What is Economic Development?

Economic Development is a concerted effort undertaken by local government (counties, cities, states) to make a community attractive to private business investment. It includes efforts to enhance existing businesses, attract businesses to relocate there, and encourage new business start-ups.

Why is Economic Development Important to North Plains?

North Plains is a small community that currently has the fastest rate of growth in Washington County. More and more residents are moving here for the great location on the rural edge of the Portland metropolitan area, the strong sense of community, and the high quality of life. Employers and services have not moved to North Plains as quickly, making residents drive long distances to work and to get everyday goods and services.

A focus on smart economic development helps us improve the community’s overall economic well-being now and into the future by creating jobs and services right nearby in North Plains for residents, while growing the tax revenues paid by businesses to help fund infrastructure like roads and parks for the betterment of the community.

What does North Plains do for Economic Development?

Our staff, residents, businesses, and elected officials work continuously to make sure North Plains is thoughtfully planning for the future. We focus on smart, visionary economic growth that benefits both businesses and residents but also helps to retain the character and livability of North Plains.

One part of this is the North Plains Economic Development Committee which was formed by the City Council in 2018. This committee works to foster proactive economic development that encourages increases in both the local tax base as well as opportunities for employment within the city. The committee makes recommendations to the City Council to help guide business growth and development and is currently working to update the City’s economic development priorities with a new Economic Development Road Map.

City staff assists businesses looking to expand, start, or relocate their business in North Plains. Through our website’s Business section we provide helpful information and resources, and we work directly with businesses to help them find the right location, navigate our processes, and obtain resources or other assistance such as from Washington County, Business Oregon, and the Small Business Development Center. We have also worked with our local Business Recovery Centers to help link businesses with resources brought on by the pandemic. The North Plains Chamber of Commerce also provides business networking opportunities, education, and support to help existing businesses thrive.

Another key tool for economic development is the City’s Urban Renewal Agency. This Agency is able to take on programs and projects in our main business core along Glencoe Rd and Commercial St in order to help improve the conditions for businesses to thrive. That could mean infrastructure improvements, small business loans or grants, or public art like the downtown murals. The Agency can also buy property to ultimately work with the private sector to create local jobs and services if the private sector needs a boost.

We are committed to continuing to work to grow the community’s economic success into the future and to ensure this happens responsibly and is consistent with the values and visions of the community.