Economic Development Plan Adopted by Clackamas County

Over the past year, Business and Economic Development staff and the Economic Development Commission (EDC) have developed an updated Economic Development Plan. This plan will guide economic development policy for Clackamas County for the next five to 10 years. It contains a longer-term vision for the County, its cities, unincorporated areas, and business, community and political leaders. The plan helps decision-makers to chart a steady successful course, to weather changing economic conditions and continuously improve, diversify and grow our economy. Strategies will remain constant but the emphasis may shift based on the economic climate and opportunities to come.

Highlights of the plan include an overview of the County’s economic landscape, vision, guiding principles and specific strategies with action steps and indicators of success. The proposed vision is: “Clackamas County thrives as a great place to operate a business, raise a family and visit sites and attractions. Our County’s vision is to create a unique niche in the Portland Metro area as the “Pioneers of Innovation” - a business friendly place that fosters innovation, sustainable practices, attracts the creative class and embraces its diversity”.

The plan focuses on a five-pronged strategy to maximize success:
• Business Retention and Growth: Helping our existing businesses to thrive is a top priority whether they are small or large, or located in urban or rural communities.
• Business Recruitment: Attracting strategic industry clusters and firms that have the strongest potential to thrive here, invest and create well paying jobs.
• Infrastructure: Advocating for funding for additional infrastructure capacity and maintenance, while developing short- and long-term supply and improving quality.
• Critical infrastructure includes transportation, water and sewer, among others.
• Workforce and Education: Ensuring that there are available, skilled workers to meet the growing and changing needs of Clackamas County employers.
• Regional Collaboration: Leveraging efforts and resources in marketing, recruitment, and in addressing economic development challenges together. Collaboration will occur at the local level with cities and communities as well as with regional, state and federal partners. This flexible and multi-faceted approach will help ensure long-term prosperity for Clackamas County.

The plan was developed with input from the EDC, business community, cities and regional stakeholders.

View the Economic Development Plan