Stakeholders urge lawmakers to fund Business Oregon programs during HB 5024 public hearing

Co-chairs Senator Woods and Representative Gomberg opened a public hearing March 4 on House Bill 5024, hearing roughly 36 witnesses who asked lawmakers to preserve or increase funding for Business Oregon programs that support rural economic development, workforce pipelines, manufacturing, bioscience startups, port infrastructure and child care.

The testimony focused on several specific programs and policy option packages within HB 5024. Witnesses representing economic development districts, ports, incubators, universities, trade groups and local governments described how Business Oregon grants and technical assistance operate “boots on the ground” to help businesses access capital, rebuild after disasters, commercialize university research and create local jobs.

Jessica Mehta, executive director of Mid Columbia Economic Development District, said the agency and her region “have benefited from many of [Business Oregon’s] funding programs, including the Rural Opportunity Initiative and Regional Innovation Hub,” and added, “I strongly support the passage of House Bill 5024 to continue that work in my region.”

Brandy Ferguson, executive director of the McKenzie Community Land Trust, described the Holiday Farm Fire recovery in the McKenzie River Valley and credited a Business Oregon ROI grant with allowing local leaders to focus on rebuilding businesses alongside housing. “There is no funding…