Gresham Community Profile

1333 NW Eastman Parkway, Gresham OR 97030-3825
Phone: 503-618-3000 • Fax: 503-618-3301
Web site: www.greshamoregon.gov • E-Mail: marlene.myers@greshamoregon.gov

City Location

County(ies): Multnomah    Incorporated in 1905
Location: North Willamette Valley
Nearest Major Highway and Distance: I-84–local; I-205–10 miles; I-5–15 miles
Nearest Major City and Distance: Portland–17 miles
Estimated Drive Time: 20 minutes
Distance to Portland: 17 miles
Source: Oregon Department of Transportation, State of Oregon Map; Oregon Blue Book

Recreational Amenities

Twenty-eight City parks, 30 state parks, Mt. Hood National Forest, Mt. Hood ski area, Gifford Pinchot National Forest, Willamette National Forest, Columbia Gorge National Scenic Area, Columbia River, Sandy River, Mt. St. Helens National Monument.

Planning a vacation or a tour through an area of Oregon? Visit the Oregon Tourism Commission's Web site at www.traveloregon.com for more information.

Source: City Administration, local chamber of commerce, local convention and visitor bureau

Climate

Elevation: 322'
Measurement Location: Portland WSO

Temperature: Monthly Ave. Low:	34°F		Monthly Ave. High:	80°F
Hottest Month:	August		Coldest Month:	January
Driest Month:	July		Wettest Month:	December
Precipitation—Average annual: 37.390"
Humidity (Hour 10, local time):
Average July afternoon humidity:	62%		Average January afternoon humidity:	82%

Source: Oregon Climate Service

Population

	1990	2000
City of Gresham	68,249	90,205
Multnomah County	583,887	660,486

Multnomah County has 465 sq miles and 1,509 persons/sq mile

Sources: US Census; population per square mile figures based on 2006 PSU population estimates and Oregon Bluebook county square mileage

Community Age Groups

	1980	1990	2000
Under 5 years	2,877	5,445	7,179
5-19 years	8,362	15,158	20,533
20-44 years	14,306	28,914	34,534
45-64 years	4,768	11,869	19,119
65+ years	2,962	6,849	8,840
Median Age	28	32	32.5

Source: US Census, 0 or N/A indicates data is not available. Median value is the middle value, not an average.

Housing

Total Housing Units	1980	1990	2000	Median Value of Owner-Occupied Housing, 2000
City of Gresham	20,535	26,978	35,306	$155,800
Multnomah County	231,870	255,751	288,561	$157,900

City of Gresham 2000 Housing Breakout:
Vacancy Rate:	5.69%
Owner Occupied:	18,282		Median Owner Cost (mortgaged):	$1,237
Renter Occupied:	15,045		Median Gross Rent:	$493

Also visit Housing and Community Services Web Site: oregon.gov/OHCS/

Source: US Census. Median value is the middle value, not an average.

Industry and Manufacturing

Principal Industries of the County(ies):
Multnomah County—
Source: Oregon Employment Department, Covered Employment and Payroll Reports, 1998

Agricultural Products of the Area (Top 3 largest gross farm sales):
Multnomah County—Specialty products, vegetable crops, small fruits and berries
Source: Oregon State University, Extension Economic Information Office

Total Number of Manufacturing Companies in the County:
Multnomah County 1,386
Source: Oregon Employment Department, Covered Employment and Payroll Reports, 1998

Total Number of Manufacturing Companies in the City: 131
Source: City Administration

5 Largest Employers, Public and Private as of August, 2010

Employer—Product/Service	Number of Employees
Mt. Hood Community College—Education	1,708
US Bank Data Process Center—Financial Services	1,580
Gresham Barlow School District—Education	1,152
Boeing of Portland—Airframe Structures	994
ACS Communication Solutions—Telemarketing Bureaus	850

Source: City Administration

Oregon Employment Labor Market Information

For additional information visit the Oregon Employment Department, Labor Market Analysis database. www.qualityinfo.org.

