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The Economic and Capital Development Department manages economic development programs and capital projects that support the attraction, retention and expansion of local businesses and enhance the overall economic vitality of Lake Oswego. Working with local, State, Federal and Regional Economic Development Partners and the business community, the Department manages activities and programs in commercial areas throughout the City, including Downtown, Lake Grove Village, the Kruse Way corridor, and the Southwest Industrial Area. The Department is also responsible for capital investment projects including facilities planning and leading the Lake Oswego to Portland Streetcar project.
Key initiatives in 2010 include market research, creation and implementation of an economic development strategic plan and work program, Foothills redevelopment planning, Streetcar planning, and City facility planning.
WHAT'S NEW...
Tools for Business Success is a powerful online tool launched by Clackamas County Business and Economic Development to assist new and established businesses. It contains a business start-up kit with all the forms to comply with government requirements, links to funding resources, green business practices, business tax incentives, employer resources, online classes and more. It is also viewable in Spanish.
Get connected! Join the Northwest Connectory, an online buyer-supplier database for business to business interaction. The Connectory is a proven business development tool for locating detailed company information including specific capabilities, products and services. This service is offered free to Oregon businesses through a partnership of Business Oregon and the Pacific Northwest Defense Coalition.
Council Adopts Economic Development Strategy
On April 6, 2010, the City Council adopted the Lake Oswego Economic Development Strategy as a policy document to guide the City's economic development program and set a framework for complementary efforts by community partners. Funding of annual workplans will be adopted through the annual City budgeting process.
Business Solutions
For assistance as you start or expand your business, please refer to our business resource contacts. Our business solutions team welcomes your call:
Business Assistance Jane Blackstone, Economic Development Manager
503-635-0243
Development and Permitting Leslie Hamilton, Planning Business Liaison
503-675-3731
Forms and Information
Please check out new Forms and Handouts that describe Development Review processes, timelines for review, and Development Code Standards.
Current Market Research
Marketek recently completed retail market studies for the City and business community. Findings from this research will help guide development of an economic development strategic plan and work program for consideration by City Council early in 2010.
Lake Oswego Redevelopment Agency
In 1979, the Lake Oswego City Council formed the Lake Oswego Redevelopment Agency (LORA) to revitalize a defined urban renewal district in the downtown area of Lake Oswego. Using tax increment financing and other public financing programs, LORA invests in projects and programs that enhance the business environment and stimulate private investment. As described in the 2004 East End Redevelopment Plan Update, LORA invests in a variety of projects, including public parks, trails and plazas, streetscape improvements, façade grants to improve existing commercial properties, and partnerships to facilitate and support private development of vibrant mixed-use projects.
2010-11 PROJECTS
- Completion of the final phase of Millennium Park
- Final planning and construction of Lakefront Park
- Feasibility planning for the North Anchor redevelopment, including a potential new library at B Avenue and 1st Street
- Improvements to the North Shore Drive and State Street intersection
- Administration of commercial façade grants
Contacts
Brant Williams, Director, Economic and Capital Development Department
Jane Blackstone, Economic Development Manager
Robert Galante, Director, Lake Oswego Redevelopment Agency
Office location: 430 5th Street, Lake Oswego
Phone: 503-534-4225
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