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About Portland observer. (Portland, Or.) 1970-current | View Entire Issue (Oct. 9, 2002)
Wednesday • October 09. 2002 www.portlandobservcr.com 2002 lattò (©Hseruer special editicn I «r» w l r i ■ JES&rl MS»®**' 7* ’ BF • F « Tri-Met General Manager Fred Hansen has dedicated the transit agency to providing both economic and transportation benefits to the African American community during and after the construction of the Interstate Max light rail line through north Portland. photo b \ D avid P i . echl /T he P ortland O bserver Making Connections Interstate Max cements lasting ties with minority businesses and community D avid P i . echi . T he P ortland O bserver by Tri-met is building a $350 million light rail project in your backyard. Are you concerned? You bet you are. The 5.6 m ile stretch from the Rose Q uarter to the Expo Center in north Port land spans one o f the m ost ethnically diverse areas the 1 ight rai 1 Max has come to so far. The project tests T ri-M et’s ability to work cooperatively with minorities and low income neighbors frustrated by previ ous city projects that have pushed their interests aside. Fred Hansen, general manager o f Tri- Met since 1998, is trying to change al I that. He has encouraged an atmosphere o f open ness and cooperation. “It’s not just about mobility,” says Hansen, “it’s about building community.” So far, Tri-Met’s ability to actively reach out to minority businesses and cooperate with those under construction has sig naled a turning point in community rela tions. It’s an approach Hansen takes very seriously. “Public participation isn’t just a box that you check at the end o f the day,” he contends, “you have to be able to act on what the community says.” Area residents and minority business leaders have said they wanted to be part o f the project, wanted their voices heard, their needs met and wanted to be em ployed in the light-rail construction. Part o f the success o f the project has been linked to Hansen’s willingness to seek out minority contractors and sub c o n tra c to rs fru stra te d by p rev io u s projects. Helping fulfill thatcommitment is man ager o f diversity Bruce Watts. Watts has helped Tri-Met reach out to all levels o f the business community. An active member o f the A frican Ameri can community. Watts washeading up the Coalition o f Black Men when he first drew Tri-M et’s attention. Impressed with his involvement in the community and insight into African Ameri can based interests, Watts was just what Hansen was looking for. Hansen addressed W atts squarely, "You have a chance to be an advocate “My firm belief is that to have a healthy community, people need jobs," says Watts. R ight from the start, five potential con tractors presented their proposals not only to Tri-Mct, but before a community advi sory board as well. “Some were very good, but had no experience working in minority communi Public participation isn ’t ju st a box that you check at the end o f the day. You have to be able to act on what the community says. — T ri-M et G eneral M anager Fred Hansen from the outside or a decision maker from the inside.” Watts decided to accept that challenge. Traditionally an advocate for African American contractors. Watts first started consulting Tri-met on the oversight o f construction and minority relations. ties,” Hansen explained. Ultimately the five contractors were narrowed to just two. “Stacy and Witbeck (the project’s prime contractor) shared these values," says Hansen. “F.E. Ward (another chief con tractor) was equally enthusiastic." In addition, subcontracts were broken down in size to increase accessibility to smaller contractors. The effort has already out $5 million into the hands o f minority owned subcon tracting firms in north and northeast Port land. “ W e've provided opportunities for African American, minority, and women owned businesses.” Watts said. Leo Burrel o f ‘A Quality Weldor" isone such example. Burrel is self-employed by choice in order to focus on the quality o f his work. Watts encouraged Burrel to seek out employment on the project. “They are really trying to get some o f these contractors to use smaller guys,” says Burrel. Though he was impressed with Tri-met's efforts to keep smaller busi nesses on-the-job, he also realized there were some limitations in working with larger contractors. continued on page R3 Having Coffee and Dessert Restoring Homes Dixon’s Ribs Rule Israel Davis runs his own home construction business as an expert craftsman in the restoration o f old homes. James and Marie Dixon display tempting foods made at their restau rant. Dixon’s Rib Pit, located at 5804 N. Interstate Ave. The espresso, sandwich and des sert shop was the realization o f a lifelongdream for Anita Smith. See inside, page R9 See inside, page R 7 See inside, page R4