Local and Regional Economic Development Organizations

City of Gresham Economic Development Services www.greshamoregon.gov/city/city-departments	503-618-2640
Gresham Area Chamber of Commerce and Gresham Area Visitors Assoc. www.greshamchamber.org	503-665-1132
Metropolitan Service District (METRO) www.oregonmetro.gov	503-797-1700
Port of Portland www.portofportland.com	503-944-7000
Portland Development Commission www.pdc.us/bus_serv/	503-823-3200
East Metro Economic Alliance www.eastmetro-alliance.org	971-506-1493
Business Oregon, Regional Development Officer www.oregon4biz.com	503-229-5115

Source: City Administration, local chamber of commerce, Business Oregon

Education/Workforce

Public and Private Schools K–12

Public School District:
Gresham-Barlow School District 10J
1331 NW Eastman Pkwy
Gresham, OR 97030-3825
Phone: 503-618-2450
Fax: 503-661-1589
Web site: district.gresham.k12.or.us

Staff and Enrollments:
District Certified Staff: reported October 2000—644
Total District Enrollment: reported October 2001—11,632

Other Schools in the School District (Private, Parochial)
To see if there are private and/or parochial schools in this district please visit http://www.ode.state.or.us/pubs/directory/
Source: Oregon Department of Education

Oregon Community Colleges and Public Universities

Workforce

Locate local workforce assistance at www.worksourceoregon.org.

Financial Information

Financial Institutions

Commercial Banks: 25
Savings and Loans: 5
Credit Unions: 7
Source: City Administration

Taxes

Sales Tax—Oregon has no general sales tax.

Property Tax
Who pays? Owners of real and business personal property, according to the assessed value of taxable residential, commercial, farm, industrial, utility and timber property.

County assessors combine permanent operating tax rates (set in fiscal year 1997-98) with other levy rates to determine consolidated tax rates. These rates are applied to the assessed value of each property to determine the tax extended. A constitutional limitation is applied to the tax extended to arrive at the tax imposed for the property. For fiscal year 2009-10, the average tax rate was $9.50 per $1,000 of real market value. Maximum assessed value is limited to a 3% annual growth rate, unless certain changes affect the property. The assessed value of new construction is set at the average rate of similar properties in the area.

Additional and specific county information is available by contacting the Multnomah County assessor's office at 503-248-3326.

Business Taxes

Property—see above

Income—Corporations doing or authorized to do business in Oregon pay excise tax. Corporations not doing or authorized to do business, but having income from an Oregon source, pay income tax.

• Corporate tax rate is 6.6% of first $10 million of taxable income and 7.6% of any amount of taxable income in excess of $10 million
• Minimum excise tax for S corporations is $150
• Minimum excise tax for C corporation is $150 for Oregon sales below $500,000 with a graduated increase up to $100,000 for Oregon sales of $100 or more.

For more information contact the Oregon Department of Revenue, 955 Center St., NE, Salem, OR 97301, 503-378-4988, www.oregon.gov/DOR/.

Unemployment Insurance—Employers pay this. For 2010, new employers are assigned a fixed rate of 3.1% of taxable wage base. Tax rates for existing employers are based on employers' experience and range from 1.8% to 5.4% of taxable wage base. Taxes are paid quarterly and are due by the end of the month following the quarter. In 2010, the tax is paid on the first $32,100 of wages paid to each employee. The rate schedule in effect depends on the balance in the Trust Fund as of August 31 each year and the amount of revenue needed to maintain the balance at a level adequate to pay benefits. For more information contact the Oregon Employment Department, 875 Union St., NE, Salem, OR 97301, 503-947-1488, www.oregon.gov/EMPLOY/UI/.

