A Strong Political Voice
Westside Economic Alliance is active in community issues that have economic impact for area businesses and residents. We do a majority of our work through goal-oriented, member-driven committees. These committees reflect our membership, which is comprised of seasoned experts with a broad range of skills. Each committee member brings with him or her a set of professional services that, combined with the other team members, creates a strong, effective force. 

We feel very fortunate to have such dedicated volunteers focusing on relevant and economically crucial issues. Our committees of Land Use and Housing, Transportation, Membership Development, Westside Economic Strategy, and Education are helping to build a healthy and business friendly economic environment.

Land Use & Housing Committee
Committee Chair: Mimi Doukas, Cardno WRG
The Land Use & Housing Committee promotes coherent and economically beneficial use of land and environmental resources through active participation in local and regional public policy decision-making. The committee is currently monitoring and addressing the following issues:

• Urban and Rural Reserves
• Industrial Land Supply and Needs
• Urban Growth Boundary Expansion
• Funding Expansion Area Planning
• Zoning and Permitting Processes
• Affordable Housing

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Transportation Committee
Committee Chair: Frank Angelo, Angelo Planning Group
The Transporation Committee monitors and lobbies transportation system needs and issues impacting the area’s economic growth and desirability. Currently addressing the following transportation improvements:

• I-5 Columbia River Crossing Task Force
• Cornell Road Expansion
• Newberg / Dundee By-Pass (I-5 / Highway 99W Connector)
• Highway 217 Expansion

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Membership Development Committee
Committee Chair: Matt Felton, Felton Properties
The Membership Development Committee identifies and encourages businesses with which the Alliance could develop mutually beneficial relationships through membership.

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Golf Tournament Committee

The Golf Tournament Committee organizes and manages the annual Westside Golf Scramble, a golf tournament fundraiser to support Alliance activities throughout the year.

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External Committees
The shared purpose of Westside Economic Alliance representation on external committees is to influence public policy. The following are examples of some of the roles in which Westside Economic Alliance members and staff are involved in the regional community.

Joint Policy Advisory Committee (JPAC)
A 17-member committee, including two from WEA, make recommendations to the Metro Council regarding transportation needs in the region.

Metro Technical Advisory Committee (MTAC)
An Alliance representative fills the Business Economic Development position on this committee, comprised of citizens and public sector technical staff, which advises MPAC on policy issues dealing with growth management.

Metro Policy Advisory Committee (MPAC)
This committee meets twice a month to review regional policies. The Alliance has five members on this committee.

Oregon Freight Advisory Committee
A member of WEA represents the Alliance in advising the statewide ODOT Director and Oregon Transportation Committee on policies and funding for multimodal freight mobility in the state.

Regional Investment Board for Multnomah/Washington Counties (RIB)
Three members of the Alliance sit on this board, which approves and funds targeted economic development projects with lottery dollars.

Regional Partners for Economic Development
The Alliance has member representation on this public/private partnership of regional economic development professionals and agencies working collaboratively to recruit and retain businesses, as well as to promote the region as a vital economic center. The objectives of this group are to:

Regional Transportation Initiative
An Alliance Board member is involved with this collective group of business organizations, formed to work in partnership with public agencies, and to identify, pursue and implement transportation solutions for the Portland metro region.

Tualatin River Watershed Council
The Alliance is represented on this Council, an advisory committee of stakeholders interested in storm water management in the various basins, which impact the Tualatin River.

Washington County Homeless Advisory Board
By sitting on this board, the Alliance staff advocates for complete communities with attractive and affordable housing close to job sites and urban amenities.