Oregon Governor Tries New Economic Development Strategy

OREGON  ECONOMY  GOVERNMENT 

By Chris Lehman

Salem, OR  May 12, 2008 2:29 p.m.

The state of Oregon is going to try a new strategy when it comes to job creation.   Governor Ted Kulongoski signed an executive order Monday that splits the state’s Economic and Community Development Department.

The Democratic governor says economic and community development are two different concepts.

By dividing the department in two, Kulongoski hopes to take the pressure off community development planners to show they’ve created new jobs.

Ted Kulongoski: “When you invest in our smaller communities around the state, and you build a water system, a sewer system, do something on their infrastructure -- if you’re looking for a short-term return on how many jobs, you’re going to have a hard time finding it.”

The governor’s office completed a five-month analysis of the department before making Monday's announcement.

Washington State split a similar department eight years ago.  Two years later, the agencies were recombined to save money and improve coordination.

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© 2008 OPB