EDCO tells commissioners Central Oregon economy is growing; cites 750 jobs and $200M raised in recent strategic period
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Summary
Economic Development of Central Oregon reported to the Deschutes County Board that its three‑year strategic effort helped catalyze about 750 jobs and $200 million in capital investment, outlined a 3‑year strategic plan and described a pipeline of 188 active projects including several large manufacturing and logistics developments.
Economic Development of Central Oregon (EDCO) presented its annual report to the Deschutes County Board of Commissioners on April 1, highlighting regional gains, a new strategic plan and an active project pipeline that EDCO staff say will support future job and capital growth.
John (EDCO CEO) and staff described the organization’s outcomes through December 31 and previewed the next strategic cycle. EDCO reported being allocated $309,951 in county video lottery funds in the current fiscal year and a proposed $324,517 for the next fiscal year (pending budget adoption). The presentation credited EDCO and regional partners with catalyzing roughly 750 jobs and $200 million in capital investment over the previous three‑year strategic period.
EDCO underscored five target industries—scientific/high technology, advanced manufacturing, lifestyle products, and corporate/administrative centers—and said its pipeline included 188 active projects as of the quarter close. Local growth projects noted to commissioners included the Amazon facility in Redmond (near operation), advanced‑manufacturing projects (Nosler, Poltex, Baselite) and the recent $21 million sale of the Redmond Industrial Park, which EDCO said could support a future rail spur and more manufacturing acreage.
The agency also discussed legislative priorities: industrial site readiness funding, urban area reserve (UAR) legislative concepts to clarify tools available to communities, and advocacy around tax and depreciation policy affecting startup investment (SB 1507 / QSBS was cited as a concern). EDCO staff said they will continue to coordinate with local governments on site readiness, workforce and regulatory barriers.
Commissioners asked about EDCO’s role in local land‑use processes and whether the agency engages in planning conversations; EDCO said staff attend planning‑commission meetings and that several policy concepts will be brought forward for local review. The board thanked EDCO for work on regional projects and funding support.
