Friday, Feb. 4, 2022
News & Notes
Governor Brown gives her last "State of the State" address
   Oregon Governor Kate Brown delivered her final "State of the State" address this week.
   The Governor listed the challenges and accomplishments the state has experienced during her tenure, and she talked about the issues she plans to tackle before her term is done.
   Brown said she plans to ask the Oregon Legislature for investments for workforce training in construction, tech, manufacturing, and healthcare.
   She's also looking for help from the legislature in gaining $100 million in funding for childcare and an additional $400 million for affordable housing.
   Brown touched on climate change and other issues.
   To hear the Governor's speech, click here.
More appointments being made to the Oregon Legislature
   The Washington County Board of Commissioners this week appointed Nathan Sosa as the Representative of State House District 30.
   Janeen Sollman formerly represented House District 30 until her appointment to be the State Senator of District 15.
   Sosa is an attorney in Hillsboro and the president of the Hillsboro Schools Foundation.
   He has previously served as the chair of the Oregon Ethics Commission.
   On Monday, commissioners for Clackamas and Marion counties will meet virtually to appoint a Representative to State House District 39, which Christine Drazan represented up until recently, when she decided to run for Governor.
   The three candidates for the House District 39 appointment include: Paul Carlson, Donnie Hedlind, and Jason Hieb.
Local employment reports show jobs are increasing
   Oregon's unemployment rate in December decreased to 4.1%, while Clackamas County's rate slipped to 3.7% and Washington County's to 3.4%.
   Both counties gained jobs in the November and December timeframe with
   Clackamas County job growth accounting for 1,100 more positions and Washington County employers adding 1,400 jobs.
   As the labor market continues to tighten, Workforce Analyst Brandon Schrader reports Washington County employers had 103,000 open positions, and 61% are considered hard to fill due to a lack of applicants or qualified applicants.
   To learn more, turn to Lynn Wallis' Clackamas County report and/or Schrader's Washington County report.
Odds & Ends
  • Congratulations to PCC on celebrating five years of its Global Trade Center, which provides advising services for small businesses looking to trade internationally.

  • Tualatin Valley Water District (TVWD) is looking for a firm to help the agency with its mission, values, and strategy. To learn more about this RFP opportunity, visit the proposal's web page.

  • The City of Beaverton has a new grant program for those businesses looking to expand into an open air area for its services. Click here to learn more.

  • Wilsonville has two grant programs it is offering applicants right now. One is for project or services promoting education, diversity, arts, and/or community involvement. The second is for projects promoting tourism. To learn more, visit the Wilsonville website.

  • Washington Square is celebrating the Lunar New Year with activities tomorrow from 11a.m. - 4p.m.

  • Tonight is the beginning of the Portland Winter Light Festival, which runs through February 12. There are a couple of Westside displays in Tigard. To learn more, visit the festival's website.
Events coming up
Wed. 2/9 at 7:30 a.m. - The Transportation Committee will meet virtually. OTA's Jana Jarvis will be talking about climate friendly and equitable communities rulemaking. Plus, NV5's Andy Bowen and Wayne Bauer will share a project of theirs. All members are welcome to attend. For more information, contact KC Reinhart.

Mon. 2/14 Happy Valentine's Day - WEA loves its members!

Wed. 2/16 at 12:00 p.m. - The Land Use & Housing Committee will meet virtually. All members are welcome to attend.

Th. 2/17 at 7:30 a.m. - The Government Relations Committee will meet virtually with the Washington County Chamber of Commerce. All members are welcome to attend. For more information, contact Gail Greenman.

Mon 2/21 - Presidents Day holiday

Wed. 2/23 at 7:30 a.m. - The WEA Board of Directors will meet virtually.

Mon. 2/28 at 12:00 p.m. - The cities of Cornelius and Forest Grove will host its annual "State of the City" addresses. For more information, contact the Forest Grove/Cornelius Chamber.

Fri. 3/4 at 12:00 p.m. - The Golf/Fundraising Committee will meet virtually. If you sponsored last year and would like secure the same sponsorship, please let WEA staff know by 3/1. For more information, contact Teresa Dunham.