AGP Executive Report

DOJ vs. states on voter rolls: Oregon’s business community will be watching the legal fight over federal access to state voter data after AG Todd Blanche said the Justice Department could ask the Supreme Court to step in on dozens of cases. Workforce compliance risk: A new Labor Department proposal to loosen independent-contractor rules may tempt fast-scaling employers, but the real danger is state-by-state tests that can still trigger costly misclassification claims. Rural EMS bottleneck: Upper McKenzie patients can’t be transported within Lane County due to ambulance limits, forcing emergency officials to scramble when seconds count. Food supply pressure: The American Farm Bureau reports imports of fresh fruit and vegetables have surged since 2010, squeezing domestic growers as costs rise and overlap hits peak seasons. Consumer safety: Walmart recalled more than 3,000 Marketside tomato bisque soup kits in 29 states, including Oregon, over possible listeria contamination. Oregon tax snapshot: Census data shows Oregon collected $80.6M in public utilities license taxes in 2024. Wildfire science: NASA is using a modified U-2 to study wildfire-generated storms, aiming to improve forecasting of pyrocumulonimbus events.

Food Safety: Walmart is recalling 3,240 Marketside Tomato Bisque Soup Kits (Kettle Cuisine) sold in 29 states, including Oregon, after routine testing showed a presumptive Listeria positive; no illnesses have been confirmed. Public Finance: Oregon collected $80.6 million in public utilities license taxes in 2024, about 0.5% of the state’s $17.2 billion total tax take. Workforce: WorkSource Oregon will host a free healthcare job fair in Gresham (10 a.m.-noon Aug. 15) with employers hiring for roles like certified nursing assistants, caregivers, and direct support professionals. Local Business & Community: Central Point’s Fresco Cuts Barbershop is holding a “Back to School Fresh” event Aug. 22 with free haircuts plus a school-supply giveaway and local vendors. Housing & Safety: An Oregon man is suing a Portland business owner for $10 million after he says he was shot during a break-in, alleging excessive force. Retail Trends: Discount chains are expanding despite talk of a “retail apocalypse,” with value-focused retailers betting shoppers still want bargains.

Public Safety & Housing: Hermiston is moving toward a long-term plan to remove PFAS from its drinking water after detections in three sources, with an estimated $26 million price tag and state loan funding sought. Food Safety: Walmart shoppers in Oregon and 28 other states are being told to check for recalled Marketside tomato bisque soup kits after a Listeria contamination concern. Local Crime: A Central Oregon drug investigation tied to a Redmond arrest led to charges in a Bend kidnapping and assault case involving an amputated finger. Energy & Permitting: Oregon’s Energy Facility Siting Council will hold public meetings Aug. 20-21, including hearings tied to solar and cogeneration projects and rulemaking on carbon dioxide offset rates and radioactive material transport fees. Community & Business: Klamath Falls’ Discover Klamath unveiled a new Crater Lake mural at its Spring Street offices, adding to the region’s visitor-facing push. Sports & Economy: Oregon’s tourism and retail economy continues to lean on inbound travel, with a separate report noting international visitors reached 226,000 in 2025.

Food Safety: Walmart’s Marketside tomato bisque soup kits are recalled in 29 states, including Oregon, after routine testing found a presumptive listeria result; no illnesses reported so far. Portland Development: Demolition preparations begin for the fire-damaged Centennial Mills water tower building, with controlled explosions planned and a safety-first timeline likely starting early next week. Oregon Politics & Ethics: The Oregon Government Ethics Commission fined Rep. Greg Smith $12,000 for abusing his role to raise his salary and approve paid vacation tied to an eastern Oregon public development authority. Wildfire & Public Safety: Oregon’s Wrights Spring Fire response continues with rain helping on the north end, while officials warn conditions could flare again as temperatures and winds rise. Tourism & Economy: Oregon welcomed 226,000 international tourists in 2025, highlighting inbound travel’s role as an economic engine. Sports Betting Platforms: Oregon-linked Kalshi and Polymarket referral codes are being promoted for NFL and MLB wagering, with bonus credits tied to new accounts and deposits. Infrastructure Watch: Oregon Transportation Commission updates include progress on major projects like the Interstate Bridge Replacement and the I-5 Rose Quarter megaproject funding and schedule.