Utilities, Railroad, Weight-mile—Who pays? For-hire and private motor carriers operating into, within and through the state. The weight-mile tax is one of two components of transportation taxes in Oregon; the other is gas, use and jet fuel taxes. In general, vehicles are subject to one tax or the other, not both. Oregon bases its weight-mile tax on the number of miles traveled in Oregon and the weight of the vehicle. Per-mile rates depend on declared combined weight of vehicle. This tax is levied on all trucks weighing more than 26,000 pounds. Trucks subject to the weight-mile tax are exempted from Oregon's diesel fuel tax.

Several classes of trucks have the option of being taxed on an annual, flat-fee basis. Trucks operating under flat-fees can make monthly payments based on the average mileage for trucks of that type operating under the flat fee.

For more information contact the Oregon Department of Transportation, Motor Carrier Transport Branch, 550 Capitol St., NE, Salem, OR 97301-2530, 503-378-6699, www.oregon.gov/ODOT/MCT/.

Miscellaneous

Motor Vehicle Licensing, Driver Licensing, Fuels—Who pays? Owners and operators of motor vehicles. Oil companies importing fuels. Truckers using Oregon highways. Fees—Registration fees, driver license fees and renewals. Contact the Oregon Driver & Motor Vehicle Services Division 503-945-5000, www.oregon.gov/ODOT/DMV/

Hunting and Fishing Licenses—contact Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, PO Box 59, Portland, OR 97207, general information 503-872-5268, licenses/tags/permits 503-872-5275, www.dfw.state.or.us.

Amusement Device Tax—An excise tax is imposed upon every person who operates an amusement device in Oregon. An amusement device is a video lottery game terminal. More information from the Oregon Lottery Commission, 500 Airport Rd SE, Salem, 97301, www.oregonlottery.org.

Emergency Communications (9-1-1) Tax—Telephone companies providing local exchange access services in Oregon Collect this tax from their customers. The tax, which is $0.75 per line per month, is reported and paid quarterly. More information from the Oregon Department of Revenue, www.oregon.gov/DOR/.

Hazardous Substance Fee—Paid by possessors of nonpetroleum hazardous substance. More information from the Oregon Department of Revenue, www.oregon.gov/DOR/.

Petroleum Load Fee—Paid by petroleum suppliers and importers to Oregon. More information from the Oregon Department of Revenue, www.oregon.gov/DOR/.

Timber Severance Tax—Paid by timber owners on harvested timber's value. More information from the Oregon Department of Revenue, www.oregon.gov/DOR/.

Forest Products Harvest Tax—Paid on timber cut from any land in Oregon. More information from the Oregon Department of Revenue, www.oregon.gov/DOR/.

Dry Cleaning Tax—Paid by operators of dry cleaning facilities. A tax also is imposed on the sale or transfer of dry cleaning solvents within Oregon. More information from the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality, www.deq.state.or.us.

Alcoholic Beverages—Manufacturers and/or import wholesalers of malt beverages and wines pay a privilege tax. Manufacturers, wholesalers and retailers of distilled spirits, malt beverages and wines pay license fees. Employees who serve alcoholic beverages pay for service permits. For more information contact the Oregon Liquor Control Commission, PO Box 22297, Portland, OR 97222, 503-872-5000 or 1-800-452-6522 (in Oregon), www.oregon.gov/OLCC/.

Tobacco Products—Cigarette and tobacco products distributors are required to purchase tax stamps for cigarettes or pay a percentage of the wholesale price on other tobacco products. More information from the Oregon Department of Revenue, www.oregon.gov/DOR/.

Transit Payroll Tax—paid by employers in the Tri-Met (Portland area) and Lane Transit District (Eugene) for mass transit systems. Administered by the Department of Revenue, www.oregon.gov/DOR/.

State Transient Lodging Tax—Public and private lodging providers who provide temporary overnight lodging must pay 1% state lodging tax. The tax in in addition to and not in place of any local transient lodging tax. Every lodging provider in Oregon collects the tax from the customer at the time the fee for lodging is paid. Contact the Oregon Department of Revenue for more information, www.oregon.gov/DOR/.

Many local governments in Oregon collect other taxes, such as hotel-motel taxes. Contact the city or county in which you are interested for more complete information about taxes in that area.

