BREAKOUT SESSION B

CROISAN ROOM

Economic Opportunities Analyses (EOAs) are required by Oregon state law. They assess employment growth, identify land needs, and evaluate whether communities have enough buildable employment land to support future jobs. In practice, EOAs often function as technical land use documents that satisfy regulatory requirements but stop short of guiding economic development action.

This panel explores how EOAs can serve as the foundation for Economic Development Strategic Plans (EDSPs) that translate analysis into priorities, partnerships, and implementation. Drawing on examples from Wilsonville, Coos Bay, Veneta, and elsewhere across the state, panelists will discuss how communities are using EOAs and EDSPs together to connect land use planning with economic development strategy.

The session will highlight practical lessons for bridging planning and economic development functions and ensuring that required analyses lead to action rather than reports that sit on a shelf. With more than 50 years of experience supporting communities across Oregon, including work at the legislative level shaping the state’s economic development planning framework, ECOnorthwest will help frame the discussion on moving from compliance to opportunity.