In 2003, as a result of public desire for change, Gresham residents voted to designate Rockwood as an Urban Renewal Area for a 20 year period.  New construction is set to a two story minimum, and has to have a mix of uses.  New buildings are to embrace the light rail and orient their faces towards transit.  All of this is intended to provide quality jobs and commercial and housing opportunities for its residents, while reinforcing walking and community engagement.

In 2008 Money Magazine named Portland one of the "Top 10 Places to Live".  Portland is also well known for its strong land-use planning and investment into public transportation.  Some of the larger Portland employers include Nike, Columbia Sportswear, Tektronix, Precision Castparts Corp, and Mentor Graphics Corp.