OMSI District Vision
A vibrant, inclusive new neighborhood and community destination rooted in innovation, culture, arts, and science learning in Portland’s Central City. The OMSI District will restore Tribal presence on the Willamette River and serve as a platform for innovation for the city, state, and region.
The OMSI District will include 1,200 units of new market rate and affordable housing. It will feature a new public waterfront education park, a place of healing to explore and experience the river and land through a tribal lens of culture and science. Public plazas and event spaces will host indoor and outdoor labs, festivals, and diverse community events.
Encompassing 24-acres and up to 3 million square feet of new mixed-use development, the OMSI District will create a one-of-a-kind public learning ecosystem. Home to OMSI, Portland Community College, Portland Opera, a Center for Tribal Nations, and mission-aligned businesses and organizations, it will serve as a platform for innovation, spreading opportunities throughout the state and region.
With a goal of net zero carbon emissions and waste, the OMSI District will showcase and advance climate solutions through habitat restoration, sustainable transportation, and next-generation urban systems and technology. It will transform parking lots and brownfields into a neighborhood that adds 4.5+ acres of parks and green spaces to the Central Eastside. Through transportation and safety investments, it is projected to reduce CO2 emissions by 1.5+ metric tons.
The OMSI District will create equitable community benefit and opportunities for intergenerational wealth building in communities typically excluded from the benefits of urban development. It will enable OMSI to further expand science programming in the city, state, and region. It is projected to generate 11,000+ new jobs, $11 million in annual City of Portland property taxes, $22 million in annual in-state personal income tax, and $1.2 billion in total economic output.
Projected to Generate
24 Acres
of transit-oriented, mixed-use development
1,200
units of new market rate and affordable housing
11,000+
new jobs
$11 Million
annually in property taxes in Portland
$22 Million
annually in personal income tax revenue
$1.2 Billion
in total economic output
District Timeline
District Coalition
The vision for the OMSI District comes from a broad coalition that includes local, Tribal, and regional government entities, Indigenous groups, nonprofits, and businesses. Our collaborative effort is driving the development of this new, vibrant district.
Featured News
March 7, 2024
OMSI CEO Erin Graham seeks $22M for infrastructure improvements to unlock potential on 11 sites within the OMSI District Project. See our OMSI District News Page for an update on OMSI District plans for infrastructure and funding!