Commissioners ask staff to explore business relief options after local firms report strain

During the work session, one commissioner described conversations with small businesses in Hillsboro and Beaverton that are "struggling in Washington County" and asked what the county could do to stabilize those firms, including whether a county-run business relief fund would be feasible.

The county administrator responded directly: "The county does not have any business relief program in place today," and noted the only time the county distributed small-business relief grants was during COVID using federal CARES Act and ARPA funds. The administrator offered to take the conversation offline and work with the commissioner and staff to explore concepts and whether an agenda item is warranted.

Commissioners directed the interested commissioner to coordinate with the county administrative officer and staff to develop possible options for future consideration. No program or funding was authorized during the session; the discussion generated direction to research feasibility and potential funding sources.