Canvass Rap
Hi, is the Owner/Manager available? (Yes) Hi, my name is ______, and I am with Southeast Uplift. (shake hands if it feels right) We are gathering surveys from businesses to assist with the Lents Town Center Urban Renewal Project. Have you heard about the project? (No) Well, this project was adopted by city council in 1998, with plans on spending 75 million dollars to improve the areas between 82nd and 122nd east and west, and SE Clatsop and Powell north and south. (Yes) Great, do you have five minutes complete this survey?
(After explaining the project) Do you have time to fill this out now? It will take about five minutes. (Yes) Great! (wait patiently, look busy, read their literature if they have any, cross off on your clipboard, etc) (No) That’s okay, if you’d like, I can stop by tomorrow to pick it up or you can send it in when it is completed…..(mark down what they will do) Thank you (shake hands if it feels right).
(If owner/manager is not available) When is the best time to reach them? (If it seems like leaving the survey is a good idea, do it. If it seems sketchy, like it might get lost, come back when the owner/manager will be there) (take a business card for your records) Thank you.
If the conversation turns into a long one, use these points of reference:
*The Portland Development Commission is in charge of this project. They create jobs, increase availability of affordable housing, improve infrastructure and revitalize neighborhoods and business districts.
*This area was chosen by the city council, advised by a community-based steering committee and PDC. Lines are drawn in the desired neighborhoods targeted for improvement.
*The financing method is called tax-increment financing, a very common method for paying for improvements in urban renewal areas. No new taxes are formed or used.
*It’s important to be involved in this process because it affects your business and the access that people will have to it.
*call 503-227-LENTS, lentsinfo@portlanddev.org. www.LentsTownCenter.com.