Source: Oregon Department of Revenue, "A Summary of Taxes," January 2010; County information—County Assessor's Office

Incentives

Oregon's Business Incentives.

Gresham Enterprise Zone

City Incentives

• Rapid Response Team (RRT) Your partner from design through construction, and long into the future. We will document your project needs and assemble a team of appropriate staff to streamline the permitting process and ensure the projects successful completion, in the most timely and cost effective manner possible. Client information remains confidential until any public documents are recorded.
• SDC Financing & Deferral A program that allows for deferring payment of SDCs until occupancy, or financing SDCs over a period of up to 10 years.
• Vertical Housing Development Zone encourages mixed use development in Gresham's regional center (Historic Downtown & Civic Neighborhood). Eligible projects include commercial/retail space on the ground floor with housing above. Projects that meet the criteria receive partial property tax exemption for 10 years based on the number of equalized floors of residential development (20-80% abatement). Applies only to the building value (not land) unless affordable housing included then a proportional tax amount on the land can be abated.
• Enterprise Zone is a development tool to incent industrial development, including higher wage jobs and higher capital investments within the zone boundary. Eligible business firms meeting the required criteria receive 100% property tax abatement on any new, qualified investment within the zone boundary for 3 to 5 years. Contact the city for additional information.
• Strategic Investment Zone (SIZ) is a form of the state's Strategic Investment Program (SIP). The Gresham SIZ covers approximately 500 acres of industrial land. It is a geographic area within which new qualifying traded-sector business investments meeting the criteria for the SIZ are eligible for partial property tax abatement for 15 years. Contact the city for additional information.
• The New Industries Grant encourages new industrial investment and creation of quality jobs in the Rockwood-West Gresham Urban Renewal Area. Grants of up to $100,000 are available. Amount determined through a variety of factors, including the level of capital investment and number of jobs created. Contact the city for additional information.
• Stormwater Fee Reduction Program The city supports the exploration of "green" stormwater development designs. Fee reductions are possible for qualified stormwater design projects that lessen the impact to the city's stormwater system. Contact the city (503-618-2621) for additional information.
• GREAT Business Program offers free assistance to businesses in water conservation, waste reduction and recycling, stormwater pollution prevention, wastewater management and energy efficiency. Contact the city for additional information.

Community Services and Resources

Public Safety/Emergency Services

Fire Station(s) serving community: Gresham Fire & Emergency Services, 7 Stations
Number of paid and volunteer firefighters: 82
Rating by Insurance Services Organization (ISO): 3*
Comments: 2000 data; *ISO rating unreported in directory
Source: Oregon State Fire Marshal, Oregon Fire Service Resource Directory 2000

Police Department: Gresham Police Department
Number of paid and reserve officers: 116

Nearest Hospital and distance: Legacy Mt. Hood Medical Center, Gresham
Regional Hospital and distance: Legacy Mt. Hood Medical Center, Gresham
Emergency services to community: Ambulance Service, Life Flight Service
General Clinic(s): 4
Source: City Administration

Communications Resources

Local Newspapers: Gresham Outlook

Regional Newspapers: The Oregonian (Portland)

Radio Stations: City receives 28 Portland-Metro area stations

TV Stations: City receives 7 Portland-Metro area stations

Available Cable Television: Metro East Community Cable, Direct TV, Dish Network, Comcast, Primestar by TCI

Telephone Service Provider(s): Verizon, Qwest, Comcast

Local Internet Service Provider(s): Clear Wireless, Verizon, Qwest, Comcast, AT&T, Dish Network, DIRECTV, Road Runner Internet
Source: City Administration

