In Bend, Oregon, the statewide trade association Oregon Business and Industry (OBI) unveiled its 2027‑28 Oregon Competitiveness Agenda on Wednesday, pressing state leaders to overhaul tax and regulatory frameworks that the group says are holding back the state’s economy.
Economic indicators show a widening gap
The agenda cites a series of data points that illustrate Oregon’s relative decline. Statewide economic growth slowed to just 1% in 2025, less than half the national growth rate for the same year. Meanwhile, employment in Oregon slipped by 0.5% while the nation added 0.5% jobs.
These trends are not new. Oregon’s growth rate has trailed the national average for five consecutive years, and its employment growth has lagged for six straight years. Per‑capita personal income remains at roughly 96% of the national average, a figure that has held steady since 2020.
Rankings reflect the challenges
National rankings underscore the state’s competitive pressures. The Tax Foundation’s 2026 State Tax Competitiveness Index placed Oregon 35th, a drop of 28 spots since 2019. CNBC’s 2026 “America’s Best States for Business” list moved Oregon down to 42nd, a 25‑place fall since 2017.
OBI’s policy priorities
OBI, representing about 1,500 member companies across all 36 Oregon counties and employing more than 250,000 workers, outlined four priority areas for the upcoming legislative session:
- Accelerating economic and business development.
- Improving affordability for residents and enterprises.
- Creating a solutions‑oriented regulatory environment.
- Ensuring tax and budget policies are sustainable and competitive.
Among the specific proposals, OBI recommends replacing the state’s Climate Protection Program with a market‑based cap‑and‑invest system, echoing ideas from Governor Tina Kotek’s 2025 Prosperity Roadmap and the Governor’s Prosperity Council.
Leadership’s call to action
Angela Wilhelms, OBI’s president and CEO, warned that “Oregon is on the wrong track.” She added, “We can once again become an economic force and a beacon of opportunity, but that won’t happen without the right policy environment and determination to compete.”
The agenda arrives as the Oregon Legislature prepares for its 2026 session, where lawmakers will consider a slate of bills addressing tax reform, regulatory streamlining, and workforce development. Business leaders and policymakers alike say the upcoming debates will be pivotal for the state’s long‑term prosperity.
What’s next for Oregon?
OBI plans to meet with state legislators and agency heads in the coming weeks to discuss the agenda’s recommendations. The organization hopes that a collaborative approach will yield reforms that restore Oregon’s competitive standing and spur job growth for its residents.
Original reporting: KTVZ (Central Oregon) — read the source article.
