Prosper Portland Declines to Provide Reviews of Loan and Grant Programs Amid Scrutiny
Prosper Portland, the city's economic development agency, has refused to release external reports evaluating its taxpayer-funded loan and grant programs. This decision follows the failure of a $7 million city-backed project, which has drawn criticism from local officials and the public. The agency's executive director, Cornell Wesley, commissioned a law firm to review Prosper's loans, grants, policies, and procedures. However, the agency cites attorney-client privilege as the reason for withholding these reviews. Prosper Portland, with an annual budget of around $200 million, has historically focused on creating tax-increment financing districts but has diversified its portfolio in recent years. The agency's decision not to disclose the reviews has raised concerns about transparency and accountability, especially after a high-profile project failed to meet its financial obligations. 
