AGP Executive Report

Transportation Finance: City Observatory director Joe Cortright told Oregon’s Transportation Commission that ODOT’s budget crisis is driven by major-project cost forecasting and management failures—not fuel-efficiency gains—arguing projects routinely double or triple estimates and get pushed forward without full funding. Clean Energy & Water: Oregon’s first floating solar array is nearing full operation in Southern Oregon, expected to power about 60 homes while cutting reservoir evaporation by more than 1.5 million gallons a year. Wildfire Workforce: The Lomakatsi Restoration Project graduated new tribal firefighters and ecological restoration workers in southern Oregon, expanding on-the-ground fuel-reduction capacity ahead of a hotter, drier fire season. Agriculture Tech: A State of Jefferson startup is challenging the dominant laser-weeding “robotics as a service” model by aiming for more farmer ownership of tools. Food Safety: FDA issued a Class I recall for Alfredo sauce distributed to food service across 41 states due to potential salmonella contamination. Public Health & Climate: Extreme heat warnings are active across parts of California, Oregon, and Washington, with forecasts near 110°F and little overnight relief.

AI & Consumer Protection: States are moving ahead with more targeted AI rules as Congress stalls, focusing on how chatbots affect kids and how employers use AI. Oregon Energy & Water: Oregon’s first floating solar array in Medford is nearing full operation, aiming to cut bills for about 60 households and save 1.5 million gallons of water yearly by reducing reservoir evaporation. Wildfire Workforce: Lomakatsi Restoration Project just graduated new tribal firefighters and ecological restoration workers, blending ancient and modern methods to reduce fuels ahead of a hotter, drier season. Local Environment Cleanup: Ashland’s long-running cleanup of contaminated Union Pacific railroad property is entering a final phase, capping soil on-site to enable future development. Ocean Science: The Trump administration is dismantling the Ocean Observatories Initiative, including the Coastal Endurance Array off Oregon and Washington, raising concerns about long-term data loss. Drought Watch: Gov. Kotek approved new drought declarations for five more Oregon counties, bringing 17 total as severe conditions expand east of the Cascades. Gas Prices: AAA reports pump prices continue to cool, with California’s average down 10 cents to $5.97. Public Health: CDC announced a recall of Nara Organics Whole Milk Organic Infant Formula after infant botulism cases linked to the product.

Environmental Cleanup: Union Pacific’s long-running cleanup of contaminated railroad property in Ashland is moving forward under an Oregon DEQ-approved plan, capping and confining about 18,700 yards of soil on-site to clear the way for future development. Drought & Water Risk: Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek approved new drought declarations for Douglas, Gilliam, Harney, Lake, and Malheur counties, bringing 17 counties under drought status and highlighting severe conditions across much of eastern Oregon. Ocean Science & Industry Impact: The Trump administration has begun dismantling the Ocean Observatories Initiative, including the Coastal Endurance Array off Oregon and Washington, a move OSU researchers say could have long-lasting effects on ocean monitoring. Energy & Buildings: Portland’s Bureau of Planning and Sustainability wrapped a year-long pilot on extending commercial energy reporting for multifamily properties, finding minimal added burden while state benchmarking requirements loom. Workforce & Cost Pressures: AAA reports gas prices falling for a third straight week, while Insurify says EV insurance costs average about 42% more than comparable gas cars—an Oregon-relevant reminder that “saving at the pump” can be offset elsewhere. Education & Careers: Oregon Tech’s Geomatics program earned a national NCEES Surveying Education Award, recognizing training that supports licensure pathways for land surveyors and GIS professionals.