Energy Infrastructure: The Northwest Power and Conservation Council’s draft Ninth Power Plan says the region must add about 11,000 megawatts by 2032 to keep up with surging electricity demand, with public comment open until Oct. 16. Tech & Local Economy: Oregon’s data-center boom is colliding with voter concerns over water, power, land use and tax breaks, as state and local leaders weigh new rules. Clean Energy & Mining: Jindalee Lithium says it has cleared the last Oregon state permit for Phase 1 drilling at its McDermitt project, targeting a September start if wildfire conditions ease. Food Safety: Walmart is recalling a refrigerated Marketside soup kit in 29 states due to possible listeria contamination, with a use-by date of Aug. 22 still ahead. Business & Governance: Oregon’s AG is suing the Trump administration over demands for sensitive CDL driver data, alleging privacy-law violations and improper federal access. Public Works: Multnomah County is seeking bids for Buxton Road pedestrian improvements, including ADA ramps, with bids due Sept. 15.

Portland Development: The James Beard Public Market cleared a major hurdle after Portland issued a construction permit for the downtown food hall at 622 SW Alder St. The project—built through a public-private partnership—now targets an opening in 2027. Public Safety & Infrastructure: A contractor has been brought in to begin specialized demolition work at Portland’s Centennial Mills site after a four-alarm fire earlier this month, with crews setting a safety perimeter due to collapse risk. Energy Planning: The Northwest’s draft Ninth Power Plan would add more than 11,000 MW of new generation, 5,000 MW of storage, and 1,000+ aMW of efficiency by 2032, with public hearings planned across Oregon, Washington, Idaho and Montana. Local Finance: Washington-based Gesa Credit Union has agreed to acquire Salem’s Willamette Valley Bank, with the deal expected to close in early-to-mid 2027. Workforce & Industry: The U.S. Maritime Administration awarded $35.18M to 45 small shipyards nationwide, including four grants in Oregon. Sports Economy: Portland Fire hosts the Seattle Storm on Aug. 14, with betting markets and prediction platforms driving fan engagement around the I-5 rivalry.

Gun Policy & Consumer Behavior: Oregon’s Measure 114 still waits on the Oregon Supreme Court, but a new study finds gun sales and background checks surged right after the 2022 election—an early sign buyers react fast when they think future purchases could get harder. Healthcare Costs: A new look at hospital pricing shows how consolidation can push up what insurers pay—raising costs even when patients aren’t the ones shopping for care. Portland Sports & Local Economy: Portland City Council approved a $120M Moda Center renovation term sheet, a major step for the arena’s future even as lease questions for the Trail Blazers remain. Trade & Oregon Industry: A state analysis says Trump tariffs disrupted Oregon trade, but South Coast seafood processors argue the tariff impact is mixed and not the whole story compared with ongoing regulatory pressures. Finance & Banking: Gesa Credit Union announced it will expand into Oregon by acquiring Willamette Valley Bank, setting up a first Oregon branch footprint with a planned 2027 close. Wildfire Risk & Public Policy: Senators are pushing to rein in prediction markets that let people bet on wildfires, warning the wagers could encourage arson and distort how communities experience disasters. Business Deals & Capital Markets: US Elemental’s proposed merger steps forward as an amended S-4 filing heads to the SEC, while Pacific Financial Corporation’s shareholders approved its merger agreement with Banner.

Portland Economy & Sports: Portland City Council approved a non-binding term sheet to renovate the City-owned Moda Center, setting up detailed negotiations with Rip City Management and a looming Trail Blazers lease fight; the framework includes a 20-year home-game requirement, labor-peace commitments, community benefits, and financial protections for public funding. Wildfire Recovery & Small Business: Oregon launched a state business self-reporting damage survey so wildfire- and smoke-impacted companies can document losses and qualify for possible SBA economic injury disaster loans. Water & Drought Resilience: Oregon is reminding eligible public bodies, Tribes, nonprofits, and small businesses about drought mitigation and water system grants, including USDA Emergency Community Water Assistance Grants for rural towns and Tribal lands. Public Safety Hiring: Idaho State Police warned of a north Idaho trooper recruitment shortage, citing low applicant numbers and compensation concerns—an issue that can ripple into regional coverage and response times. Workplace Safety: Oregon OSHA fined Mount Hood Skibowl $43K+ after a fatal chairlift incident, saying training and job-hazard analysis gaps contributed to the crash. Health Leadership: The U.S. Senate confirmed Mark Cruz as the next Indian Health Service director, a key leadership step for tribal health care. Lottery & Retail Impact: Powerball’s jackpot climbed to $1 billion, with Oregon Lottery noting the size is expected to boost ticket sales and retailer commissions. Labor Market: WorkSource Oregon is hosting a free manufacturing and warehouse job fair in Tigard Aug. 18 with multiple employer partners.

