Clackamas County initiates dual studies for industrial land readiness and development planning

Clackamas County officials gathered on December 11, 2024, to discuss critical initiatives aimed at bolstering the local economy through strategic land use planning. A key focus of the meeting was the approval of grant recommendations to support business development, which received unanimous backing from the Board of County Commissioners.

Commissioner Scholl emphasized the importance of these grants, stating they would significantly impact the county's economic future. The approved funding will enable staff to create agreements for the distribution of these grants, which are intended to foster growth in both urban and rural business sectors.

In addition to the grant discussions, the meeting featured a presentation on the Development Ready Land Study, a two-part initiative designed to assess and enhance the county's industrial land readiness. This study aims to identify the specific characteristics needed for various industry sectors and to evaluate the availability of land suitable for future business development.

Transportation and Development staff outlined the necessity of understanding the county's land needs to attract businesses effectively. They highlighted that while cities are responsible for conducting economic opportunity analyses, the county plays a crucial role in supporting these efforts, particularly in areas under Metro's jurisdiction.

The first part of the study, the Industrial Site Readiness Study, will focus on defining the requirements for different industry clusters and assessing current and future employment land needs. The estimated cost for this study is around $200,000, with plans to initiate it in 2025.

The second part, the Development Ready Land Strategy Study, will explore rural lands within the Urban Growth Boundary (UGB) and urban reserve areas. This study aims to provide a clearer understanding of available land and the infrastructure necessary to support future housing and job growth. The county seeks up to $1 million in grant funding to complete this broader analysis, which is expected to begin in April 2025 and conclude by the end of 2026.

Commissioners expressed enthusiasm for these initiatives, recognizing their potential to align local resources with the needs of businesses and to facilitate economic growth in Clackamas County. The discussions underscored a commitment to collaborative planning and informed decision-making as the county navigates its economic landscape.