Jobs for Today. Jobs for Tomorrow.
A Strategy for Oregon's Economic Prosperity
The current recession has cast a harsh light on a perennial Oregon problem: our state remains trapped in a “boom and bust” pattern that makes us oversensitive to national and global economic dislocations. The effects are felt throughout the state: high unemployment, stagnant personal income and repeated funding crises for public services like education, health care and transportation – services that form the foundation of a strong, competitive economy.
Breaking this cycle is the single most immediate and important issue facing Oregon. We have many of the ingredients necessary for a strong, resilient economy, but there are critical gaps, and a need to put these elements together as a strategy.
Vision for Oregon’s Economy
Oregon will have a strong, diversified, globally competitive and recession-resistant economy that generates enough jobs to keep Oregon consistently below the national average unemployment rate. Oregonians in every region of the state will enjoy family wage jobs with rising incomes which are consistently above the national average. The Oregon economy – coupled with a stable system of public finance – will generate adequate public revenue to support those services that are critical for the health, safety and success of our state.
Existing industries including semiconductors, software, advanced manufacturing, forest products, agricultural and food products, and sports apparel will lead their fields in product innovation and sustainable practices. Emerging industries in renewable energy and clean technology will thrive. Oregonians will harness the innovation in their local communities to support these endeavors, create new ones, and make the whole economy more productive and sustainable.
A robust economy with ample family wage jobs is the foundation for Oregon’s high quality of life and is necessary to fund quality education and other public services. Excellent public infrastructure and services in turn are necessary to support Oregon’s growing economy. This virtuous “circle of prosperity” is the foundation upon which all initiatives to improve Oregon are built.
Transforming Oregon's economy will not be easy. It will necessarily require related transformational changes in other major systems including public education, public finance, health care, energy, and community development.
The strategy outlined below describes how Oregon can transition to a stronger and recession-resistant economy. It is organized around three priorities:
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Acting on immediate opportunities to stimulate job growth. Strengthening and transforming Oregon’s economy will require a sustained long-term effort but we first need to deal with the immediate problems of the thousands of Oregonians who are trying to get by in today’s recession.
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Diversifying Oregon’s economy with a new framework for economic development. This entails a 4-part economic strategy that addresses our place in the global economy; strengthens economic activity within our borders; and stimulates innovation and research that establish Oregon as a leader in technology and knowledge-based exports.
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Creating the fundamental conditions for long-term job creation and prosperity. Achieving these conditions will require transformational changes in a number of major systems including education, public finance, health care and energy. This should start with turning the Oregon Business Plan into a set of specific actions.
Become a part of transforming Oregon.
These position papers are “dynamic” and will develop and expand as the ideas and strategies of Oregonians to help achieve the vision are incorporated. Please submit any ideas or comments you have to JohnKitzhaber.com/jobs.
