When I began my role as Economic Development Manager in January 2020, I looked forward to addressing the apparent and significant challenges ahead. Shortly after I arrived, the pandemic drastically impacted Oregon City. By March, the statewide shutdown left many local businesses, especially small ones, on the verge of closure. In response, we worked with the City Commission to develop the Debt Relief Initiative, which provided crucial financial resources to help local businesses manage their debt and avoid closure. This experience highlighted the need for a long-term strategy to foster a diverse, resilient, and vibrant economy. Our Economic Development Plan was created and implemented to help support the business sector within the community, including the tourism sector. The following pages provide an overview of the critical programs and partnerships we’ve developed and a preview of the exciting initiatives ahead. I would like to thank the City Manager, the City Commission, our partners, and the city staff, whose collective efforts have made these successes possible. As we look forward, we remain committed to building a resilient and prosperous Oregon City. LEADERSHIP INSIGHTS: A NOTE FROM THE MANAGER
James Graham, CEcD Economic Development Manager Oregon City
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