AGP Executive Report

AI Policy Fight: States are moving ahead with targeted AI rules even as President Trump tries to block broader regulation, focusing on how chatbots affect kids and how employers use AI. Higher Ed Finance: Oregon Tech’s 2026 commencement spotlights new workforce-focused degrees, with OHSU President Shereef Elnahal honored. Wildfire Workforce: Ashland’s Lomakatsi Restoration Project graduates new tribal firefighters trained to reduce forest fuels and strengthen wildfire resilience. Energy & Costs: California gas averages fell about 10 cents to $5.97 as crude stays under $100; AAA notes summer travel relief but lingering Strait of Hormuz uncertainty. Food Safety: FDA issued a highest-risk Class I recall for Alfredo sauce tied to potential salmonella from a dry milk ingredient. Local Cleanup: Ashland is wrapping up a long cleanup of contaminated railroad property under an Oregon DEQ-approved plan to cap and pave for future development. Retail Closures: Louisville’s LGBTQ-themed NuLu boutique Louabull will close July 26 as owners relocate to Oregon. Oregon Economy Snapshot: A WalletHub ranking puts Oregon at No. 24 for overall economic strength/innovation potential in 2026.

College Sports & NIL: Texas A&M is spending big in the 2026 transfer portal, landing 17 players under coach Mike Elko and ranking among the top programs nationally for NIL-driven recruiting. EV Costs: Insurify reports EV insurance averages $3,159 a year—about 42% more than comparable gas cars—highlighting how state-by-state rates can erase EV “gas savings.” Trade Policy: A U.S. appeals court let a 10% global baseline tariff stay in place while legal challenges continue, a procedural win for the Trump administration. Oregon Cleanup & Development: Ashland is nearing the end of a long cleanup of contaminated railroad property, using a state-approved plan to cap soil on-site and pave the way for future development. Oregon Tech & Research: OSU researchers say the Trump administration’s move to dismantle ocean monitoring equipment off the Oregon coast is stunning and could subject research to political review. Wildlife Management: A federal plan to kill about 450,000 barred owls across the West Coast is moving through the courts, with claims the removals may already be underway. Local Business & Safety: Oregon’s gas prices are falling for a third straight week, while a road-safety piece flags fatigue risks for Oregon commercial drivers.

Oregon Ethics Watch: The Oregon Government Ethics Commission opened a full investigation into former Portland Community College president Adrien Bennings, citing possible conflicts of interest tied to a trademarked slogan used during her tenure. Affordable Housing & Flood Risk: Portland’s Housing Bureau completed a floodplain evaluation for a proposed 14-story, 231-unit affordable project at 751 NW Hoyt St, clearing the way for the Broadway Corridor Block 4a plan despite the site sitting in a 500-year floodplain. Energy Reliability: Pacific Power warned Southern Oregon customers to prepare for peak summer demand and heat-driven electricity use, urging conservation and thermostat tweaks. Food Assistance Push: Nevada AG Aaron Ford joined a coalition urging Congress to restore SNAP benefits in the Farm Bill, warning cuts would increase hunger and shift costs to states. Local Community Business: Steelhead Market in Stites has finally opened, bringing groceries, local vendor goods, and plans to expand handmade and firewood offerings. Public Safety: Lake Oswego police arrested Emmanuel Coa after recovering hundreds of stolen checks and cash tied to mail theft across the Portland metro. Workforce & Economy: A new hiring map shows job openings have risen in some states while falling sharply across parts of the West Coast and Mountain West since 2020.

Energy & Utilities: Pacific Power is warning Oregon customers to prep for a hot stretch, with peak electricity demand typically hitting 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. during summer. The utility urged customers to shift usage to mornings/evenings, set thermostats to 78° or higher, and cut nonessential power to avoid bill spikes. Data Centers & Power Planning: Avista paused processing an energy request tied to a proposed 500MW data center, saying it needs more time for a clearer, coordinated planning process with agencies and community input. Ballot Measure Watch: Oregon’s Initiative Petition 28 to ban hunting and fishing (and criminalize many animal-related practices) cleared a major hurdle, submitting more than 126,000 signatures toward the November ballot. Business & Capital Markets: ZincFive, an Oregon nickel-zinc battery maker for data centers, plans to go public via a SPAC deal valued at $600 million. Local Economy: Oregon’s Governor’s Marketplace brought rural small-business matchmaking to Ontario, helping firms connect with state contracting opportunities. Industry & Compliance: A federal complaint alleges Portland & Western Railroad is shirking bridge-rebuild obligations after a Corvallis bridge collapse left rail service disrupted.