Wildfire Risk & Insurance Exposure: A new Cotality report says 2.5M U.S. properties across the 10 most exposed western states face moderate-or-higher wildfire risk, with nearly $1.4T in reconstruction value at stake—Oregon is among the hardest-hit states. Oregon Wildfire Reality Check: Oregon’s Mount Hood National Forest is again in the spotlight after a video captured active flames and smoke, underscoring how fast tourism and local economies can get disrupted. Local Nonprofit Fundraiser: Baker Relief Nursery is hosting its second annual Glow Run Sept. 25 at Quail Ridge Golf Course to raise funds for early intervention and parent support in Baker County. Health Care Tech Deal: Pro Medicus won a 7-year, A$23M cloud imaging contract with St. Luke’s Health System across Idaho, eastern Oregon and northern Nevada, with rollout starting now and go-live targeted for early 2027. Business & Manufacturing Expansion: WB Blends announced a strategic partnership with Eugene-based Yellow Emperor to expand liquid supplement manufacturing capacity. Community & Tourism: The Bridge of the Gods marks its 100th anniversary in 2026, with a centennial celebration set for Sept. 19 in Cascade Locks. Portland Arts & Women Over 40: A new Portland theater, 100 Lives Theatre, opens with an Aug. 15 open house and a mission focused on depth and women artists over 40.

Wildfire Response & Public Safety: Klamath County’s Wrights Spring Fire has surged past 50,000 acres, with the 173rd Fighter Wing supporting evacuations and response through Wednesday before shifting to the Oregon National Guard, while county leaders coordinate reimbursement and public information help. Water Quality & Infrastructure: Hermiston approved steps to remove PFAS from drinking water, with a roughly $26 million plan that includes treatment, well decommissioning, and applying for Oregon Health Authority revolving-loan funding. Mortgage Interest Fight: Oregon and other states sued the Trump administration over new rules that could preempt state laws requiring mortgage lenders to pay interest on escrow accounts. Consumer Fraud Watch: BBB Scam Tracker data shows Oregon ranked 25th nationally for scam reports in July, with online purchase scams the most common. Local Business Growth: Bend’s Old Mill District added several new shops and plans further restaurant/retail expansion this fall or winter. Community & Workforce: Clatsop Community College wrapped up its Upward Bound Summer Academy, pairing students with hands-on project groups and college visits. Sports Media in Oregon: Regal Cinemas will screen an NFL Films Seahawks documentary for one day Aug. 14 at select theaters across Oregon and the region.

AI Lending Automation: OCCU in Eugene says it cut manual work and sped income verification for indirect loans after rolling out Conductiv’s AI-powered income checks and fraud/risk scoring. Small-Business Hiring Watch: NFIB’s Oregon take on its latest jobs report points to tighter labor conditions, with “labor quality or availability” jumping as a top concern. Rural Health Workforce: OHSU’s Three Sisters Rural Track Program is adding three new family-medicine residents in Madras to serve up to 1,200 patients a year. Education Access: Bend Language Institute expands 2026–27 scholarships for ESOL and ASL, aiming to remove tuition barriers for Central Oregonians. Local Business & Community: Sherwood’s business partners plan to convert a historic church into a food cart pod. Disaster Relief for West: SBA announced low-interest drought disaster loans for eligible small businesses and nonprofits across parts of Oregon and neighboring states. Wildfire Strain: Western fires continue to stretch resources, with Oregon and the broader Pacific Northwest heavily represented. Travel & Consumer Pulse: WalletHub ranks states to live in, while a new Oregon scam warning targets Spanish-speaking injured workers.

Wildfire strain on Oregon’s economy: Oregon lawmakers are pushing for more federal wildfire help as the region’s fire season keeps breaking records and stretching firefighting resources. Healthcare staffing and patient safety: Nine former Asante NICU doctors are criticizing the hiring of temporary physicians after their contracts were terminated, raising concerns about transparency and ongoing safety at the region’s only NICU. Energy and public-sector efficiency: Klamath County’s juvenile department is installing a solar project aimed at net-zero electricity use, with state grant support and a plan to recoup future utility costs. Data centers and power costs: Oregon’s data-center debate is heating up as Sen. Ron Wyden proposes ending tax incentives and critics warn costs could spread to everyday users; Virginia is also requiring data centers to pay for dedicated transmission lines. Cybersecurity for small utilities: DEF CON Franklin and the National Rural Water Association launched the Water Watch Center to help small water systems defend against intrusions. Local business moves: Eugene archery maker Bowtech is relocating to Houston, citing logistics and geography, and plans layoffs tied to the move. Housing/human services: Portland’s Good Circumstance is expanding day support for women experiencing homelessness, adding a safer daytime library space.

