Prosper Portland
Berk Nelson is a manager at Prosper Portland since September 2020, overseeing strategic initiatives focused on inclusive economic development, equitable wealth creation, and community-led workforce development. Berk leads the Entrepreneurship and Community Economic Development Team, working on programs that promote inclusive entrepreneurship, small business growth, and access to middle-wage jobs for priority communities. Prior roles include project manager for the Central Eastside commercial and industrial initiatives, policy analyst at the Oregon Health Authority during COVID-19 preparedness, and various positions in government relations and law, including VP Government Relations Director at Umpqua Bank, Senior Advisor at Portland City Hall, and attorney roles specializing in immigration law and litigation. Berk holds a J.D. from the University of California, Davis - School of Law and a B.A. in Sociology from Colorado College.
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Prosper Portland
Prosper Portland is an economic and urban development agency that focus on building an equitable economy by carrying out a comprehensive range of economic development programs that support small business, improve access to workforce training, and create jobs for Portland residents. They work with partners to drive public attention and resources todifferent areas of the city, which helps Portland realize capital projects – parks, streetscape improvements, community centers –that would not happen on their own, making it a better place to live for all Portlanders.Prosper Portland is headed by an executive director who reports to a five-member, volunteer board of local citizens appointed by the mayor and approved by City Council. The structure allows them to exercise independence in program implementation and resource allocation.