Oregon Business Group Released Competitiveness Agenda
The trade association issued new policy priorities to address the state's lagging economic growth and employment.
Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in Regional Economics
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Oregon Business and Industry released its 2027-28 Oregon Competitiveness Agenda, citing concerns that the state is trailing national growth and employment averages. The group represents 1,500 member companies and advocates for broad tax and regulatory reforms to improve the state's business climate.
Why it matters
The organization argues that Oregon's economic performance has dipped significantly below national benchmarks. By pushing for a shift toward market-based environmental policies and tax reform, the group seeks to reverse recent declines in the state's national business rankings.
Oregon ranked 35th in the 2026 Tax Foundation State Tax Competitiveness Index, marking a 28-place drop since 2019. The state also placed 42nd in the 2026 CNBC America's Best States for Business ranking, reflecting a 25-place decline since 2017.
The players
Oregon Business and Industry
This is a statewide trade association representing 1,500 member companies that employ 250,000 workers across the state.
The details
The agenda proposes replacing the existing Climate Protection Program with a new market-based cap-and-invest system. Representing 250,000 workers across 1,500 member companies, the organization is calling on state lawmakers to prioritize structural policy shifts to boost the economy.
Timeline
September 21, 2026: The 2027-28 Oregon Competitiveness Agenda was released.
2025: Oregon experienced 1% economic growth and a 0.5% decrease in employment.
2020: Personal income reached 96% of the national average.
2019: Baseline year for the Tax Foundation state tax ranking.
2017: Baseline year for the CNBC state business ranking.
Macro View
The report highlights a widening gap between Oregon's performance and national economic trends as measured by the Tax Foundation State Tax Competitiveness Index. This trajectory contrasts sharply with the expansion seen in other states, marking a departure from the historical economic stability of the region.
Proposed changes to tax and environmental regulations could eventually influence local business operating costs and employment opportunities. Residents should monitor legislative debates as these policy priorities may impact the broader state economy and household financial stability.
The takeaway
Advocacy groups are increasingly focusing on state-level regulatory reforms as a primary lever for economic recovery. Business owners and employees should track these proposed policy shifts to understand potential impacts on the regional labor market.
Further reading
For more on how state policies shape growth, visit Regional Economics.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KTVZ.
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