Rising energy prices pose substantial challenges to the economy and community, but they also introduce new opportunities. Some businesses will gain a competitive edge through efficient practices. Others will profit directly by providing the goods and services that will be in demand as energy becomes more expensive. To maintain business viability and employment, Portland must equip its business community with the information and tools to adapt.
Action items:
a) Identify and promote sustainable business sectors that will create local jobs in an energy-constrained future. Promising areas include:
· sustainable building design services;
· renewable energy and conservation services and products;
· sustainable industrial design;
· repair and re-use services, including remodeling of existing buildings, that extend the lifetime of products; and
· substitution of locally produced products for those now mainly imported.
b) Expand workforce training to support sustainable industries and increase job opportunities for workers dislocated from conventional industries.
c) Conduct a comprehensive review of existing City business assistance programs to see if they are adequate to help businesses adapt to changes required by peak oil, including providing assistance to existing businesses to survive, and new ones to get started. This includes regulations, incentives, infrastructure, business assistance and job retraining programs.
d) Provide case studies, personal impact calculators and business evaluations as tools to help businesses assess impacts on their business sector. Extend Office of Sustainable Development education efforts, coordinating with Portland Development Commission and business associations.
e) (See Recommendation 2i, page 35, to facilitate the development of local business networks and barter systems.)