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Columbia Economic Team staff dissolved; Scappoose to explore taking on programs
Summary
City staff told the council that the Columbia Economic Team dissolved its staff as of Dec. 31 and the city is exploring options to continue CET programs, possibly inheriting grants or transferring responsibilities to other county bodies; no formal commitment was made.
City Manager Ben Burgener updated the council that the Columbia Economic Team (CET) dissolved its staff at the end of December and that the city is working with county partners to determine how CET programs and grants might continue.
Burgener said CET staff were removed for operational and financial reasons and that parties are examining options for moving CET programs and current grants to other entities or to the city. He said one proposal under discussion would not have an immediate financial cost to the city but would require accepting and managing grants and programs to preserve continuity for local businesses and economic development efforts. Burgener said staff had been in contact with the CET executive and county partners and that a formal proposal would be brought back once options were analyzed.
Council response: Members asked for more context about CET services and past grants; Burgener and councilors highlighted several CET functions, such as small-business resources, tourism promotion and management of incubator grants. Council asked staff to present a formal proposal and to discuss the item at the upcoming council retreat.
Next steps: Staff will continue discussions with CET, county partners and potential recipient organizations and return a formal proposal to council for consideration.
