Mid Columbia Economic Development District strives to promote the creation of family-wage jobs, the diversification of the economic base, and the growth, development and retention of business and industry in Hood River, Wasco, Sherman, Klickitat and Skamania Counties
MCEDD is organized as a government non-profit in Oregon as an ORS-190 and in Washington through RCW 39.34.010.
May 27, 2021 – In early 2021, MCEDD conducted a COVID-19 economic needs assessment to determine local needs and priorities for recovery, understand the impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic, and identify opportunities for future collaboration around these issues. The assessment was developed in partnership with six economic development districts across the state of Oregon with support from University of Oregon’s Institute for Policy, Research, and Engagement. MCEDD conducted 17 interviews with 25 stakeholders across the region. Interviewees were chosen to reflect key industries and community organizations that support economic and workforce development.
During the pandemic, MCEDD and Governor Brown’s Regional Solutions Coordinator convened the Mid-Columbia Economic Resiliency Team (MCERT), a group of local, regional, and state partners from Oregon and Washington, to share information, identify resources and coordinate efforts regarding the COVID-19 pandemic economic response. The findings in this report build not only on the interviews noted above, but also the conversations had during these meetings.
The goal of this assessment was to apply a “listen to learn” framework to discover what community leaders feel are priority concerns and what actions will be needed to support an equitable recovery. This report summarizes those findings and makes recommendations for future action through existing and new partnerships.
To read the full report, please click here: MCEDD COVID-19 Economic Needs Assessment [Continue Reading]
May 11, 2021 – Governor Kate Brown has allocated some of the state’s CARES Act funds for the purpose of providing financial assistance to small businesses and 501(c)(3) nonprofits adversely affected in counties that moved to Extreme Risk on April 30, 2021, as a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Funds have been distributed to Wasco County to support businesses. Businesses may use the proceeds for any business-related operating expenses. For eligibility requirements and to apply, click here.
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