Serving the Mid-Columbia region of Oregon and Washington, providing regional economic development and business assistance.Mid–Columbia Economic Development District

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.

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      MCEDD provides loans to businesses and individuals. Our financing can help you start, grow and expand your business.
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      MCEDD offers a fund specifically to encourage the development of attainable housing in our three Oregon counties.
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      The Investment Board provides financing in the National Scenic Area for small and growing businesses, nonprofits and economic development activities.
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      A source of gap financing loans for businesses in Clackamas, Hood River and Wasco Counties.
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    • 2022-27 CEDS
      Every five years the region develops the comprehensive economic development strategy (CEDS) as a guide to understanding the regional economy and crafting goals, strategies and actions to create jobs, raise income levels, diversify the economy, and improve the quality of life.
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      Facts and figures on the regional economy. Data on where we are thriving and where we still have work to do.
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      In addition to initiatives and action plans, we also prioritize regionally significant infrastructure projects. See regional priorities and the status of development.
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      MCEDD provides county economic development, grant writing services, infrastructure project administration and planning.
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      MCEDD has been a leader in the development of industry clusters including arts, wine, high tech, renewable energy, healthcare, & more.
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      MCEDD prioritizes regional infrastructure project and supports development of strong communities to support growing businesses. From broadband to transportation to water/ wastewater projects, learn more about regional activities.
      • Cover of the Hood River Energy Plan
      • Special Projects
        MCEDD supports a variety of special projects that align with the regional economic development strategy. Learn more about one of those projects: The Hood River Energy Plan.
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    Home   ::   Strategy   ::   Priorities

    Priorities

    Annually the region prioritizes regionally significant infrastructure projects.  Prioritization is designed to: inventory and prioritize economic development needs and regional issues; develop regional consensus on high priorities; and develop a tool to promote high priority projects or issues to state and federal funders. Updated priorities were approved in March 2023.

    Access the pdf that includes 2023 project descriptions here.

    Washington Top Ten

    1 Goldendale Pumped Energy Storage Hydro
    2 Port of Skamania’s Cascades Business Park Development
    3 City of Stevenson’s Cascade Avenue Improvement
    4 Port of Klickitat Business Park Development: Dallesport Industrial Park and Bingen Point Business Park
    5 Skamania PUD’s Water System Upgrades for Carson’s Water Treatment and the Underwood Reservoir
    6 White Salmon’s Buck Creek Water Distribution Line Replacement
    7  Skamania County’s Wind River Road Stabilization
    8 Klickitat Valley Health Hospital District’s Building Addition
    9 City of Goldendale’s Wastewater Treatment Plant Improvements
    10 Port of Skamania’s Stevenson Landing Upgrade and Improvements

    Oregon Top Ten

    1 Port of Hood River: Hood River-White Salmon Interstate Bridge Replacement and Port of Cascade Locks: Bridge of The Gods Strengthening & Safety Improvements
    2 Housing-

    Hood River County: Development of 780 Rand Rd. Housing Development Project.

    Sherman County: quantity and quality of housing stock.

    Wasco County: understand affordable housing needs & support community partners to address identified needs.

    3 Columbia Gorge Childcare Center, led by Columbia Gorge Educational Service District 
    4 Broadband: additional solar-powered trailers to extend wireless signals in Sherman County, and Q-Life’s colocation facility in Wasco County.
    5 City of Hood River Elevated Sewer Line Replacement
    6 Aviation Maintenance Training Hangar and Industrial Park Development at the Columbia Gorge Regional Airport.
    7 City of Grass Valley’s Wastewater Project
    8 Port of Cascade Locks’ Business Park Infrastructure Development
    9  Port of Hood River Lot 1 Infrastructure Development
    10 City of Rufus’ Well #3 Feasibility Study and Upgrades

    Prioritization Consideration

    Alignment with Strategy with preference given to projects which will measurably move the needle on one or more of the top five strategy goals.

    Regional Impact with preference given to projects impacting multiple jurisdictions.

    Potential availability of funding sources with preference given to projects with a commitment of local resources and an identified funding strategy.

    Economic impact.

    Improve resiliency.

    Status of Projects

    Business Oregon logo

    The State of Oregon Requests Community Input to Develop Statewide Broadband Plans

    Oregon will receive millions in federal dollars to expand broadband access, adoption and utilization over the next five years! Input ...
    Read More

    Key Regional Projects Updated for 2023 in Regional Economic Development Strategy

    The Mid-Columbia Economic Development District (MCEDD) announces the completion of the regional Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy update for 2023. The ...
    Read More

    Broadband Action Planning in Klickitat & Skamania Counties

    The Washington State Broadband Office and WSU Extension are leading a statewide effort to develop broadband action and digital equity ...
    Read More

    GOrge Regional Transit Strategy Update

    The purpose of the Gorge Regional Transit Strategy is to develop a roadmap for a regionally coordinated and integrated public ...
    Read More

    Grass Valley Business Secures Grant for EV Charging

    Congratulations to the Grass Valley Country Market on their successful application to Pacific Power for an electric mobility grant! This ...
    Read More
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    MCEDD

    802 Chenowith Loop Rd,
    The Dalles, OR 97058
    Phone: (541) 296-2266

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