TUALATIN, Ore. (Dec. 28, 2025) — Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek on Tuesday announced a long-term economic development framework aimed at supporting job growth, business retention and investment across the state as Oregon plans for 2026 and beyond, while some business and political leaders questioned whether the plan goes far enough to address underlying concerns.
Kotek presented the strategy, referred to as the Oregon Prosperity Roadmap, during a visit to Lam Research’s semiconductor facility in Tualatin. The company recently expanded the site with a $65 million research and development campus, which state officials pointed to as an example of Oregon’s advanced manufacturing sector.
According to the governor’s office, the roadmap is intended to better coordinate state economic development efforts, reduce barriers faced by employers and improve Oregon’s competitiveness in attracting private investment.
“This is about being clear and intentional with how the state supports economic growth,” Kotek said, adding that the plan is designed to guide economic policy decisions in the coming years.
The proposal includes the creation of a new Chief Prosperity Officer position to oversee statewide economic strategy, a role Kotek said she expects to fill before the end of the year. It also establishes an Oregon Prosperity Council, a group of business, labor and public-sector leaders tasked with advising the administration on economic priorities. The council will be co-chaired by Port of Portland Executive Director Curtis Robinhold and technology executive Renee James, founder of Ampere Computing.
State officials said the roadmap will shape legislative proposals in 2026, including potential efforts to streamline permitting for large development projects, modernize economic development tools and evaluate tax incentives tied to job creation.
However, some critics said the announcement lacks specific commitments on regulatory reform, tax policy and land-use laws, which they argue are central to improving Oregon’s business climate.
Republican lawmakers and business advocacy groups have repeatedly said Oregon’s high costs, complex regulations and permitting delays continue to discourage investment. Senate Minority Leader Tim Knopp, a Republican from Bend, has previously said that economic growth will remain limited unless the state addresses what he described as “structural barriers to doing business,” including taxes and regulatory uncertainty.
Business groups have also expressed concern that previous economic initiatives have not produced measurable improvements in job growth relative to neighboring states. Some industry representatives say faster permitting timelines and clearer land-use rules are needed to compete with states offering more aggressive incentives.
Kotek acknowledged during her remarks that the state faces ongoing challenges and said the roadmap is intended to start a broader conversation with lawmakers and employers. She noted that earlier efforts in her administration focused heavily on housing, behavioral health and education, while recent discussions have increasingly centered on economic competitiveness and workforce availability.
The administration said the Prosperity Roadmap will continue to be refined over the next year, with additional input from legislators, business leaders and labor groups ahead of the 2026 legislative session.
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