(Daimler Trucks North America’s Master Site | Rendering courtesy of Madras – Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce)
Madras and surrounding communities in Jefferson County have experienced a large influx of new residents with Madras officially over 8,000 in population. New business openings in Madras numbering in the double digits resulting in only a few brick-and-mortar storefronts being vacant over the past three years. The Madras downtown corridor hosts multiple food establishments, recently established food cart pavilion which was grant/loan funded by the City of Madras Redevelopment Commission and three storefront upgrades on scheduled for completion in 2023. A future brewery and restaurant is scheduled for 2024. All have been grant/loan funded by the MRC.
Daimler Trucks North America’s Master Site plan has been approved by the City of Madras for the Madras High Desert Proving Grounds track, Support Facilities, Trackside Validation Center and Event Center. Adding 65,000 sq. ft. to the existing 40,000 sq. ft. on their 87-acre campus over the next three years.
Jefferson County Commission, utilizing economic development funds, has grant funded $750,000 for three industrial buildings totaling over 20,000 sq. ft. with anticipated build-outs by early 2024. Anticipating ten and more new full-time employees
Just south of Madras, the City of Metolius completed the first Dog Park in Jefferson County, has a new upgrade project for the City Park and has three businesses are on schedule to be opening by this coming April. Adding to two other businesses that have opened since January of 2020. The City of Culver just built a new Pavilion at their City Park with a planned expansion of a skate park along with pickle ball, basketball and tennis courts. Meeting expectations of the growing population, future subdivision south of town and complimenting two new businesses on their business corridor.
All community events, festivals, Airshow of the Cascades, Culver Crawdad Festival, Metolius Spike and Rail and sport events in Jefferson County returned in 2022. Three new events have been added to the calendar for the community, their friends, family and visitors to experience and participate in. From First Thursdays starting in May thru September, put on by the Madras Downtown Association, to Ball Tournaments at Juniper Hills Park. Three annual Cycling Races have been established at the Madras East Hills Trails by the Central Oregon Trail Alliance-Madras Chapter and the Oregon Interscholastic Cycling Association.
The Madras – Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce has continued to be the one-stop Visitor Information Center along with our tenant, the U.S. Forest Service Crooked River Grasslands staff, as a Harvest Host participant for quick overnight RV guests and a central location with five Fast Charge EV stations. While being the central information hub for community information, event assistance and economic development promotion countywide. We are glad to be out of the Hurricane of the past few years and back in the Chamber Whirlwinds for Madras and Jefferson County.
