Community Economic Coalition urges $350,000 study to boost in‑state procurement

Kaz Zaidi told the subcommittee on May 29 that the Community Economic Coalition seeks a $350,000 budget note to study Oregon’s public procurement system with the goal of increasing the share of state contracts awarded to in‑state and small businesses, particularly in economically distressed communities. Zaidi summarized the planned scope: a legal analysis of procurement laws, a five‑year spending assessment, a tax‑impact comparison of local versus nonlocal contracts, a best‑practices review, and stakeholder engagement leading to a final report with implementation pathways. He said the funds would pay consultants, data collection, and stakeholder outreach.