AGP Executive Report

Disaster Aid: Oregon businesses, agricultural cooperatives, aquaculture operators and nonprofits hit by 2026 wildfires or drought can apply for SBA working-capital loans of up to $2 million; the deadline is July 1, 2027. Carbon Capture: Oregon State University researchers developed a material designed to capture carbon dioxide from humid factory emissions, addressing a major obstacle for industrial carbon capture. Fiber Investment: AT&T, Global Infrastructure Partners and CPP Investments plan to combine fiber operations in a new joint venture; the assets include Forged Fiber 37’s Oregon network, with a deal expected to close in 2027. Wine Industry: Oregon’s grape harvest is underway as wine sales fall, adding pressure on growers and producers. Startup Scene: The Oregon AI Accelerator has launched its second cohort, with 14 startups from across the region.

Wildlife & Agriculture: Oregon is ramping up chronic wasting disease (CWD) surveillance for the deer season, adding check stations where hunters can get deer and elk sampled, with the state still reporting no CWD detections. Fisheries & Water Infrastructure: The final fish passage barrier on Deep Creek has been removed, reconnecting about nine miles of habitat and wrapping up a seven-year effort that balanced irrigation needs with salmon and steelhead recovery. Energy & Telecom: AT&T, GIP and CPP Investments are forming a new U.S. fiber joint venture to accelerate wholesale open-access builds, aiming to expand fiber reach nationwide. Housing & Construction: Construction has started on a 38-unit “missing middle” workforce housing project in San Diego (80% AMI cap), a reminder of how affordability projects are moving from planning to groundbreakings. Public Safety: Oregon’s fire marshal is warning about the rising risk of lithium-ion battery fires, citing a sharp increase in incidents and urging safer charging habits during Fire Prevention Month. Local Economy & Food: Oregon’s grape harvest is in full swing, but wine sales are dropping as producers face export and demand headwinds. Policy & Environment: A Supreme Court case is set to test whether local governments can use state law to push oil companies to help pay for climate-related damage. Community & Recovery: Portland’s Alano Club marked 60 years of accessible recovery care, highlighting ongoing demand for treatment and support services.

Antitrust Watch: A court sided with Connecticut Attorney General William Tong in the RealPage rent-pricing case, keeping the antitrust lawsuit alive and challenging claims that the software and landlords should escape responsibility. Semiconductor Industry: Applied Materials and Intel announced a new Oregon-linked collaboration to speed next-gen chipmaking for AI, pulling work from Applied’s EPIC Center and Intel’s Oregon R&D campus. Oregon Tech & Research: Oregon State University researchers developed BVR-X, a carbon-capture material that can pull CO2 from moisture-rich exhaust and be reused across cycles. Energy Storage Markets: ESS Inc. faces mounting pressure as it pivots from its iron-and-water flow battery push toward sodium-ion storage, amid slower-than-expected long-duration demand. Local Environment & Infrastructure: Environment Oregon is recruiting volunteers for a Roadside Wildlife Count to document wildlife impacts from Oregon roads and guide future crossing projects. Food & Packaging: Tetra Pak says packaging decisions now hinge on EPR rules, recyclability, transport optimization, and carbon reporting—not just cost and shelf life. Housing & Community Data Centers: Reporting highlights how data-center fights are spreading via local ballots and public backlash over power, water, land, and tax incentives. Retail/Manufacturing: arena launched its Fall/Winter 2026 swim collection and renewed its LYCRA sustainability partnership, while Oregon-based Pinnacle Estate Planning earned a top estate-planner award.