Energy Reliability & Heat Prep: Pacific Power is warning Oregon customers to cut peak demand during hot afternoons (roughly 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.) and use efficiency steps like raising thermostats to 78°F, shifting usage to mornings/evenings, and turning off unused electronics. Housing & Building Compliance: Portland’s Bureau of Planning and Sustainability finished a pilot on multifamily energy reporting, finding first-year effort of about 3–9 hours per building and less than 2 hours annually after—aimed at preparing for statewide requirements by July 1, 2028. Agriculture & Pests: Lake County says fears are easing after new Mormon cricket swarms near Adel, with officials noting they’re more nuisance than crop-destroying and monitoring/treating public lands. Local Construction Spotlight: The DJC honored the Clackamas County Circuit Courthouse as Project of the Year, with other awards including Carpentry Plus and the Oak Lodge Library & Concord Community Center renovation. Outdoor Safety & Community: A Richland-area family is using a fatal Arizona hiking fall to push outdoor safety, while Eugene hosted a “Beat the Heat” workshop teaching low-cost air purifiers for wildfire smoke and extreme temperatures. Legal/Policy Watch: Oregon petitioners for a ballot measure to ban hunting and fishing advanced past the signature threshold, moving toward the November ballot. Business & Industry: Avista paused processing for a proposed 500MW data center energy request to align planning with stakeholders and community feedback. Brand/Trademark Clash: Patagonia is suing Bend drag performer Pattie Gonia over alleged trademark infringement, reigniting debate over activism, parody, and brand protection.

Energy Reliability & Heat Prep: Pacific Power is warning Oregon customers to cut demand during the first major heat event, with peak usage typically hitting 4 p.m.–9 p.m. as air conditioning and irrigation run; the utility says it’s monitoring heavily used substations and circuits daily and urges thermostat settings at 78°F or higher, shifting usage to mornings/evenings, and checking on neighbors. Public Health & Cooling Centers: The Oregon Department of Emergency Management is also urging west-side residents to hydrate, limit outdoor work, never leave people or pets in cars, and use cooling centers during Sunday–Monday’s first heat event. Data Centers & Utility Planning: Avista paused processing a 500 MW data center energy request after community concerns, saying it needs a broader, more transparent planning process with stakeholders. Water Contamination Oversight: Oregon Health Authority is seeking public comment on health risks from drinking-water contaminants near a Prineville aggregate mine, as residents report impacts across dozens of wells. Rail & Agriculture Dispute: A federal complaint alleges Portland & Western Railroad is stalling bridge rebuilds after a Corvallis collapse, leaving rail service disrupted for small agricultural customers. Ballot Fight Over Hunting/Fishing: Oregon Initiative Petition 28 has cleared the signature threshold to qualify for the November ballot, aiming to remove exemptions tied to hunting, fishing, and livestock practices. Oregon Industry Growth: ZincFive, an Oregon nickel-zinc battery maker for data centers, is moving toward going public via a SPAC deal valued at $600M. Forest Products & Trade Tool: Texas A&M Forest Service launched “Wood Flow South” to track timber trade flows and trends across multiple southern states. Rural Business Outreach: Oregon’s Governor’s Marketplace returned to rural Ontario, connecting small businesses with state contracting opportunities.

College Sports & Gambling: A Texas judge granted a temporary injunction letting Texas Tech QB Brendan Sorsby play this fall despite an NCAA ineligibility ruling tied to sports wagering, setting up a fresh legal fight over NCAA authority and integrity. Energy & Data Centers: Amazon disclosed its 2025 global data-center water use—2.5 billion gallons—fueling Oregon-area concerns about power and water demands from AI infrastructure. Local Construction & Housing: Clackamas County’s old Main Street Courthouse demolition in Oregon City is well underway, clearing the way for a new mixed-use apartment plan. Public Works & Travel: ODOT announced overnight I-5 Boone Bridge lane closures and ramp impacts for bridge joint replacement, with detours in place for weeks. Historic Preservation: Fort Stevens Guardhouse at Oregon Parks and Recreation’s Fort Stevens State Park is being celebrated after a preservation rehabilitation that stabilized the 1911 structure and paid off construction debt. Food Safety: Clatsop County restaurant inspections show most eateries scoring 95–100, but a few low scores and serious violations are raising alarms for Oregon diners. State Business Outreach: Oregon’s Governor’s Marketplace conference and tradeshow brought state contracting opportunities to rural Ontario, aiming to connect small businesses with public procurement. Agriculture & Community Events: Bandon’s Cranberry Festival earned an Oregon Heritage Tradition designation, highlighting the region’s long-running cranberry industry roots.

