the issues that matter to you, like city government reform, solutions to the housing and homelessness crisis, and ways small businesses can get help with the challenges they face in this volatile time.

And we know how to have a good time!

Our hundreds of business and affiliate members reflect everything you love about Portland: its creativity, resilience, and can-do independent spirit. When we get together at our Summer Social and other extraordinary events, everyone from artists to restaurant owners to state and local leaders mingle, converse, and share ideas. We’ve seen successful collaborations and partnerships emerge from our members getting to know one another at our events. As we cautiously emerge from the pandemic, we’re thrilled to bring that energy back to life.