[pdxf]

I love the 'cascade of benefits' of the bringing the MLS to Portland. This started out just as trying to land the MLS team, and required the upgrade of PGE Park (which is going to be an awesome soccer venue). So we get new life around PGE Park, and then it turns out that we need a new baseball stadium, which will help the Rose quarter area, and could help provide a little push for getting the ball rolling for some sort of developments in the Rose quarter by Paul Allen. This could also lead to the Convention Center hotel, and even possibly (although unlikely, I know I'm dreaming) a high speed rail hub of some sort in that area. It just seems like this small move of trying to get the MLS has created some large potential benefits for several areas of Portland.

Along with the new bridge over the Willamette for Max, the new pedestrian bridge to the Tram which looks good, I think Portland is making some really good moves right now (in spite of the recession), and has me hopeful for our future.