Building & Housing Policy: Todd Smith was named administrator of Oregon’s Building Codes Division, tasked with modernization and efficiency as the state pushes housing production. Construction Market Watch: Portland construction activity is stabilizing, with more projects moving from planning into design as pricing and scheduling uncertainty eases. Food & Ag Tech: Canopii opened a $1.5M seed round to scale a fully autonomous robotic greenhouse in Portland, targeting certified organic greens and herbs for regional retail. Real Estate Transparency: Windermere rolled out an optional addendum aimed at improving homebuyer visibility into pricing and marketing history amid the rise of private listings and off-market deals. Energy & Water: Amazon says its data centers used 2.5B gallons of water worldwide in 2025, stepping into the transparency debate as communities question power and water impacts. Agriculture Fees: Oregon farm regulators may tie agricultural license fees to inflation as the Oregon Department of Agriculture looks to keep programs solvent. Workplace Compliance: Oregon employers are facing a wave of new workplace legislation rolling out mid-2026 through mid-2027, with direct impacts across sectors. Outdoor & Wildfire Risk: Sen. Ron Wyden warned that repealing the federal Roadless Rule could open Oregon national forest areas to development and raise wildfire risk.

College Sports & Gambling: A Texas judge granted Texas Tech QB Brendan Sorsby a temporary injunction to play this fall despite an NCAA wagering ineligibility ruling, setting up a fresh legal fight over sports integrity. Oregon Energy & Grid: Oregon Public Broadcasting’s reporting highlights how lawmakers may be missing the key grid player, with Bonneville Power Administration central to connecting wind and solar. Public Health & Consumer Protection: Oregon AG Rayfield announced a $4.87M multistate settlement with GS Labs over overpriced, delayed COVID-19 tests. Local Construction & Schools: Bethel School District broke ground on the Danebo Elementary expansion, adding classrooms, a gym, and cooling upgrades. Oregon Seafood: USDA’s new Office of Seafood aims to boost federal support for Oregon’s fishers and seafood businesses. Portland Community Space: Darcelle XV Plaza is set to open later this month as a “Queer living room” with a stage, dog park, and distinctive lighting. Data Centers & Local Rules: Hillsboro city council directed staff to study new data center regulations, including possible amendments and a moratorium. Agrivoltaics in Oregon: An Oregon farm is using a solar-powered microgrid to create controllable shade and protect heat-sensitive crops. Business Expansion: Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream signed a multi-unit deal to enter Illinois, with the first locations planned for late 2027. Wildlife Reminder: ODFW urged residents to leave deer fawns alone and avoid removing young wildlife from the wild.

Gambling & College Sports: A Texas judge granted Texas Tech QB Brendan Sorsby a temporary injunction to play the 2026 season despite NCAA ineligibility tied to sports wagering, prompting pushback from the NCAA and renewed scrutiny across the Big 12; State Consumer Protection: Oregon’s region is still feeling the fallout from COVID-era testing practices as a multistate settlement with GS Labs totals about $4.87M, including restitution and fee refunds for affected residents; Energy & Grid Modernization: Oregon industry leaders are lining up for Great Transformation 2026 in Bend (July 8-10) focused on distributed energy resources, microgrids, and AI-driven power demand; Local Infrastructure & Public Works: Clatskanie is seeking bids for sidewalk and ramp replacement work on SW Bryant St; Community Development: Sumpter received a state grant to fence and reopen sections of its historic cemetery for new burial plot sales; Oregon Industry Notes: Oregon Heritage Commission awarded $75,000 in museum grants statewide, including projects tied to agricultural history and Native culture interpretation.

