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Economic development committee tees up workforce training, business outreach and downtown recruitment
Summary
Members of Estacada’s newly formed economic development committee outlined early priorities — workforce development with the high school and Clackamas Community College, business retention and recruitment in downtown and the industrial park, promotions to attract groceries and tourism partners, and a proposed business outreach event this winter.
Estacada’s Economic Development Committee (EDC) presented early priorities to the city council, focusing on workforce training, business retention and recruitment, and marketing the city to brokers and potential businesses.
“Really thinking about when you know, what are we wanna bring back to them is number 1…business recruitment in downtown and the industrial park,” said John Legarza, an EDC participant. The EDC members recommended measurable short‑term goals (one‑year targets) that roll up to five‑ and ten‑year objectives.
Committee members stressed workforce development as a top priority. They proposed closer collaboration with Estacada High School and Clackamas Community College to align training and internships with local employer needs, including trades and STEM programs. The committee noted employers in the industrial park report many employees commute into Estacada and that local training could help keep jobs and wages in town.
The EDC also proposed a business outreach and broker event (timed for late year/holiday season) to market downtown and the industrial park to commercial brokers and potential investors. Councilors suggested the committee produce a turnkey “what to expect” packet for businesses outlining planning and permitting timelines, grant resources and hiring supports.
Other topics raised included exploring additional grocery options in the city’s growing neighborhoods, coordinating with tourism stakeholders (Clackamas River Outfitters was represented on the committee), and promoting a rolling job posting resource on the city website to connect residents with local openings.
Why this matters: councilors said workforce development and targeted business outreach can help match local residents to jobs created by new businesses and reduce commute times while supporting local economic growth.
