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Regional economic group highlights childcare grants, internships and business starts
Summary
Kevin Leahy of Clatsop Economic Development Resources told Astoria Council that Cedar supported childcare infrastructure awards to two Clatsop providers, recorded 17 new business starts countywide in 2025, and is advancing workforce programs including an HVAC pre-apprenticeship and expanded internships.
Kevin Leahy, executive director at Clatsop Economic Development Resources ("Cedar"), briefed the City Council on Cedar's 2025 year-in-review and upcoming programs.
"We worked with federal and state elected officials and field teams to address the potential regional impacts of the FEMA BiOp changes," Leahy told the council and described Cedar’s ongoing workforce and childcare initiatives. He highlighted that Cedar and partners secured awards for two local childcare projects — Bumble Art Studio in Astoria ($95,000) and Frolic and Lark Place Studio in Moreton ($71,000) — and reported 17 business starts in Clatsop County last year.
Leahy outlined internship and training efforts at the community college, including a pre-apprenticeship HVAC program launching in June, and described Cedar’s role coordinating countywide economic strategy and letters of support for regional projects. Council members thanked Leahy and asked several program-specific questions about school engagement, transportation to job fairs, and partnerships with the college and hospital.