Energy & Renewables Policy: A federal court vacated IRS Notice 2025-42, restoring the 5% safe harbor for “beginning of construction” on wind and solar projects—good news for developers racing toward the July 4 deadline. Data Centers & Power Demand: Seattle’s council approved a one-year emergency moratorium on new large data centers, citing strain on the power grid, water, utility rates, and the local economy—while Oregon utilities and regulators continue grappling with how to handle AI-driven load growth. Public Works Bids (Oregon): West Linn is seeking bids for the Marylhurst Sanitary Pump Station Rehabilitation (estimate $410,300; bids due July 1). Clackamas County posted multiple paving and park projects with bid deadlines in late June and early July. Food & Agriculture: Oregon grass seed farmers are supplying natural turf for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, shipping about a million pounds weekly from the Willamette Valley. Public Health: A Salmonella outbreak tied to moringa supplements has expanded to 119 cases across 36 states, prompting additional FDA recall coverage. Safety Watch: A Salem man is in the ICU after a vape battery exploded in his pocket, causing 35% third-degree burns. Sports Legal Fallout: A Texas judge granted a temporary injunction letting Texas Tech QB Brendan Sorsby play despite NCAA ineligibility for wagering.

Energy & Power Policy: A federal court vacated the IRS “5% safe harbor” for wind and most solar projects, but the decision could be appealed and may be stayed before the July 4 deadline—so Oregon developers are watching closely. Local Transportation & Infrastructure: Gov. Tina Kotek tapped Chris Warner as interim ODOT director after a finalist withdrew, as the agency faces long-running funding gaps for road maintenance. Manufacturing & Workplace Safety: MITER Brands says two window/door plants earned OSHA Voluntary Protection Program certification, highlighting Oregon-area manufacturing safety momentum. Food & Consumer Safety: FDA expanded a pet food recall tied to extremely low thiamine levels in certain GO Raw freeze-dried and frozen products. Business & Jobs: Grocery Outlet named new purchasing and CFO leadership as it aims to restore profitable growth. Public Finance & Governance: Salem city council advanced its 2027 budget to a final vote and set state-capitol lobbying priorities. Health Care Costs: Clark County residents were warned to brace for potentially higher 2027 individual health insurance rates. Agriculture & Tourism: Sisters is gearing up for a busy summer tourism season despite lingering cost and demand uncertainties. Sports Eligibility: A Texas judge cleared Texas Tech QB Brendan Sorsby to play despite NCAA gambling ineligibility, a move that could ripple across college athletics.

Renewables Policy: A federal judge vacated an IRS rule that removed the “Five Percent Safe Harbor” for wind and solar tax credits, sending the guidance back and warning it could mean less clean power and higher electricity prices—an important win for groups that included Oregon Environmental Council. Energy & Industry Growth: Green hydrogen demand is still pulling investment, with an electrolyzer market forecast to reach $34.4B by 2032, while broader fuel and system-integration markets keep expanding as digital and alternative-fuel infrastructure grows. Data Centers & Water: An Oregon-based data center plan in western Kansas is drawing scrutiny over claimed water use, as locals compare it to existing irrigation demands. Oregon Business & Tourism: Travel Oregon named Kate Sinner as its next executive director, starting July 6, as the agency looks to boost the state’s tourism economy. Local Economy & Infrastructure: Oregon and Washington transportation officials advanced tolling scenarios for the Interstate Bridge replacement, with rates discussed and final policies targeted for late 2027. Health & Community: A new mental health outpatient clinic is opening in Eugene to serve 200+ patients in its first year, aiming to address Lane County’s shortage. Housing/Environment: Oregon’s health insurers filed proposed 2027 individual and small-group rates, with public review underway and reinsurance support helping stabilize increases.

Clean Energy & Courts: A federal judge vacated a Trump policy that made it harder for wind and solar projects to qualify for federal tax subsidies, sending IRS rules back for reconsideration—an Oregon-relevant win for renewables developers. Immigration & Hiring Costs: Another judge struck down the Trump plan to charge a $100,000 H-1B visa fee as an unlawful tax, a blow to the administration and a reprieve for U.S. employers relying on skilled foreign workers. Oregon Business Relief: SBA disaster loans are now available for Oregon businesses, nonprofits, and residents hit by Dec. 2025 storms in Clackamas, Lane, and Lincoln counties. Local Industry & Growth: Eugene’s Valley River Center is moving ahead with a new Dick’s House of Sport anchor, adding major interactive retail space. Agriculture & Land Use: Oregon farmland protection continues to expand via agricultural easements, with landowners using conservation tools to lock in working-land futures. Public Health & Safety: Oregon State Hospital’s new CMO is prioritizing patient safety and care quality, focusing on both physical and psychological safety. Energy Infrastructure: Data-center power demand is driving utilities and rate changes, with PGE proposing higher data-center rates while seeking household relief. Environment & Wildlife: A plan to kill barred owls is underway in Washington, raising new controversy over wildlife management and impacts on protected species.

