Date: July 24, 2025
Summary
The Portland City Council Labor & Workforce Development Committee met on July 24, 2025, to discuss labor conditions and workforce development strategies. The meeting featured a detailed presentation by Andrew McGoff, the Executive Director of Work Systems Incorporated, who shared insights from the newly released 2024 Self-Sufficiency Standard for Oregon. This standard provides an evidence-based measure of the real cost of living across the state, highlighting the discrepancies between the federal poverty measure and the actual costs faced by families. The committee discussed the implications of these findings on the livability and affordability of Portland, emphasizing the need for quality jobs that lead to economic self-sufficiency. No votes were taken during the meeting, but several action items were proposed, including potential city council interventions to reduce living costs, improve job quality, and enhance coordination with local school districts to prepare students for immediate employment opportunities after graduation.
Key Points
- Presentation by Andrew McGoff from Work Systems Incorporated on the 2024 Self-Sufficiency Standard for Oregon.
- Discussion on the real cost of living in Portland and the state, and its impact on labor conditions.
- Exploration of workforce development strategies and the importance of quality jobs.
Watch Full Meeting
No votes were recorded in this meeting.
Action Items
- Explore opportunities for the city council to intervene in reducing living costs and improving job quality.
- Coordinate with local school districts to prepare students for employment opportunities directly after high school.
- Consider revising HR policies to make public sector jobs more accessible and aligned with regional priorities.