Tariff Refunds Fight: Oregon Sen. Ron Wyden and Sen. Edward Markey say the Trump administration still hasn’t refunded more than $145 billion in unlawful tariffs, pressing CBP to pay small businesses what they’re owed. Market Access Pressure: Oregon and other investors want Nasdaq and FTSE Russell to slow changes that could make it easier for SpaceX to join major indexes—arguing passive funds could amplify volatility. Data Center Water Scrutiny: Amazon says its data centers used 2.5 billion gallons of water in 2025, reigniting debate over transparency and costs as Oregon communities weigh how to manage AI infrastructure impacts. Local Public Works & Housing: Clackamas County continues demolishing the old Oregon City courthouse for a planned mixed-use redevelopment, while multiple Oregon projects advance—from Fort Stevens’ restored guardhouse to new community facilities and affordable housing builds. Cybersecurity Governance: Eugene author Scott Alldridge argues breaches persist because governance and accountability failures, not just technology, keep letting incidents happen. State Contracting: Multnomah County is seeking bids for on-call fencing repair and installation, with submissions due July 16.

Oregon Policy & Housing: Todd Smith was named administrator of the Oregon Building Codes Division, tasked with modernizing the program and supporting Gov. Tina Kotek’s housing push. Capital Markets: Oregon State Treasurer Elizabeth Steiner raised concerns about SpaceX’s IPO, warning fast-tracked listing rules could limit transparency and accountability for investors, including Oregon beneficiaries in passive funds. Local Economy & Workforce: The Eugene Area Chamber of Commerce earned a 2026 Chamber of the Year finalist spot, citing its housing and homelessness coalition work and regional workforce efforts. Construction Watch: Portland-area construction activity is showing signs of stabilization as pricing, procurement and scheduling uncertainty eases, according to industry reporting. Agriculture Costs: Oregon farm regulators may tie agricultural license fees to inflation more regularly, as the Oregon Department of Agriculture looks to keep programs funded. Business Compliance: Oregon employers are facing a wave of new workplace laws rolling in mid-2026 through mid-2027, with immigration, health care, and contractor rules among the key areas. Tech & Food: Canopii opened a $1.5M community seed round for an autonomous robotic greenhouse in Portland, aiming to scale local certified organic greens and herbs. Consumer & Finance: Oregon’s average VA purchase loan amount rose from Q4 2025 to Q1 2026, reaching $456,636. Public Safety & Community: A new Central Oregon smoke map is launching to help residents and visitors plan around wildfire conditions.

Oregon Energy & Grid: Oregon Public Broadcasting’s “Power Struggle” finds lawmakers often don’t coordinate early with the Bonneville Power Administration, which controls most Northwest transmission needed to move wind and solar to population centers—prompting faster Oregon solar/wind permitting and similar moves in Washington. Federal Seafood Push: USDA announced a new Office of Seafood, aiming to streamline federal support for fishing communities; Oregon leaders say it could help address low catch limits, outdated data, and tech adoption gaps. Local Water Planning: John Day is applying for a $50,000 Business Oregon Technical Assistance Grant to update its water master plan, with a 2027 completion target after OHA flagged deficiencies. Portland Community Space: Portland’s Darcelle XV Plaza is set to open later this month with a stage, dog park, and distinctive pink triangle shade—positioned as a “queer living room” for events. Cyber & Business Tech: Multiple market reports tout rapid growth in areas like zero trust security, online trading platforms, and social media management, reflecting continued corporate spending on digital tools. Business & Economy Watch: Oregon’s small business optimism index fell below its historic average in May, signaling lingering economic pressure.

Labor Watch: Klamath Community College classified employees are assessing a potential strike as contract talks continue, after union charges alleged unfair labor practices and anti-union retaliation; the dispute centers on proposed economic terms that employees say would cut wages and benefits while the college has raised tuition. Local Business: A northeastern Oregon recycling operation is turning old tires into “crumb rubber” used for athletic fields and, increasingly, equestrian arenas—helping local sports and horse facilities cushion and stabilize surfaces. Consumer Protection: Oregon and other states are set to distribute restitution from a multistate settlement with GS Labs over overpriced and delayed COVID-19 tests, including refunds tied to administrative fees and late results. Airport Economy: Redmond’s expanded terminal will add a local food and beverage hub featuring Sisters Coffee, Bend Brewing Company and Sparrow Bakery, with the concessions program slated to open in late 2027. Tech & Campus Logistics: Oregon State University’s Starship delivery robots are leaving campus as the company shifts away from U.S. campuses. Scam Alert: Washington warns Spanish-speaking injured workers about scammers impersonating government and legal staff to demand payments for workers’ comp benefits. Energy & Policy: Oregon’s business community is watching grid strain as an executive summit in Bend (July 8-10) lines up leaders to tackle AI-driven power demand and distributed energy solutions. Workforce Costs: Alaska’s minimum wage rises to $14 on July 1, alongside expanded paid sick leave rules.

