Lane County has been hit with a series of job losses in recent months, with the latest announcements coming from the Springfield True Value Hardware warehouse and the Eugene-based archery equipment maker Bowtech. The warehouse is set to close by the end of the year, laying off 62 workers, while Bowtech is relocating to Texas, resulting in 43 layoffs.

Job Market Struggles

The toll of job losses in Lane County is higher than just these two announcements. Last month, the parent company of Augusta Sportswear completed the closure of its Coburg hat-making plant, laying off 83 workers. Additionally, PacificSource, a Springfield-based insurer, announced 97 layoffs across the state in May, on top of over 200 job cuts in Lane County last fall.

These job losses are part of a larger trend in Oregon, which has seen its unemployment rate rise to 5.2%, tied for the highest in the country. The national unemployment rate, on the other hand, remains at 4.1%. While the national economy added only 300,000 jobs over the past year, Oregon lost 8,500 jobs during the same period.

Local Economic Development

The Prosperity Council, convened by Oregon Governor Tina Kotek, has proposed a series of tax cuts and loosening of the state’s Climate Protection Program to help stimulate economic growth. In Eugene, the Technical Advisory Group on Fiscal Stability is working to narrow the city’s multimillion-dollar budget deficit and boost economic development.

As the November general election approaches, local politicians are being called upon to explain their plans for addressing the economic challenges facing Lane County. With races looming for Oregon governor and state legislative seats, as well as local elections, the issue of job creation and economic growth is likely to be a key topic of discussion.

Original reporting: Homepage – Lookout Eugene-Springfield — read the source article.