A new Portland State University study reveals the multi-billion dollar impact of the Portland food craze.
BY JACOB PALMER | DIGITAL NEWS EDITOR
A new Portland State University study reveals the multi-billion dollar impact of the Portland food craze.
In total, it contributes $22 billion to the economy.
Specifically, the report found:
- The state’s food economy provides 11.6 percent of jobs in the Multnomah, Washington, Clackamas, Yamhill and Columbia counties.
- Job growth in the food economy job outpaced that of total employment growth between 2010 and 2012, growing 6.9 percent compared to 3.5 percent. Portland’s Urban Renewal Areas, especially the Central Eastside and the Interstate Corridor, saw the most growth.
- The food economy’s growth is tempered by its workers low wages overall. The average annual wage for food economy jobs in Portland is $26,000, about half of the city’s average wage for all industries. Particularly in the food services sector — which is dominated by women and people of color — average wages are just under $20,000.
(SOURCE: Portland Tribune)
The study was performed at the behest of the Portland Bureau of Planning and Sustainability as a part of the Portland Climate Action Collaborative.
The food industry, according to PSU research, is responsible for approximately 167,092 direct and indirect jobs in the region, producing approximately $6 billion in income and nearly $22 billion for the state overall. It contributed nearly $600 million to local governments throughout the region in property taxes and fees.
“This report provides a benchmark that will influence food sector decisions as we look at the impacts of climate change and work to create an equitable food system and a more resilient economy,” said Steve Cohen, manager of food policy programs at the Portland Bureau of Planning and Sustainability, in a statement.
(SOURCE: Portland Business Journal)
Oregon Business columnist and Portland-based economist Joe Cortright might accuse the study of being an act of “hagiometry”.
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