Planning Commission meets to discuss business retention and introduces new city planner Kurt Fisher

The March 17 Planning Commission meeting in Yamhill, Oregon, highlighted pressing concerns about local business retention and introduced the city’s new planner, Kurt Fisher.

During the meeting, community member Patty raised a critical issue: the unexplained departure of several businesses from Yamhill over the past decade. She emphasized the need for the city to investigate why these businesses have left, suggesting that understanding the reasons—whether due to high costs or lack of community support—could help attract new businesses in the future. “I think it would be a good idea if there was a way to find that information out,” she stated, underscoring the importance of addressing this issue for economic growth.

In a significant shift, the meeting also welcomed Kurt Fisher, the new associate planner from the Mid Willamette Valley Council of Governments. Fisher, who has two years of experience with the council and a background in land use applications, expressed his eagerness to contribute to the community. “I’ve been involved in a variety of projects, from subdivisions to site design reviews,” he noted, indicating his readiness to tackle Yamhill's planning challenges.

The discussions at the meeting reflect a growing awareness of the need for strategic planning to support local businesses and enhance community engagement. As the city moves forward, the insights gained from these conversations could play a crucial role in shaping Yamhill's economic landscape.