Energy & Power Policy: A federal court vacated IRS Notice 2025-42, restoring the 5% “safe harbor” for when wind and solar projects count as “beginning of construction,” a big deal for developers racing toward the July 4 deadline. Data Centers & Utilities: Avista confirmed it’s in talks with a “large load” customer planning a 125 MW data center starting in 2029, with room to expand—another reminder that AI demand is reshaping regional power planning. Public Health & Food Safety: A Salmonella outbreak tied to moringa leaf powder supplements has expanded to 119 cases across 36 states, prompting additional FDA recall updates. Local Food Access: Portland’s Sunshine Division opened a new free “market” in Slabtown, aiming to serve 100,000 households this year with shoppers selecting groceries for their needs. Oregon Politics & Outdoors: A sweeping ballot initiative (IP 28) is advancing toward the November ballot, aiming to criminalize many hunting, fishing, ranching and related activities—sparking alarm from Oregon’s rural and outdoor economy. Business & Compliance: A new advisory warning says RIAs using AI tools to transcribe and summarize client calls face wiretapping, privacy, and SEC recordkeeping risks. Procurement: Clackamas County posted multiple public improvement bid opportunities, including Bakers Ferry Road paving, Marquam paving, and a neighborhood park project.

Medicaid Enforcement: New York AG Letitia James and DOJ partners secured a $36.5 million settlement from CVS over Medicaid insulin overbilling, a reminder that health-care fraud cases can quickly turn into big, multi-state payouts. Oregon Energy/Transport: EWEB paused its Eugene e-bike rebate program after demand spiked, while Gov. Tina Kotek named chief of staff Chris Warner as interim ODOT director as the agency faces ongoing funding uncertainty. Business Moves: Grocery Outlet reshuffled leadership, adding Paul Miller as chief purchasing and merchandising officer and promoting Ian Ferry to CFO; Summit Bank also tapped Brad Volchok as senior VP in Hillsboro. Food & Safety: FDA expanded a pet food recall tied to dangerously low thiamine levels in certain GO Raw products. Local Economy & Housing: Portland’s Home Forward faces a reported $35 million shortfall and looming insolvency risk, and Salem advanced its 2027 budget proposal toward a final vote. Deals & Jobs: Second Nature Brands is buying Tillamook Country Smoker, signaling continued growth in Oregon-made protein snacks.

Renewables Tax Credits: A federal judge struck down an IRS rule that removed the “Five Percent Safe Harbor” for wind and solar projects, sending the guidance back and warning it could mean less clean power and higher electricity prices—an important win for groups including the Oregon Environmental Council. Oregon Health Funding: All 36 Oregon counties approved updated County Financial Assistance Agreements with the Oregon Health Authority, shifting priorities toward people most at risk of hospitalization, incarceration, homelessness, or behavioral health crises. H-1B Visa Fee Blocked: A judge ruled Trump’s $100,000 H-1B employer fee is an unlawful tax, a reprieve for Oregon and other states that sued; the administration says it will appeal. County Administration: Benton County appointed Rick Crager as county administrator, keeping leadership in-house after his interim stint. Tourism Leadership: Travel Oregon named Kate Sinner as its next executive director, starting July 6, as the agency looks to build on tourism’s economic role. Wildfire Safety Tech: A St. Paul company’s “Heatwave Floats” let aircraft scoop water from nearby lakes in about 15 seconds, aiming to speed early wildfire suppression. Local Radio Loss: Hermiston’s KOHU shut down after 70 years, leaving listeners without a key source of local news and sports.

Clean Energy Court Win: A federal judge vacated a Trump-era IRS rule that made it harder for wind and solar projects to qualify for federal tax credits, sending the guidance back for reconsideration—another setback for efforts to slow clean energy buildout. Immigration & Tech Hiring: A judge struck down Trump’s $100,000 H-1B application fee as an unlawful tax, a reprieve for U.S. employers that rely on foreign talent. Oregon Business & Affordability: Eugene and Springfield business leaders met with Sen. Jeff Merkley to warn that rising costs and shifting federal policies are squeezing payrolls, customers, and food budgets. Disaster Relief: SBA opened low-interest disaster loans for Oregon counties hit by Dec. 2025 storms, with deadlines and FEMA-style mitigation options for eligible applicants. Agriculture Land Protection: Oregon farmland owners are increasingly using conservation easements to lock in protections beyond what lawmakers can change. Public Health: Warmer weather is driving a surge in tick risk and Lyme disease concerns, with guidance on staying safe outdoors. Energy Costs Watch: Gas prices in Oregon fell week over week, offering brief relief while analysts warn oil supply risks remain.

