Oregon Prosperity Council ReportJune 2026 · progressive-disclosure index

Introduction: Pillars of Prosperity

LeafSource PDF pp. 9–12 ↗view raw markdown

Introduction: Pillars of Prosperity

FULL REPORT O R E G O N P R O S P E R IT Y C O U NC I L Recommendations for Oregon’s Long-Term Competitiveness & Prosperity

P I L L A R S O F P R O S P E R IT Y In Oregon, we know the power of coming together to make bold choices that reflect our shared values and benefit all Oregonians. It’s how we have become known over the years for our natural resources, innovative businesses, and strong communities. And it’s exactly what the Prosperity Council is here to do, and why we as its members signed up for this work. Today, Oregon’s economic future is uncertain, and stagnant incomes, increasing pressure on public we are in danger of missing an entire generation services, and fewer opportunities for people to build a of growth and prosperity. We have lost sight of what better future for themselves and their children. it takes to set up our state for success: It’s time for urgent action to bridge strong vision and coordination at all our differences and fix what’s not levels of government. As a result, the It’s time for urgent working to put Oregon back on state is struggling under the weight of a path to prosperity. Incremental overlapping and constraining policy action to bridge change will not be enough. decisions, keeping us at the back of our differences Oregon’s challenges now require the national pack on critical measures solutions equal in scale, and our like education, taxes, and regulation. and fix what’s not leaders must be willing to pursue Too often, Oregonians are paying more working to put reforms that improve accountability, while feeling they receive less in return. modernize government, and ensure Costs are rising, businesses are stalling Oregon back on a public resources are delivering or leaving, and too many Oregonians path to prosperity. measurable results for Oregonians. are struggling. The recommendations in this report At the same time, population growth reflect a practical, results-oriented has slowed, employers are finding it harder to invest approach focused on proven strategies and meaningful and expand, and many communities are seeing fewer outcomes rather than ideology, with the goal of opportunities for workers and families. If Oregon does moving the needle on the issues that matter most to not change course, the state risks slower job growth, Oregon’s future.

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u Prosperity means more than growth alone. It means small businesses, entrepreneurs, family-owned OREGON IS POISED FOR businesses, and larger employers can create more and GROWTH & NATURAL LEADERSHIP better-paying jobs. It means our public agencies are Sectors include: fiscally stable, and everyone has access to high-quality education, healthcare, and other essential services. It means an economy that works for people across the state, including employers, small business owners, and workers. To do that, we need to align and streamline our systems, while staying true to the core values that define AGRICULTURE, FOOD & BEVERAGES our state and make us special. u We must change our economic trajectory. To be among the leading states in the next decade of prosperity, we need to take advantage of our location, resources, and talent in areas that are poised for growth. FORESTRY & WOOD PRODUCTS u This is an inflection point for Oregon, and our leaders must rise to meet it. We cannot continue to foster a culture of ambivalence about growth, and we cannot take growth for granted. We must choose every day to nurture and support our business ecosystem. APPLIED/PHYSICAL AI Including semiconductors and robotics The Prosperity Council calls on our Governor and the Legislature to adopt a more audacious vision for Oregon’s future, one grounded in jobs growth (including support for entrepreneurs and for the expansion of existing businesses), accountability, competitiveness, innovation, SPORTS & OUTDOOR INDUSTRIES and broad-based prosperity. The state’s economic Including apparel, spectator events, and tourism challenges are significant, but so is Oregon’s potential, if leaders are willing to act boldly and with urgency. The following recommendations are a result of a statewide effort to listen, synthesize, and share the views and real concerns of Oregonians. The Council has worked hard to achieve balance in our recommendations between LIFE SCIENCES & immediate fixes and longer-term systemic changes to CLEAN ENERGY TECHNOLOGIES keep Oregon relevant and prosperous into the future. Purpose and Process The Oregon Prosperity Council developed its recommendations through a statewide engagement process designed to gather input from a broad cross-section of Oregon businesses, community organizations, public agencies, educational institutions, workforce partners, tribal governments, and residents. The engagement effort combined multiple methods to capture both structured and qualitative feedback, including a public survey, facilitated listening sessions,

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and written submissions. The public survey generated over 1,000 responses from participants representing nearly every county in Oregon, while more than 60 listening sessions were held across all eleven economic development regions in the state. In addition, stakeholders submitted over 45 letters representing advocacy organizations, industry 1 perspectives, and community leaders points of view. The Council’s engagement process used common discussion questions and frameworks across all engagement activities. Feedback was organized around key themes related to Oregon’s business climate, workforce, and economic development tools, then analyzed to identify recurring priorities, areas of consensus, and differing view points. This process provided the Council with a strong foundation of stakeholder input that supplemented their own individual outreach. Together, this information was used to inform recommendations and ensure they reflected opportunities and aspirations expressed by communities and employers across the state. 1 See Appendix A. Engagement Report, Appendix B. Survey Questions, Appendix C. Survey Responses, Appendix D. Facilitator’s Guide, and Appendix E. Sub- missions and Feedback

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Parent: Full Report · PDF: pp. 9-12