CLACKAMAS COUNTY CAN LEAD OREGON'S ECONOMIC RECOVERY

Oregon faces serious economic headwinds: stagnant population growth, sluggish job creation in key counties, rising housing costs, and persistent transportation bottlenecks. While Multnomah County has lost jobs and Washington County has leveled off, Clackamas County with its diverse industries, suburban-rural balance, and quality of life has a real opportunity to become the state’s economic standout. As a candidate for County Commissioner, I believe targeted, common-sense actions can turn this potential into reality without new taxes or heavy-handed mandates from Salem or Metro. 

Clackamas already boasts strength in advanced manufacturing, metals and machinery, healthcare, high-tech and software, food and beverage processing, renewable energy, nursery/agriculture, and forestry. These traded-sector clusters export goods and services and bring wealth into the region. Yet challenges remain: property taxes continue to climb (over 5% per year in recent years), housing affordability pushes young families away, I-205 and Hwy 212 congestion hurts commuters and commerce, and inefficient spending on homelessness has delivered poor results despite massive investment. 

The foundation for leadership starts with housing. Strict land-use rules and regional mandates have constrained supply and driven up prices. I support smart, locally controlled reforms that accelerate permitting for workforce housing and missing-middle units near job centers, while protecting prime farmland and rural character. Density bonuses, targeted zoning updates, and partnerships with cities can improve the jobs-to-housing ratio. More attainable homes will help retain and attract working families and talent—the lifeblood of long-term growth. 

A strong business climate is equally critical. Clackamas should expand its Business Retention and Expansion (BRE) program with regular employer visits and a dedicated red-tape reduction task force. The goal: cut permitting timelines by 30-50% for priority projects. A modest Economic Development Fund—financed through government efficiencies rather than tax increases—could offer targeted incentives like forgivable loans or infrastructure support tied directly to sustained job creation. Recruiting and retaining firms in high-potential sectors such as advanced manufacturing, renewable energy, and food processing positions Clackamas as the pro-business alternative in the Portland metro area: lower costs, better access, and family-friendly communities. 

Transportation infrastructure remains a major barrier. I have consistently opposed tolling on I-205 and instead demanded accountability, audits, and smarter spending to fix congestion. Public-private partnerships and focused investments in key corridors and industrial zones will unlock shovel-ready sites and support commerce. Expanding broadband in rural eastern Clackamas will further enable remote work, ag-tech, and small business growth.

Workforce development must keep pace. Strengthening partnerships with Clackamas Community College, the Clackamas Workforce Partnership, and local employers can build pipelines in high-demand fields through apprenticeships, career-tech education, and “earn-while-you-learn” programs. At the same time we must advocate for a complete make-over of Oregon K-12. Emphasizing the county’s quality of life—good schools, outdoor recreation, and safer neighborhoods—helps attract and retain workers. 

Fiscal discipline underpins everything. By eliminating waste, rejecting new taxes and dumping current repressive taxation levels, and redirecting savings from ineffective programs toward core priorities, the county can deliver relief without burdening families or businesses. 

Implementation requires leadership and accountability. Establishing a County Economic Prosperity Council—bringing together business leaders, cities, workforce experts, and residents—would set measurable goals: leading job growth among Oregon’s large counties, increasing traded-sector employment, and boosting housing permits. Annual public reports would track progress and maintain transparency.

Clackamas County does not need more government mandates or spending. It needs focused execution on what works: abundant housing choices, thriving businesses, efficient infrastructure, and a skilled workforce. With battle-tested leadership rooted in fiscal responsibility and local control, Clackamas can become Oregon’s economic engine—creating opportunity for families, rewarding hard work, and offering a model the rest of the state can follow.

The time for bold yet practical action is now. Voters in November can choose the leadership that puts Clackamas first and delivers results that matter.