Regional partners to update Columbia River Gorge five‑year economic vitality plan, staff say

Andrew, a staff representative sitting in for Executive Director Jessica Mehta, told the Economic Vitality Committee that the Columbia River Gorge economic vitality plan is the bi‑state framework for supporting economic development in the National Scenic Area and that the plan is updated every five years.

The presentation outlined the plan’s purpose: to strengthen the regional economy while remaining "consistent with the National Scenic Area Act's resource protection goals," define funding priorities and governance arrangements for the Oregon and Washington investment boards, and guide partner investments. Andrew said representatives from the Bi‑State Advisory Council, the Investment Boards and the Forest Service will review the 2021 plan and identify priorities for the 2026 update.

Committee members asked whether legislatures typically provide feedback; Andrew said he did not have that answer on the call and offered to follow up. He also told commissioners the update will be finalized this year and could inform agency presentations during the 2027 legislative sessions. Several commissioners asked staff to share documents and to coordinate direct follow‑up with county and state partners.

Why it matters: the economic vitality plan is the principal, statute‑referenced roadmap staff and partners use to align investments and to evaluate how economic development objectives fit with the Scenic Area’s conservation purposes. The plan’s findings and recommended priorities could shape grant and investment requests to state agencies and federal partners during the next legislative cycle.

Next steps: staff said Jessica Mehta or Andrew will set up stakeholder meetings, and the Bi‑State Advisory Council process will gather partner input and public feedback through the year before the plan is submitted to both legislatures.

Quotes: "The Columbia River Gorge economic vitality plan is the bi state framework for supporting economic development in the scenic area," Andrew said. "It's a five year document that is enshrined in statute."