Who builds cities?

Portland is all-in on one approach

There are two theories as to how cities grow and prosper:

• Individuals and groups of ordinary people come together to do business, find homes and make the most of their relationships.

• Controllers of substantial capital erect buildings and create public attractions that little people flock to for work, housing and social connections. Add in some wealthy consumers and tourists and the economic engine gets in gear.

It’s not all one or the other, of course, but most of us have a leaning. Our assumptions are tested when a city is in trouble, and all the king’s horses and men are commissioned to put things together again.

In Portland, the people calling the shots have tended to think a major project or attraction can jump-start things and bring about recovery, prosperity and livability. The Ritz-Carlton was supposed to do that. The ambitious Portland Art Museum remodel and re-imaging of O’Bryant Square carry such hopes. Instead of merely remodeling the Keller Auditorium, the Portland City Council is blessing efforts to also birth a major Portland State University performing arts center.

Does the injection of such a boost put our city on the right track again? How many jump-starts does it take to be sure?

Meanwhile, what are we doing to encourage or discourage people of ordinary means to invest themselves in Portland? If the big vision projects drive up taxes and real estate prices, are we losing ground? Former Mayor Neil Goldschmidt believed in both approaches to urban recovery, but with special attention to neighborhoods, schools and giving people a reason to live in the city. Our best downtown magnet may be the humble food cart pod.

As an utter fool once said in a popular movie, “If the roots are not severed … there will be growth in the spring.”

Wisdom is where you find it.