The document analyzes governance issues in Gresham, Oregon. It notes that the city council is development oriented but lacks creative thinking. Additionally, the mayor has significant influence over media and the council. However, special interests have high influence over policymaking. The analysis recommends that Gresham improve long-range planning, champion transparency, recruit family-wage jobs, and strengthen regional partnerships to address issues like unemployment and declining property values.

1. Concerns and Issues Governance SWOT
Analysis
2011

2.  City Council Development Oriented
 Wide Experience Background
 Can Make Major Time Commitments
 Mayor Has A Major Influence Over City
Council
 Mayor Controls Media via Strong PR Staff
 Highly Competent City Manager
 Seen As A Resource And Strong Support To
Small Business
Gresham SWOT Analysis for CRC
Review 11/18/2011 2

3.  High Influence by “Special Elite Interest” to
the Exclusion of Normal “Main Street”
Interests.
 Not Problem Solving Oriented
 Lacks Creative Thinking Limiting Short and
Long Range Options
 Limited “Outreach” by Elected Officials to
Neighborhood Community Interests
 Other than recent Portland Port Authority
Partnership Lacks Effective Engagement in
Region
Gresham SWOT Analysis for CRC
Review 11/18/2011 3

4.  Gresham Community Should Stand On Shoulders
of the Metropolitan Region and Eastside Sub
Region as Leader.
 Update Long Range Planning and Vision
grounded in Citizen Engagement and Influence
 Champion Open and Transparent Government
 Work to Win the Jobs War by Recruitment of
Family Wage Jobs because as Jobs Go, so does
the Fate of our City
 Cultivate and support entrepreneurs
 Outreach to citizen community which includes
diverse populations in all Neighborhoods
Gresham SWOT Analysis for CRC
Review 11/18/2011 4

5.  Increased Unemployment and Poverty
 Decreasing Property Values
 Elected Leaders Continue to Operate Outside
of City and Charter and Council Rules
 Further Reduction of Cooperation with
Adjoining Municipal Jurisdictions and County
Agencies Will Undermine Significant
Development
 Increasing Eyesore of Emptying Storefront
and Business Establishments
Gresham SWOT Analysis for CRC
Review 11/18/2011 5