For Immediate Release: Governor Kate Brown State of Oregon
Oregon’s outlook for rapid economic recovery is strong; we have an opportunity to lead with equity in our recovery efforts and not only support those who have kept our economy going, but to also lift up all Oregonians in both rural and urban parts of the state. While communities of color have been most impacted by the pandemic and wildfires in many ways, this action-oriented 10-point plan will strategically support these communities across the state.
10-Point Economic Recovery Plan
As the state recovers from the pandemic and historic wildfires, investments should align with the following 10 actions. Some action items are already under way, and some will be targeted with the state’s share of federal funds from the American Rescue Plan.
These are noted as follows:
• B = In Governor’s Recommended Budget
• L = In current state bill under legislative consideration
• F = Will be targeted for investment with new federal funds from American Rescue Plan
Action #1: Investing in Oregon’s hardest hit workers (those currently unemployed or underemployed)
• Extend/expand unemployment benefits, direct cash transfers (LF)
• Expand Individual Development Accounts/wealth building strategies/financial literacy opportunities (BLF)
• Provide funding for nonprofits at the front lines of the crisis (F)
Action #2: Reinvesting in innovative housing
• Turn commercial property into residential opportunity (F)
• Develop focused strategy for affordable housing for skilled + trade workers (BF)
• Stabilize renters and homeowners (BLF)
Action #3: Supporting resilient rural communities
• Support local governments in planning and growth through economic development strategies (F)
• Implement targeted forest health strategies (BLF)
• Invest in community colleges (F)
• Support our agriculture economy (LF)
Action #4: Supporting Oregon’s workforce (those currently employed but struggling)
• Target investments in workforce supports to BIPOC communities disproportionately impacted by COVID-19 (career pathways, childcare, housing supports) (BF)
• Expand free Employment-Related Daycare for 12 months (BF)
• Support the caring economy (BF)
Action #5: Creating opportunities for Oregonians (workforce development)
• Provide upskill/reskill opportunities to move individuals out of poverty (F)
• Help women get back into the workforce (F)
• Lean in on strategies to address the talent pipeline (see STEM Education Plan)
• Amplify new voices to support workforce development (BLF)
Action #6: Getting small business back on its feet
• Provide additional business relief; strategies related to Main Streets and downtown revitalization (BLF)
• Provide ongoing technical assistance (BF)
• Provide outreach/development for businesses on the cusp of closing (F)
Action #7: Investing in Oregon’s infrastructure
• Broadband investments, urban + rural (BLF)
• Traditional economic development investments for underserved communities: water, roads, wastewater, stormwater, ports (BLF)
• Local government services as infrastructure (resiliency/preparedness) (F)
Action #8: Oregonians investing in Oregon
• Implement BIPOC business strategy (non-profits/giving campaigns) (F)
• Implement hardest hit businesses strategy (F)
• Support opportunities for Oregonians to directly invest in Oregon-based companies through venture capital funding models (support for angel investors) (BLF)
Action #9: Safely Reopening Oregon’s economy
• Promote and enable safe in-state travel (F)
• Highlight Oregon on an international platform with sporting events over the next two years (BLF)
• Support business clusters moving from shutdown to reopening (BLF)
Action #10: Innovation in Manufacturing
• Enhance R+D and innovation across universities and industry (BF)
• Support inclusive innovation and entrepreneurial development by targeting talent from rural and historically underrepresented communities (BF)
• Incentivize manufacturing and traded-sector expansions (BF)
Governor Brown 10-Point Economic Recovery Plan Summary (PDF)
https://www.oregon.gov/gov/Pages/index.aspx
