Gilliam County's plans to change economic development districts has been put on hold and will possibly not happen at all.
Beginning in 2022, the Gilliam County Court worked to modify their economic development district, which was set at the state and federal level, to better serve the area. At the time, the Gilliam Court believed that the Mid-Columbia Economic Development District (MCEDD) based out of The Dalles, would better represent the county and its efforts.
MCEDD is a bi-state economic development district that serves counties and communities along the Columbia River. Member counties include Hood River, Wasco and Sherman in Oregon, and two counties in Washington - Skamania and Klickitat.
MCEDD was formed in 1969 by its member counties. The organization received federal designation as a District from the US Economic Development Administration in 1970.
To meet the requirements to join, Gilliam County worked to successfully receive a unanimous 'yes' vote from all MCEDD member counties. Both governors in Oregon and Washington signed off on the effort. Gilliam County spent considerable resources with legal counsel and time in preparation for the move.
But when it was time to confirm Gilliam County's admission into the district this spring, MCEDD balked and asked for more time.
MCEDD's Executive Director, Jessica Metta, acknowledged that the recall election in Gilliam County was a contributing factor to the district's decision. Metta told the Times-Journal that the district was also working through capacity issues. MCEDD had some turnover and hired new staff, making the admission of Gilliam County more of a challenge.
The Greater Eastern Oregon Development Center (GEODC) has also hired new staff and is working to reengage with Gilliam County.
Susan Christensen is still new in her role as Executive Director of GEODC, as is Deputy Director Tory Stinnett.
Both Christensen and Stinnett were in Condon last week to understand the needs of the county. They met with staff from the City of Condon, the Port of Arlington, and the Gilliam County Court on Thursday, July 11.
The GEODC is the current economic development district for a huge swath of Eastern Oregon, including Gilliam, Grant, Harney, Malheur, Morrow, Umatilla, and Wheeler counties. The district encompasses Gilliam County east to the Idaho border and south to the Nevada border. The district is engaged in rural regional revitalization programs and works to advocate for the area.
The GEODC also offers lending programs to assist with land and building acquisition and working capital. It is also a contributor to Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) and grant writing services.
Staff from GEODC asked questions about housing development, specifically workforce housing, in their meeting in Condon last week. They also asked about other priorities, including county-wide broadband internet services.
At this time, it appears that Gilliam County may remain with GEODC for the long haul.
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