Healthcare Costs: A new KFF Health News report shows the same knee surgery can cost more than double at different hospitals under the same insurance plan, pointing to how hospital consolidation reduces competition and drives up prices. Mental Health Research: The VA is launching a national psilocybin therapy trial for veterans with treatment-resistant depression, with Oregon among the listed sites. Public Safety & Environment: Spokane canceled a Sunday baseball game and kept an air-quality alert in place as wildfire smoke pushed pollution into unhealthy levels, while regional fire conditions continue to strain housing and recovery efforts. Oregon Business: Eugene’s Obie Companies is expanding into Corvallis with the Gordon Hotel and Residences, a 75-room boutique hotel plus 92 residences slated to open in summer 2027. Defense Contracting: Northrop Grumman won a $46.09 million Navy modification to expand JCREW electronic warfare production, with work split between Beaverton and San Diego. Wildfire Tragedy: Two helicopter pilots died in a Utah wildfire crash, and the crash reportedly sparked another blaze.

Wildfire Response: Evacuation warnings and orders expanded around Reno-Sparks Indian Colony Hungry Valley and Lemmon Valley-Golden Valley as the Fred Mountain/Bug Fire complex threatens more neighborhoods, with WatchDuty tracking possible eastward fire jumps. Oregon Fire Fatality: Klamath County reports a dozer operator, 47-year-old Jason Ensign, died while building dozer lines during the Wrights Spring Fire, underscoring the risks for contractors working wildfire lines. Policy & Courts: The National Academy of Sciences removed a climate-science chapter from its judicial reference manual after critics alleged bias, a move that could affect how federal judges handle climate-related lawsuits. Data Centers & Politics: Oregon voters and lawmakers continue to push back on new data center builds amid water, power, and farmland concerns, with Kotek signaling support for local moratoriums. Business/Consumer: Walmart issued a recall of Bettergoods Pistachio Nut Butter jars (salmonella risk) distributed in 19 states including Oregon; shoppers should check lot codes and the Jan. 28, 2027 expiry date. Sports Betting Buzz: Kalshi and Polymarket refreshed verified referral codes (SILIVE, OREGON, CUSE) offering up to $500 or $20 bonuses tied to MLB markets, including the Fed rate-decision odds.

Wildfire & public safety: Two helicopter pilots died after a Sikorsky Skycrane crash while fighting a Utah wildfire; the crash sparked a new blaze that merged into the larger fire, underscoring how fast conditions are worsening across the West. Oregon infrastructure: ODOT is moving ahead with a $16.4M Gold Hill Highway 99 bridge replacement, including a wider deck and ADA upgrades, with a major closure planned for late summer 2027. Healthcare costs: A new comparison of knee-replacement pricing shows how hospital mergers can reduce competition and drive big price gaps for the same procedure. Tax policy debate: Oregon lawmakers and national proposals are again focused on taxing wealth, with “pay their fair share” arguments colliding with concerns about unintended effects. Data centers & politics: Oregon voters are turning against new data center builds, and state leaders are signaling support for local moratoriums as water, power, and farmland fears grow. Local business & community: Grants Pass held Lemonade Day, a kid-run entrepreneurship program that teaches business skills while donating part of proceeds to charity.

Data Centers & Local Politics: Oregon voters are backing a temporary halt on new data center builds, while Gov. Kotek signals support for local moratoriums and lawmakers push a broader three-year pause tied to water, power, and farmland worries. Wildfire Response & Safety: Oregon and Utah fire crews mourn three fatalities, including an Oregon dozer operator killed during the Wrights Spring Fire and a Utah helicopter crash that left two responders dead, as evacuations and smoke disrupt regional business activity. Healthcare & Hospital Finance: Many Oregon hospitals are in financial crisis, raising pressure on budgets and staffing even as merger activity continues, including Salem Health–Santiam Hospital. Energy & Costs: A judge ordered the Pentagon to resume wind energy project reviews, while Oregon’s fuel market shows diesel easing in parts of the state. Public Safety Funding: Talent city leaders approved phased public safety fee increases, with a possible future police-services levy for voter approval. Sports Betting Platforms: Oregon-related promo codes keep rolling out on Kalshi and Polymarket for MLB and WNBA markets, reflecting continued demand for prediction-market access.