City staff told the Estacada Economic Development Committee they plan to apply for two near-term funding opportunities to support tourism marketing and business-sector development, including a Mount Hood tourism territory grant and a Clackamas County Office of Economic Development notice of funding opportunity (NOFA), each described as being up to $100,000.

Dan, city staff, briefed the committee that staff will pursue the Mount Hood tourism territory funding to promote the Clackamas Corridor and river-area attractions and that the county NOFA can fund targeted trade-sector activities. Dan described the tourism application as intended to increase awareness of the corridor and local festivals and said the county NOFA timeline closes in October; staff later noted one deadline had been extended by one week after the agenda was posted.

Why it matters: both grants could provide marketing dollars and program support to help Estacada attract visitors during shoulder seasons and to raise awareness of local recreational and retail assets.

Committee discussion: members raised tourism activities that already bring visitors, such as Oktoberfest and river fishing, and suggested outreach to outfitters, off-road groups and other recreation businesses. Staff asked the committee to flag businesses that might qualify and to help spread the word so potential applicants can meet submission deadlines.

Next steps: staff will circulate NOFA details and timelines by email, coordinate with the Estacada Area Chamber of Commerce for outreach and prepare draft applications where appropriate. Committee members were asked to identify prospective applicants or partners within the next 30 days.