Rockwood Prosperity Initiative Roundtable

Rockwood is a community in Gresham that faces considerable challenges and opportunities. Gresham’s highest density neighborhood, Rockwood boasts a rich ethnic tapestry. It has struggled economically in recent years, and the City is committed to nurturing a more prosperous community. The City formed an urban renewal area in Rockwood in 2003, and there have been a variety of investments in recent years, taking advantage of Rockwood’s superb transit access.

The City is now focusing its attention on the Rockwood Catalyst site, a City-owned 5+ acre vacant site immediately adjoining a MAX station and primed for redevelopment. The goal of this roundtable is to provide participants with a better understanding of Rockwood – its challenges and opportunities. There will be a strong focus on the Catalyst site. The City has urban renewal funds and other resources available to help leverage an investment that builds wealth in the community. The City intends to develop or co-develop an initial phase building on the site, with construction to begin in mid-2015. Likely tenants will include ground floor retail businesses, possibly a new branch library/community center, with upper floor space to be occupied by medical and educational partners.