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EDCO tells Sisters council local job growth steady; new businesses and incubator activity noted
Summary
Eric Strobel of EDCO reported entrepreneurship and job gains in Sisters, citing per-capita job growth and new small-business activity; EDCO highlighted workforce initiatives, a July business tour, and continued focus on zoning and permitting support.
Eric Strobel, EDCOs Sisters director, presented an annual update on regional economic development and local business activity.
Strobel said Sisters led employment growth in the comparison set at a 31.1% rate (noting that number is skewed by a large earlier expansion), with recent years at 10.1% (2023) and 8.2% (2024). He highlighted small-business successes, including several start-ups and 12 new employees in the startup category and 26 hires among growth companies. Strobel described ongoing efforts around zoning, business coaching, entrepreneur boot camps and a walking "Maiden Sisters Tour" scheduled for July 16.
Councilors asked about labor supply and housing pressures for employees commuting into town. Strobel said commute options and UGB expansion ideas (dormitory or tiny-home models) were under discussion but likely longer-term solutions. The council did not take action during the presentation but asked staff to continue outreach to support local businesses.
