Yamhill County agrees to back three city Opportunity Zone nominations, declines to submit county application now

Chair Johnston presented a proposal for Yamhill County to submit an Opportunity Zone nomination (41071030601) near Highway 18 and reviewed basic program changes under Business Oregon and the federal Opportunity Zone program. He told the board the proposed site is not currently zoned for industrial use, lacks infrastructure (water, sewer), and is not shovel‑ready, which would lower its ranking in the governor’s selection process.

Commissioners discussed options including the county submitting its own application, supporting other jurisdictions’ applications, and the number of supporters allowed per application. Multiple commissioners said Sheridan, Newberg, and a West Valley application appeared more shovel‑ready and would likely score higher. The rural bonus and proximity to urban areas were raised as factors affecting competitiveness.

The board agreed to provide digital support letters through Business Oregon’s portal for the three local applications rather than pursue a county application at this time, with a plan to start longer-range planning toward preparing a county nomination for 2036 if zoning and infrastructure improve. A motion to authorize support letters carried unanimously.

Chair Johnston said staff will coordinate with local jurisdictions and guide commissioners through the portal to submit short support letters. Commissioners noted the nomination cycle recurs every 10 years under the new federal framework and flagged the need to plan county readiness well before the next cycle.