Energy & Industry Forecasts: New market reports project rapid growth for second-generation biofuels and thermoelectric generators, pointing to continued investment in cleaner fuels and waste-heat power recovery. Environmental Restoration: A restoration approach on Oregon’s McKenzie River is taking shape, with local ecology and long-term recovery goals driving the work. Renewables vs. Farmland: A Willamette Valley solar proposal (Muddy Creek Energy Park) is moving forward with agrivoltaics plans, but neighbors are still pushing back over farmland and wetland impacts. Wildfire Mitigation: Shasta College’s goat grazing program is back for seasonal vegetation clearing, highlighting a low-equipment alternative to traditional fuel-reduction methods. Water & Agriculture Resilience: Klamath farmers can apply for payments to idle fields amid drought risk, with the program aiming to manage shortages through the coming season. Policy & Oversight: The U.S. Senate blocked renewal of a key warrantless surveillance program (FISA Section 702), a decision with major implications for how intelligence work intersects with privacy and oversight. Science & Ocean Monitoring: The Ocean Observatories Initiative is being dismantled as instruments are removed, raising alarms for climate and ocean-risk monitoring—especially ahead of El Niño. Local Business/Infrastructure: Speed cameras in Sherwood, Oregon, have caught more than 1,000 speeding drivers in two weeks, adding pressure for safer street enforcement. Oregon Spotlight: Oregon’s Willamette Valley gets a new temple dedication, underscoring how major community institutions continue to expand across the state.

Ocean Monitoring Cuts: The Trump administration is dismantling the Ocean Observatories Initiative, removing hundreds of deep-ocean instruments that track temperatures, carbon uptake, and circulation—an especially risky move as scientists brace for major El Niño impacts off Oregon and beyond. Public Safety Tech: Sherwood’s new speed cameras on Southwest Oregon Street have flagged 1,045 speeding drivers in two weeks, underscoring how enforcement tech is reshaping local traffic behavior. Food Assistance Court Fight: A federal judge halted USDA enforcement of new SNAP-related conditions tied to immigration and gender-related policies, pausing a major shift that states say could disrupt help for millions. Energy & Costs: Gas prices remain elevated, with Oregon listed among the higher-cost states, while regional reporting highlights how global shipping disruptions and refinery dynamics keep fuel volatile. Oregon Industry & Tech: Intel’s Hillsboro chip-fab access story spotlights the tight controls behind semiconductor production—an Oregon manufacturing win with global ripple effects. Local Quality of Life: Oregon’s updated Coast Bike Route map refreshes guidance for riders, including safety and wind-aware planning.

Hunting/Fishing Ban Push: Oregon’s ballot initiative would criminalize hunting, fishing, trapping and conventional livestock farming, with signature drive and rural-vs-urban voter math setting up a high-stakes November fight. SNAP Funding Court Battle: A federal judge temporarily blocked Trump-era USDA conditions that would force states to certify compliance with gender and immigration-related “policies” to keep billions in nutrition funding flowing, pausing SNAP-related enforcement while 20 states and DC litigate. Forever Chemicals Crackdown: PFAS “forever chemical” rules are spreading state by state, including Oregon, as lawmakers move toward class-based restrictions and disclosure requirements that could reshape supply chains. Energy Watch: US natural gas futures slid on higher output and LNG export plant maintenance, while the Pacific Northwest saw very low next-day power prices tied to hydropower and demand. Oregon Real Estate: Dunthorpe’s High Hatch Estate—Prairie School design by William M. Whidden—hit the market for $5.29M. Local Construction: Emerald Valley Golf Club in Creswell is building a new clubhouse to replace a 1930s chicken-coop structure, targeting late-September completion. Gas Prices (Oregon): GasBuddy data for the week ending May 30 shows Oregon averages easing, with standout lows like $4.99 regular in Morrow County and $5.54 diesel in Wasco County.