Portland Sporting Ecosystem Study
Portland Business Alliance
HR&A helped transform how Oregon positions itself as a sporting industry powerhouse by conducting a comprehensive economic analysis for the Portland Business Alliance and industry partners. Our research quantified the sector’s impact across five counties and directly catalyzed state legislation to support continued growth.
The Portland Business Alliance and industry consortium needed to articulate Oregon’s role as a major hub for sporting industries, from global apparel companies to recreation and tourism activities. HR&A analyzed the region’s competitive advantages across Clackamas, Multnomah, and Washington Counties as well as Bend and Eugene, examining unique assets, industry relationships, and workforce demographics. We estimated the economic and fiscal impacts of the entire ecosystem and identified specific opportunities for sustaining the region’s competitive position.
Our public report enabled the Portland Business Alliance and ecosystem companies to effectively communicate the sector’s economic significance and develop strategic programming to support career pathways. The study received notable press coverage among Oregon’s largest news publications and directly catalyzed legislative action, with a bill under consideration by the State legislature to formalize a public-private partnership for developing policy recommendations that will support continued ecosystem growth.
