Building Capacity

Through House Bill 2345 in 2021, Oregon’s Economic Development Districts have been recognized for the essential technical assistance and rural capacity building that we provide across Oregon. Starting in mid-2022, each district will use state funds, matched by a private foundation, to assist rural jurisdictions to attain the staffing and financial and technical capacity necessary to carry out proactive strategies for workforce, infrastructure, economic and community development in the rural jurisdictions.

Assistance can include but is not limited to:
a)     Outreach to the rural jurisdictions about grants and other forms of funding;
b)     Employment of grant writers or grant administrators to directly assist the rural jurisdictions in applying for grants and other forms of funding available from any public or private source;
c)     Direct assistance in administering grants awarded to the rural jurisdictions; and
d)     Working with state agencies to coordinate investments in water and sewer systems, roads and other elements of basic infrastructure needed in cities in rural areas.

Reach out to your EDD to ask how your rural jurisdiction can receive support!