Library System
2 public libraries (Multnomah County)
Source: City Administration

Planning Service/Regulatory

Regulatory System	Year Acknowledged	Year Last Revised	Year of Periodic Review	Comments
Comprehensive Plan	1980	2009	2004	Periodic review completed December 2003. Final phase of City Council 2009 Work Plan Residential Districts Review to resume in 2010.
Zoning Ordinance		1999		Gresham does not have a "zoning" ordinance. We do have a Plan Map, and land use designations are changed on an ongoing basis.
Building Permit System		2008	ongoing	Index fees, permitting requirements, flat rate fees, e-permitting.
Subdivision Ordinance		1999		Part of Development Code (Comprehensive Plan).
Strategic Plan		2002

Territory Covered by Zoning

Municipality Yes
County No
Source: City Administration

Industrial Lands

Does the Community seek industrial development? Yes
Community's available land and buildings—Certified Industrial Site; Other available properties
Source: Business Oregon

Special Districts and Associations (ports, water, sewer, etc.)

Name of Special District and the Oregon Revised Statute it was created under:
Alto Park Water District, ORS; Burlington Water District; Columbia Drainage District #1; Corbett Water District; Lady Creek Water District; Lusted Water District; Metropolitan Service District; Multnomah County Drainage District; Multnomah County R.F.P.D. #10, #14, #20; Multnomah E.S.D.; Palatine Hill Water District; Peninsula Drainage Districts #1, #2; Pleasant Home Water District; Port of Portland; Powell Valley Road Water District; Ramsey-Walmar Road District; Riverdale R.F.P.D.; Rockwood Water PUD; Sandy Drainage District; Sauvie Island Drainage Improvement District Company; Sauvie Island Volunteer Fire District #30; Skyline Crest Road District; Tri-County Metro Transit District; Valley View Water District; Washington County E.S.D.; West Multnomah S.W.C.D.

Special Districts Association of Oregon—727 Center St., NE Salem, OR 97301, 503-371-8667 or 800-285-5461 www.sdao.com
Source: City Administration

Community Infrastructure

Water Supply

Operator: City of Gresham

District: The Rockwood Water District PUD provides water and services to approximately 35% of the city of Gresham population.

Source: The primary source is purchased from the Portland Water Bureau and is surface water from the Bull Run watershed. Water supply occasionally supplemented with groundwater from the Columbia South Shore well field. Another source is from the joint groundwater supply system, owned and operated by the city and Rockwood Water People's Utility District.

Supply: Capacity (MGD)—28.40 (treated); Pressure (PSI) 35.00-80

Current Water Utilization on Meter Size (MGD): 6.3 MGD average daily demand

Water Costs per thousand gallons: Base rate per/thousand = Commodity rates vary depending on customer classification. Tiered rates apply to residential customers and dedicated irrigation meters.

Water Costs for Total Consumption of Residential: Based on 7,000 gallons = 9.35 units @ $1.34/unit = $12.52

Age of Water System: 1905

Water System Comment(s): City has System Development Charges that vary. Connection fees are based on meter service size. City information is available at greshamoregon.gov.

Compliance Issues: None

Water debt repayment included as part of tax assessment? No

Date of Current Master Plan: 2006

Plans for Upgrading or Expanding: Replacement of 5/8" residential meters with automated meters scheduled in 2010; Update Water Master Plan in 2011.
Source: City Administration

Wastewater Treatment System

Operator: City of Gresham (OMI, Inc., contract operator)
Age of Wastewater Collection System: 1954
District:

System Design Capacity (MGD): 20.00 MGD

System Utilization (MGD): 12.40 MGD

Collection System Fees:

Hook-up or Connection Fee: SF $75; Inspection $25

Access Fee or System Development Fee: $1,900/DU

Comment(s) on Wastewater System: First pipes constructed in 1935; approximately 80% of collection system constructed since 1980.

Compliance Issues:

Date of Last Facility Plan: 2001

Plans for Upgrade/Expansion: Wastewater Treatment Plant Master Plan Update completed December 2003. Anticipate next WWTP (5 MGD) expansion to be completed by 2011-2013.

Storm Drain: Yes

Storm Water Discharge Fee: $8.60/month/2,500SF of impervious surface.

