PDC Community Work Project
Harold Two January 21st, 2008
CH2A’s most recent project involving our array of services was the 2006-2007 Community Work Project and Report prepared for the Portland Development Commission. CH2A made over 500 contacts, had over 80 face-to-face interviews and held several community events and meetings. The interviewees included developers, small businesses that received PDC services, labor unions, neighborhood groups and contractors.
At the December 6, 2006, PDC Board of Commissioners meeting, CH2A helped present the annual Diversity Report. With John Jackley and Dr. Garfield DeBarteleban, we announced a number of significant policy changes and presented a strategic shift in attitudes and relations within the minority community. Our research assisted PDC in the development of its Minority Contracting Initiative.
By holding a series of non-traditional community outreach meetings with faith-based and other organizations, CH2A opened doors for PDC that had previously been closed. We went to churches, coffee shops and other places of business to hold events that allowed PDC representatives to meet the public face-to-face. We participated in developing the construction wage policy through our grassroots work and in policy suggestions.