Clackamas County, Oregon: Comprehensive Market Research Report

Background

Overview

Clackamas County, established on July 5, 1843, is located in north-central Oregon, encompassing 1,883 square miles from the snow-covered peak of Mount Hood to the waters of the Willamette River. As of the 2020 census, the county's population was 421,401, making it Oregon's third-most populous county. The county seat is Oregon City, the first incorporated city west of the Rocky Mountains. Clackamas County is part of the Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro Metropolitan Statistical Area and is characterized by a diverse landscape that includes urban, suburban, rural, and wilderness areas.

Mission and Vision

Clackamas County's mission is to provide active and responsible leadership through focused investments, innovative partnerships, and citizen empowerment to create healthy, safe, and sustainable communities. The vision is to foster vibrant and healthy communities across the county.

Primary Area of Focus

The county's primary focus areas include public safety, economic development, infrastructure, and community health. Strategic initiatives aim to enhance affordable housing, support business development, improve transportation, and promote public health.

Industry Significance

Clackamas County has a diverse economy with significant contributions from agriculture, timber, manufacturing, and commerce. The region is home to industry leaders in metals, machinery, healthcare, high-tech, logistics, forestry, food and beverage processing, renewable energy, nursery/agriculture, tourism, and software development.

Key Strategic Focus

Core Objectives

Affordable Housing: Develop 900 affordable housing units by 2030, emphasizing senior populations and underserved areas.

Business Development: Increase available land for business development by 2028 to retain, expand, and recruit new businesses.

Infrastructure Improvement: Commit funding for the next phase of the Sunrise Gateway Corridor/Hwy 212 project by 2030.

Public Health: Address homelessness, mental health, and substance use disorders through the completion and operation of the Clackamas County Recovery Campus by 2027.

Specific Areas of Specialization

Agriculture and Forestry: Promote sustainable management of county-owned timber and enhance forest land economic value.

Cross-Laminated Timber: Lead the development of cross-laminated timber to spur rural Oregon economic development in an environmentally friendly manner.

Urban Lumber Initiative: Establish a cooperative forestry program for the commercial production and marketing of specialty lumber products on non-forest lands in urban areas.

Key Technologies Utilized

The county employs technologies in sustainable forestry practices, urban lumber processing, and infrastructure development to support its strategic initiatives.

Primary Markets or Conditions Targeted

Clackamas County targets markets related to affordable housing, business development, sustainable agriculture and forestry, and public health services.

Financials and Funding

Funding History

Clackamas County's funding is primarily sourced from property taxes, state and federal grants, and other revenue streams. The county's assessed value is approximately $63.6 billion, with a real market value of $117.4 billion.

Recent Funding Rounds

Specific details on recent funding rounds are not publicly disclosed. However, the county has initiated studies to assess and enhance industrial land readiness and development planning, indicating ongoing efforts to secure funding for economic development projects.

Notable Investors

Investments in Clackamas County come from a combination of public funds, including state and federal grants, as well as private sector investments in various industries.

Intended Utilization of Capital

Capital is allocated towards infrastructure projects, affordable housing development, economic development initiatives, and public health programs.

Pipeline Development

Key Pipeline Candidates

Affordable Housing Projects: Development of 900 affordable housing units by 2030.

Sunrise Gateway Corridor/Hwy 212 Project: Funding commitment for the next phase by 2030.

Clackamas County Recovery Campus: Completion and operation by 2027.

Stages of Development

These projects are in various stages, from planning and design to funding and implementation.

Target Conditions

The pipeline targets conditions related to housing affordability, transportation infrastructure, and public health services.

Relevant Timelines

Affordable Housing: Completion by 2030.

Sunrise Gateway Corridor: Funding commitment by 2030.

Recovery Campus: Operational by 2027.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Proprietary Technologies

The county utilizes proprietary technologies in sustainable forestry practices and urban lumber processing to support its economic development initiatives.

Significant Scientific Methods

The county employs scientific methods in sustainable land management, including soil health assessments, water quality monitoring, and habitat restoration techniques.

Leadership Team

Board of County Commissioners

Chair Craig Roberts: Serving a term ending in 2029.

Commissioner Paul Savas: Term ending in 2027.

Commissioner Martha Schrader: Term ending in 2029.

Commissioner Diana Helm: Term ending in 2029.

Commissioner Ben West: Term ending in 2027.

Key Executive Profiles

Laura Edmonds: Economic Development Manager responsible for leading the Office of Economic Development, focusing on business expansion, workforce development, and community collaboration.

Cindy Moore: Economic Development Coordinator specializing in business assistance, community relations, and incentive coordination.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

Clackamas County operates within the Portland metropolitan area, characterized by a diverse economy and competitive landscape. The county's strategic initiatives aim to enhance its economic position by focusing on infrastructure development, affordable housing, and public health.

Competitor Analysis

Key competitors include neighboring counties such as Multnomah and Washington, which also vie for business development and investment. Clackamas County differentiates itself through its strategic focus on sustainable development, affordable housing, and comprehensive public health initiatives.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

Collaborations

Columbia-Willamette Workforce Collaborative (CWWC): A regional partnership focused on creating quality jobs and supporting workforce development.

Oregon State University Extension Service: Provides research-based information and educational programs in agriculture, forestry, and natural resources.

Partnerships

Clackamas Workforce Partnership: Collaborates with local businesses and community organizations to address workforce needs and economic development.

Operational Insights

Strategic Considerations

Clackamas County's strategic initiatives are designed to enhance its competitive advantages by focusing on sustainable development, infrastructure improvement, and public health. The county's diverse economy and strategic location within the Portland metropolitan area position it favorably for future growth and development.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

Strategic Roadmap

The county's strategic plan outlines objectives in affordable housing, business development, infrastructure, and public health, with specific milestones set for 2026, 2027, and 2030.

Future Business Directions

Clackamas County aims to attract and retain businesses through infrastructure development, affordable housing, and a focus on public health, creating a conducive environment for economic growth.

Opportunities for Expansion

Opportunities include expanding sustainable forestry initiatives, enhancing urban lumber processing, and developing additional affordable housing projects to meet the growing demand.

Current Strengths

The county's strengths include a diverse economy, strategic location, and a commitment to sustainable development and public health, positioning it well to achieve future objectives.