Navigating Growth & Building a Resilient Future
Central Oregon is experiencing explosive growth. While exciting, this rapid change brings significant challenges. To ensure a thriving future for our region, we must proactively address these issues and maintain the unique character that makes Central Oregon special.
Transportation: A Gridlocked Future?
Traffic congestion is no longer a distant threat – it’s our daily reality. To maintain our quality of life and preserve the ease of movement that has always been a hallmark of Central Oregon, we need to prioritize:
- Smarter Commuting: Embrace carpooling with expanded lanes and incentivize ridesharing. Explore options like commuter shuttles connecting outlying areas to employment centers.
- Connected Public Transit: Invest in a reliable bus network with increased frequency, expanded routes, and user-friendly technology that seamlessly integrates with carpooling options.
- Prioritize Active Living: Encourage cycling and walking by creating safe and accessible infrastructure, including dedicated bike lanes and improved pedestrian walkways along key corridors. We must also carefully consider the potential impact of these changes on businesses and work collaboratively to find solutions that balance the needs of all stakeholders.
According to Bob Townsend, Cascades East Transit director/COIC, “The congestion issues directly impact safety from a direct perspective, based on the simple fact that more cars on the roadway lead to more chances of accidents. However, it also impacts driver behavior when it starts impacting the timing of their commute which leads to a more aggressive driver behavior. Encouraging mode shifts, walking, biking, and improving transit can directly impact and improve the safety of our transportation system.”
Housing: A Crisis Looming
“Central Oregon must take bold action to address our housing crisis,” says Morgan Greenwood, SVP of Government Affairs at COBA. “By collaborating with the newly formed pro-housing coalition Partners for Affordable Housing, we can streamline development and the permit processing time, fund critical infrastructure, and ensure all policies support the housing our region desperately needs.”
The affordable housing crisis is a major obstacle for both residents and businesses, hindering workforce attraction and retention. Some solutions to visit are:
- Expand Housing Options: We need a diverse housing market, including affordable rentals, condominiums, and workforce housing. Explore creative solutions like employee housing options for businesses.
- Streamline Development: Cut red tape and streamline the development process to increase the supply of housing units while ensuring responsible growth that protects our natural environment.
- Explore Innovative Solutions: Embrace ADUs (Accessory Dwelling Units) and co-housing to increase density while preserving our community character.
According to Karl Dinklespiel, Deputy Director, RootedHomes, “There are numerous causes of the housing shortage in central Oregon, many beyond our direct control. What we can do is advocate for increased funding from as many potential partners as possible, while also taking steps to control construction costs and reduce permitting times. We must also keep our focus on those most in need in our communities, doing everything we can to ensure they are housed and have their other basic needs met.”
Workforce Development: A Skilled Future
A thriving workforce is the lifeblood of our economy. To succeed long-term, we must attract and retain top talent.
- Invest in Education and Training: Support local institutions and programs to develop a workforce in high-demand sectors like technology, healthcare, and renewable energy, aligning with the growing needs of Central Oregon businesses.
- Create Career Pathways: Provide clear pathways for individuals to enter and advance in growing industries, connecting education and training programs with local employment opportunities.
- Address Workforce Housing Needs: Ensure essential workers have access to affordable housing options to support a stable and productive workforce.
Economic Diversification: Beyond Tourism
While tourism and outdoor recreation are vital to our region, diversifying our economy is crucial to build long-term resilience. We need to explore and support growth in emerging sectors like technology, renewable energy, and advanced manufacturing, while leveraging Central Oregon’s unique assets.
- Addressing Healthcare Needs: Improve access to quality healthcare, particularly for our growing aging population. Attract and retain healthcare professionals by highlighting the high quality of life and recreational opportunities in Central Oregon.
- Embrace Emerging Industries: Explore and support growth in technology, renewable energy, and advanced manufacturing, leveraging Central Oregon’s strong entrepreneurial spirit and access to renewable resources.
- Leverage Local Strengths: Build on our natural beauty and entrepreneurial spirit to attract and support new businesses, emphasizing the unique lifestyle and business advantages that Central Oregon offers.
- Address High Costs: Advocate for policies that address Oregon’s high cost of doing business, which hinders economic growth and competitiveness. A recent study by the Oregon Business & Industries Association (OBI) ranked Oregon 48th out of 50 states for tax and cost burden, directly impacting Central Oregon businesses.
“Central Oregon has seen improved growth across sectors like bioscience, outdoor products, and technology, according to EDCO CEO Jon Stark. This economic diversification has propelled Central Oregon to #4 on the 2025 Milken Institute’s “Top 5 Best-Performing” small cities list, reflecting the region’s thriving economy.
Governance and Community Engagement: A Shared Vision
Effective governance and inclusive community engagement are essential to navigate the challenges of rapid growth while preserving the unique character of Central Oregon.
- Maintain Government Functionality: Ensure our governments have the resources and capacity to effectively serve a growing population while addressing complex challenges, such as water conservation, wildfire mitigation, and traffic congestion.
- Fostering Inclusive Dialogue: Create spaces for open and inclusive discussions among all residents, regardless of background or perspective, to ensure that community values are reflected in decision-making processes.
- Navigating Political Polarization: Address the increasing political polarization that is prevalent at the state and national levels and find common ground on critical issues facing our community, prioritizing the long-term well-being of Central Oregon.
Population Growth and Its Implications:
Central Oregon’s booming population presents both exciting opportunities and significant challenges.
- Resource Management: Manage the increased demand for water, energy, and other resources sustainably, prioritizing water conservation and the protection of our natural environment.
- Environmental Protection: Balance growth with environmental protection to preserve our natural environment, including our forests, rivers, and wildlife.
- Social Infrastructure: Ensure adequate social services, including education, healthcare, and public safety, to support a growing population while maintaining a high quality of life for all residents.
The Importance of a Strategic Plan:
Just like successful businesses, our region needs a well-defined strategic plan to guide our growth and ensure a thriving future.
- Focus on Preparation: Anticipate future challenges and opportunities, allowing us to proactively address emerging needs such as climate change, water scarcity, and the impacts of wildfires.
- Prioritize Scalability: Ensure that our infrastructure, services, and systems can effectively accommodate a growing population while maintaining a high quality of life and preserving the unique character of Central Oregon.
- Embrace a Shared Vision: Foster a shared understanding of our community’s goals and aspirations, aligning stakeholders around a common vision for the future of Central Oregon.
Conclusion:
The future of Central Oregon depends on our ability to navigate these challenges effectively while preserving our unique character. By embracing sustainable growth, investing in infrastructure, and fostering collaboration among all stakeholders, we can build a vibrant and resilient future for our region.
