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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  • Financing
    • Business Loans
      MCEDD provides loans to businesses and individuals. Our financing can help you start, grow and expand your business.
    • Housing Loans
      MCEDD offers a fund specifically to encourage the development of attainable housing in our three Oregon counties.
    • Oregon Investment Board
      The Investment Board provides financing in the National Scenic Area for small and growing businesses, nonprofits and economic development activities.
    • Mt Hood Economic Alliance
      A source of gap financing loans for businesses in Clackamas, Hood River and Wasco Counties.
    • Incentives
      Resources to help your business prosper. From training to relocation incentives, explore how your business may qualify.
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      Businesses are growing and expanding in the Gorge with support from our financing programs. See how we measure up in supporting local businesses!
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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.
    • Data Resources
      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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  • Industry Development
    • Services for Governments
      MCEDD provides county economic development, grant writing services, infrastructure project administration and planning.
    • Business Services
      To support businesses create and retain jobs, MCEDD provides loans for the financing needs of businesses with favorable rates, terms and requirements.
    • Industry Sectors
      MCEDD has been a leader in the development of industry clusters including arts, wine, high tech, renewable energy, healthcare, & more.
    • Infrastructure
      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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    • Transportation
      • The LINK Public Transit
      • Go By GOrge Pass
      • Gorge Translink Alliance
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      • Connect Mid-Columbia
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      • Wasco County Transit Development Plan
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    Home   ::   Transportation

    Transportation

    LinkbusGo To The Link Public Transit Page Here!

    Mid-Columbia Economic Development District engages with and supports transportation needs in our five-county region in several ways.

    Regional Coordination

    MCEDD assists local governments with coordination and funding for transportation infrastructure projects. Through development of the regional Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy, MCEDD also works with regional partners to define transportation needs for economic development. Additionally, MCEDD convenes regional transportation partners through Connect Mid-Columbia to better inform and elevate regional transportation priorities in the regional Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy. This initiative first gathered in 2016 and again in 2021. Learn more about Connect Mid-Columbia here.

    Regional Mobility Management

    A strong transportation network is necessary to serve the needs of a mobile workforce. Commuting habits in the Mid-Columbia by place of work show that workers in the Mid-Columbia region travel outside their state of residence to work to a greater extent than the average worker in Oregon, Washington, or the nation. Public transportation is necessary from both a human and social services standpoint and from an economic standpoint.

    MCEDD provides a  Regional Mobility Manager to focus on multi-modal transportation planning and coordination issues.  The Mobility Manager staffs the Gorge TransLink Alliance, a broad partnership of regional public transportation providers, state agencies, and local stakeholders.   The Mobility Manager assists with regional transit projects that include expansion of fixed route systems, technology coordination, travel training, marketing and education, and special outreach to underserved communities.  The Mobility Manager also works with local and regional multi-modal transportation planning initiatives like the Gorge Regional Transit Strategy.

    The Mobility Manager also works in partnership with the eastern Oregon-based nonprofit Commute Options to promote this tool in Hood River, Wasco and Sherman Counties. This effective employee benefit tool helps large and small employers address employee commute issues and enhance job satisfaction.  Read more about Commute Options here.

    Wasco County Public Transportation

    As a result of MCEDD’s many years of involvement in regional transportation coordination, MCEDD was chosen in 2018 to assume the operation of Wasco County’s public transportation provider, The Link Public Transit.  MCEDD also supports Wasco County in serving as staff for Wasco County’s Public Transportation Advisory Committee  and is lead coordinator for the Wasco County Transit Development Plan (TDP). Begun in June 2021, the TDP will develop a 20 year masterplan for the future of public transit in Wasco County.

     

    MCEDD

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

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