Portland Community Chamber Third Annual Economic Scorecard
Assessment of economic health in Portland and the region presents strengths and weaknesses  

The third annual Economic Scorecard, produced by the Portland Community Chamber and the Portland Development Corporation, analyzes economic data in defined categories illustrating how Portland is performing economically, particularly as measured against other benchmark cities. Click here to read the report, or pick up a copy at the Chamber's office, 443 Congress Street in Portland.

The report details 32 indicators of economic vitality including employment, income, education, housing, taxes and overall affordability. These measures illustrate Portland as it relates to Maine, New England, and the United States, as well as a set of benchmark cities around the country. A range of primary and secondary economic indicators are used as measurements.

Some highlights from the report include:

• Portland and the region look good compared to the rest of Maine and New England, over the short term and long term. An educated work force and lower unemployment rates are among the competitive advantages.
• Portland compares well with New England and national benchmark cities, leading in half of the indicators, and staying close in most others.
• There is still much work to be done. Compared to national averages, and over short timeframes, Portland is lagging in pivotal areas including key industries, a higher tax burden, and housing affordability. Factors including an uneven economic recovery and the fact that Portland exists in a high-cost region contribute to this. The growth of red indicators over the last two years creates urgency to assess what is wrong, and fix it.

The first Economic Scorecard (2010) was the follow-up to the Portland Community Chamber’s landmark 2007 report titled “Looking Out for Portland and the Region” which examined the area’s economy. A PCC task force, led by Jack Lufkin of Gorham Savings Bank, developed the scorecard. Jim Damicis of Camoin Associates conducted the research and compiled the data contained in the report.

Read Portland’s Economic Scorecard 2012-2013