Most economists understand that research and research institutions are key to a city's/region's future prosperity in a global economy. OHSU is the only player we have in Portland as well as the city's largest employer. Facilitating the expansion of that institution is probably the most significant public policy contribution the city can make growing to family wage jobs. The Tram is a key piece and by all measures a success. Thanks, Sam for getting that done.
For the manufacturing sector, only value added products can compete in the global marketplace, so education is the key investment we need to make. Innovative engineers and skilled operators are essential to value added manufacturing such as the Western Star Truck plant on Swan Island. 15 years of dis-investment in education in this state and region has been offset by our ability to attract talent from out of state. That talent often will come here to work at lower salaries as well due to the "quality of life" thing.