Gorge Commission names Litware chair of new Economic Vitality Committee, outlines work plan topics

The Columbia River Gorge Commission’s inaugural Economic Vitality Committee meeting on May 21 appointed Loch Litware as chair and Laura Bridal Bissell as vice chair and turned to priorities for a work plan the committee will develop in coming weeks.

The committee was created to focus Commission attention on the economic-purpose provisions of the National Scenic Area Act and to revive past work on supporting agriculture, forestry and urban-area economic activity consistent with scenic-area protections. Christina, the Commission’s executive director, opened the meeting by asking members to choose leadership, review the history of prior economic-vitality efforts and identify a small set of issues staff should research to move an agenda forward.

Why this matters: Commissioners said they want to make the Commission’s support for local economies more visible while staying within the management plan’s limits. The group will decide whether to be a standing committee or a limited-duration body and may convene a separate Community Advisory Committee to provide broader input.

At the meeting, commissioners debated nominations and voted by roll call to appoint Litware as chair, with staff reporting a tally of three yes votes and two abstentions. Laura Bridal Bissell accepted the vice-chair nomination. The procedural discussion included concerns from some members about past public criticism of the Commission at county meetings; those concerns were raised alongside remarks that dissent and vigorous internal debate are part of good governance.

Several commissioners outlined the committee’s expected duties. "The chair is really taking responsibility to work with the staff and then run these meetings and be in good communications with all the members and then be the one to report back to the full Commission," a commissioner said during deliberations. Christina reminded the group that staff will help set agendas and prepare summaries for the full Commission.

Members reviewed the Commission’s prior economic-vitality work: a FORGE 2020 economic-vitality work group of about 28 representatives met seven times over roughly two years to revise the economic development chapter of the management plan. Christina urged members to reread that chapter and suggested a preliminary set of topics for the committee to study, including revisiting the agricultural income test in the management plan and examining accessory dwelling units.

The committee also heard from invited partners. Jessica Mehta, executive director for MACED, described the Bi-State Advisory Council that coordinates the Oregon and Washington investment boards, state agencies, the Forest Service and local partners to develop the regional economic-vitality plan; she said the council sets policy for the investment boards and typically convenes at least annually. Gil Kelly, chair of the Oregon Investment Board, said most economic activity in the Gorge is tied to urban areas but emphasized the need to support agriculture, silviculture and recreation outside cities "with careful attention that they don't compromise the scenic or natural values of the gorge."

Ben Schumacher, representing the City of Stevenson, urged the committee to clarify what ‘‘encourage growth’’ means in urban areas and to work with cities to ensure Gorge Commission support produces tangible benefits, such as grant support or letters for infrastructure projects. Christina noted that the Commission has no formal jurisdiction inside urban areas but can provide support letters and other nonregulatory assistance.

Next steps: Staff will work with Chair Litware and Vice Chair Bridal Bissell to prepare a draft work plan and a proposed agenda for the committee’s next meeting, expected within a month. The five‑year regional economic vitality strategy that informs this committee was approved in 2021 and will be up for review again in 2026.

The committee adjourned with leadership in place and a charge to return with a concrete work plan and priorities for staff research and public outreach.