Oregon Business & Community: Lane County is urging businesses to prepare for above-normal wildfire danger, warning that operations can be hit even when fires are far away. Local Economy & Growth: Arcimoto founder Mark Frohnmayer has registered a new Eugene business, Archetrike, signaling fresh activity after Arcimoto’s vehicle production ended. Energy & Markets (Global, with Oregon relevance): New reports project rapid growth in second-generation biofuels and thermoelectric generators, driven by demand for cleaner power and waste-heat recovery. Policy & National Business Climate: The Senate voted to fund immigration enforcement agencies for the rest of Trump’s term, a move that could shape federal priorities and spending. Tech & Privacy: The Senate blocked extending the FISA Section 702 surveillance program, setting up a June 12 expiration that may affect how intelligence agencies operate. Transportation Costs: GasBuddy data shows Oregon fuel prices remain volatile, with multiple counties reporting the lowest regular, midgrade, and diesel prices for the week ending May 30. Business Safety & Hiring: Whitworth is launching a new nursing bachelor’s program starting fall 2027, as Northwest schools expand training to address ongoing nurse shortages. Oregon Spotlight: East Oregonian reporter Berit Thorson received major Oregon Department of Corrections volunteer awards for prison journalism work. Sports & Tourism: Clarion Summer Fest drew crowds downtown with vendor pop-ups, kids activities, and outdoor events.

Speed Enforcement: Sherwood’s Southwest Oregon Street added two speeding cameras May 25, and in under two weeks they flagged 1,045 drivers for going at least 11 mph over the limit, with residents saying speeding has been a long-running safety problem. Workforce & Education: Northwest nursing schools are leaning harder on simulation and virtual practice as the U.S. faces a growing nurse shortage; Whitworth announced a new bachelor’s program starting fall 2027. Health Care Markets: Cigna is exiting Florida’s Obamacare marketplace in 2027 after Aetna left at the end of 2025, raising fears of a “death spiral” as premiums rise and healthier enrollees opt out. Local Business Resilience: Lane County is urging businesses to prepare for above-normal wildfire danger, warning that operations can be disrupted even when fires are not nearby. Oregon Economy & Energy: Gas prices remain volatile, with Oregon’s average regular price reported at $5.21 for the week ending May 30, and national experts warning stabilization could take months. Tech & Industry: Intel’s Oregon operations offered rare access into how advanced chips are made, underscoring the push for more domestic semiconductor capacity. Politics: Former U.S. Sen. Bob Packwood, a longtime Oregon Republican whose career ended amid sexual misconduct allegations, died at 93.

Ballot Measure Fight: Oregon’s proposed initiative would criminalize hunting, fishing, trapping and conventional livestock farming, setting up a high-stakes clash between urban anti-hunting groups and rural hunters and anglers ahead of the November vote. Political Race Watch: Washington’s 4th Congressional District race is heating up as 11 candidates compete to replace Dan Newhouse, with GOP hopefuls including Jerrod Sessler and Amanda McKinney. Oregon Business & Policy: A new wave of state rules targeting “forever chemicals” (PFAS) is reshaping what products reach consumers, with Oregon among states moving toward disclosure and restrictions. Energy & Costs: Natural gas futures slid as output ticked up and LNG export maintenance lingered, while the Pacific Northwest saw very low next-day power prices. Local Economy Pulse: Gas prices in Oregon continue to vary by county, with GasBuddy reporting some of the lowest premium and diesel rates in select areas during the week ending May 30. Notable Oregon Loss: Former U.S. Sen. Bob Packwood, a longtime Oregon Republican, died at 93, closing a chapter marked by major scandal and political influence.

Public Finance: Springfield, Oregon approved a new 0.1% payroll tax on both employers and employees starting as early as January 2027 to close a projected budget gap, with an exemption for health insurance premiums. Tribal Development: The Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde began major construction at tumwata village, a mixed-use redevelopment at the former Blue Heron mill site at Willamette Falls, aiming to restore riverfront access and support future housing and commercial space. Energy & Climate: New reports say Northwest utilities are increasingly turning to gas—through new infrastructure and backup generators—to meet data-center demand, raising concerns about missing emissions targets. EV Charging: PGE expanded “Neighborhood” public EV chargers on Salem power poles, using QR-code access and retractable cables to serve drivers without home charging. Federal Funding: USDA opened a $60 million meat processing funding round that includes eligibility for tribes and small processors to expand domestic capacity. Local Governance: Waldport will hold a July 14 recall election for six councilors after signature verification, with the city facing an estimated $3,600–$5,000 cost. Business Expansion: The Oregon Clinic opened a new Beaverton specialty clinic pavilion focused on cardiology, advanced surgery orthopedics, surgical specialists, and pulmonary/critical care/sleep medicine.