Fees or issues related to storm drains: New water quality requirements may add to cost of operation. Additional information available from the city.
Source: City Administration

Utilities

Telecommunications

Is there access to broadband infrastructure? Yes, fiber optic
Is there route diversity? Yes

Type	Access	Monthly Fee	Other Fee
T1	Yes
DSL	Yes
Cable	Yes

For Oregon Telecommunications information and resources, visit www.oregon4biz.com.

Natural Gas

Provider: Northwest Natural Gas

Lines and Feed: A range of sizes exists. Please contact Northwest Natural Gas at 503-226-4211 for more information.

Rate Structure: Residential rates and cost history. Industrial and commercial rates vary. Visit NW Natural or call 503-226-4211 for more information.

Plans for Upgrade/Expansion:

Electrical

Provider: Portland General Electric

Lines and Feed: All jurisdictions in Washington and Multnomah counties, with the exception of Maywood Park and Forest Grove, use Portland General Electric for electrical service. Power is transmitted to the Portland area through 230kV transmission lines, where the voltage is stepped down to 115kV (and in some cases 57kV) for power transmission to distribution substations throughout the region. At each distribution substation, the voltage is further stepped down to 13kV for distribution through neighborhoods to homes and businesses. Customers can elect to choose the voltage at which they receive electric power service. Most homes and smaller businesses choose 120V480V. Larger businesses can receive power at either 13kV or 115kV, and use their own transformers and other equipment to step down the voltage to meet their specific requirements. For businesses with power-sensitive and high-reliability needs, special site-specific arrangements may be made, such as alternative service and backup generators.

Rate Structure
Residential rate (Schedule 7): $10 Basic Charge plus 5.918 cents per kWh for the first 250 kWh and 7.029 cents for all additional kWh above 250 kWh plus 3% public purpose charge and 38 cents per bill for low income bill payment assistance.

Small nonresidential rate (Schedule 32 or less than 30 kW): Basic Charge $10 for single phase and $16 for three phase. 7.547 cents per kWh for the first 5,000 kWh and 5.461 cents per kWh for all additional kWh above 5,000 kWh. This includes 0.038 cents per kWh for the low income bill payment assistance program before the 3% public purpose charge.

Large nonresidential and industrial rate: visit portlandgeneral.com or call PGE Customer Service 1-800-542-8818.

Plans for Upgrade/Expansion:

Solid Waste Management

Provider: City of Gresham

Permit Status:

Utility Expansion Plans:

Utilities Sources: City Administration; PGE information supplied by PGE. Note: Utility rates are updated periodically. Actual rates may change more often than that. For the most current rate for any carrier please consult the Department of Energy Web site at www.oregon.gov/ENERGY/Power.shtml.

Transportation

Road

Highways: I-205 N/S route, access 4 miles; I-84 E/W route, local

Transportation Access Fee: $0

Air

Community Air Service: No

If no local service, list closest Air Facility: Portland International Airport, 8.9 miles

Air Passenger Service: No

Airport Freight Service: No

Air Service Comments:

Rail

Rail Service: Yes, Union Pacific

If no local service, list closest Rail Service: Amtrak in Portland, 10 miles

Freight Service: Yes

Passenger Service: No

Marine

Marine: no

Public Transportation

Transportation issues which might confront development, such as non-attainment air shed, etc.:

Public Transportation Comment: Light Rail Transit (Max)

Services Available in the Community

Bus Service

Provider: TriMet

Scheduled Bus Service Available: Yes

Buses Per Day: 563

Charter Services: No

Distance to Nearest Bus Service: local

Trucking Service

Scheduled Freight Carrier Services: No

Overnight Express Parcel Service Available: Yes, various

Overnight Express Mail Service Available: Yes

Transportation Comments:

Other Transportation Resources

For more information relating to transportation topics please visit the Department of Transportation Web sites.
Airports
Bicycle and Pedestrian information
Public Transportation, bus and rail
Source: City Administration, local chamber of commerce (proprietary information)