The highly competitive selection of Madras as home for Daimler Trucks North America in 2017 hinged on the swift expansion of the Jefferson County Enterprise Zone. Expanding the E-Zone required the unanimous support and action of four local sponsors–Jefferson County and the Cities of Madras, Metolius and Culver—in an unprecedented amount of time and complex project management by Economic Development for Central Oregon (EDCO) to encourage collaboration among multiple sponsor attorneys, all taxing districts, and state agencies. The result was the successful addition of 1,443 acres of City owned land at the Madras Airport.
Community Benefit
- Phase One investment totaled $18.5M and 35 new jobs. In a community of 6,500, adding this number of well-paying jobs has a significant impact.
- Daimler extended their lease with the City and remodeled and added technology at their current shop for an additional investment in excess of $200,000.
- Employees are buying and renting homes in Madras and in surrounding communities. Phases 2 and 3 are moving out of planning with anticipated 30% employment increase.