Message from the CEO: February 2025

With the 2025 Oregon legislative session underway, we are monitoring bills that impact, either positively or negatively, economic and business development. Our team has compiled a comprehensive outline that identifies the priorities and initiatives that could impact our ability to achieve our mission.

We support:

• Infrastructure Development – Programs and incentives that provide funds to local communities to invest in infrastructure and legislation that increases infrastructure capacity. e.g.:
  
  • House Bill 2411 (seeks to secure funding for industrial land infrastructure improvements)
  • Senate Bill 967 (allows cities and counties to jointly designate Local Improvement Districts)
• $42m request for the OSU-Cascades campus expansion
• Incentives and/or funds that bring new resources to traded-sector employers, including but not limited to cleantech sector support. e.g.:    
  
  • House Bill 3049 (improvements to the Oregon Investment Advantage incentive)
  • Senate Bill 99,/House Bill 2075 (companion bills extending the sunset of an important Brownfield redevelopment incentive)
• Workforce development tools
• Initiatives that increase Oregon’s supply of middle-income (workforce) housing
• Business Oregon’s budget and Technical Assistance (TA) funding request

Conversely, we oppose:

• Burdensome regulations that negatively impact the ability for Central Oregon’s traded-sector businesses to remain profitable and competitive.
• Legislation that reduces infrastructure capacity.
• Regulations and legislation that impede workforce housing goals and make siting diverse industries in Central Oregon difficult. e.g.:
  
  • House Bill 3062 (proposes a review process for industrial sites based on new community comprehensive plan maps that identify sensitive uses)
  • Senate Bill 73 (would restrict the methods by which lands zoned for farm, forest, or mixed farm and forest use may be redesignated for non-resource use e.g. housing)

Our advocacy efforts include letters of support, providing or arranging testimony and joining strategic coalitions for critical legislation while we closely monitor developments. We’ve also partnered with the Bend Chamber to create further efficiencies and to strengthen Central Oregon’s collective voice. Together, let’s stay informed and engaged as we work towards making a positive impact in our community.

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