Defense & Jobs: Oregon’s Kingsley Field got formal authorization to prepare for 26 F-35A jets, with construction aimed at a summer 2027 arrival—an upgrade tied to training capacity and Klamath Basin economic expectations. Energy Costs & Policy: A coalition of cities, counties and states challenged NHTSA’s weakened fuel-economy rule in federal court, arguing it’s unlawful and could worsen health and affordability impacts. Water Affordability: A new analysis of the nation’s biggest water systems found household drinking-water bills rose 62% from 2015 to 2025, outpacing inflation, groceries and income growth. Public Safety & Health: A Medford man pleaded guilty in federal court for distributing fentanyl that caused two overdose deaths, facing up to 40 years. Local Housing Support: Spokane Housing Authority is distributing $500,000 in wildfire-displacement housing aid for eligible families, covering rent, utilities and related costs. Utilities Assistance: Pacific Power will match Oregon Energy Fund donations 1-for-1 up to $72,000 to help Oregonians pay energy bills. Industry & Infrastructure: Lovett Inc. expanded vac truck services for non-destructive utility protection across the Pacific Northwest. Agriculture/Manufacturing: Genentech broke ground on an Oregon device fill-finish facility, while Oregon Tech and Rogue Community College partnered to meet Southern Oregon manufacturing workforce needs.

Housing & Cost of Living: Oregon’s 2027 rent cap tops out at 10% statewide, with smaller buildings (30 or fewer units) allowed up to 7% plus CPI, while larger complexes face a 6% limit. Food Prices & Consumer Impact: A new survey finds 62% of U.S. households are cutting back on meat, seafood, and dairy as grocery prices rise; Oregon is among the hardest hit at 77%. Data Centers & Power Costs: The U.S. Senate killed the Ratepayer Protection Act, a bid to stop data-center operators from shifting grid upgrade costs onto residents and small businesses. Local Data-Center Politics (Oregon): Oregon’s data center tax breaks—over $450 million in 2026 exemptions—are fueling a growing grassroots backlash, with residents and groups pushing back on impacts to water and communities. Energy & Climate Courts: The Supreme Court will hear a climate-linked lawsuit seeking billions in damages from energy companies, raising the stakes for how local courts handle emissions-related claims. Wildfire Recovery (Oregon): In Rowena, hazard trees left after a 2025 wildfire are blocking rebuilding, while volunteer crews move in to clear debris so homes can be repaired. Public Health & Food Safety: PepsiCo recalled about 122,000 cases of 28-ounce Gatorade in multiple states due to undeclared yellow food dyes on labels. Agriculture & Soil: A feature looks at regenerative “living soil” farms betting on healthier ecosystems and more resilient production. Clean Hydrogen Research (Oregon State): OSU researchers report a light-powered material that could make hydrogen cheaper by producing it from water without expensive metal catalysts.

Oregon Data Centers Backlash: Oregon’s data center tax breaks are fueling a statewide political fight after reports of $450M+ in property tax exemptions in 2026, including about $85M in the Hillsboro area, as residents and groups like 1000 Friends of Oregon push back on growth and water impacts. School Safety & Public Safety: Portland police say a 15-year-old faces attempted murder and domestic terrorism charges after a Sept. 8 cafeteria chemical incident at Benson Polytechnic High School; staff evacuated 100+ people and the student is expected to survive. Energy Costs Pressure: A new analysis projects Oregon households will pay about $9,000 more for energy by 2040 under federal policy shifts, with demand changes tied to canceled clean energy projects. Clean Fuel Research: Oregon State University researchers report light-activated hydrogen production from water that could cut hydrogen costs by avoiding expensive metal catalysts. Food Safety: Frozen berries are among new E. coli recall updates affecting Trader Joe’s and Walmart products. Local Infrastructure: Oregon Fire Protection District completed a $4.1M station expansion and renovation, adding larger bays and faster alerting to improve safety and response readiness. Agriculture/Water Quality: Razor clam harvesting is closed coastwide due to high domoic acid levels; mussels remain open.

Mining & Manufacturing: Homeland Nickel says its Red Flat nickel project near Gold Beach has a buyer lined up—Westwin Elements would purchase about 20,000 metric tons of nickel concentrate a year if the mine clears years of feasibility and environmental review. Energy & Climate Tech: Oregon State researchers report a light-driven photocatalyst that can produce hydrogen from water, aiming to turn solar energy into fuel. Marine Science & Fisheries: A ship is reinstalling parts of a Pacific ocean monitoring system that the Trump administration dismantled, restoring deep-sea instruments used by climate scientists and the fishing industry. Local Business & Growth: Medford city leaders are weighing clearer zoning rules for incoming data centers amid concerns about power, water use, and environmental impacts. Education & Workforce: Oregon’s community colleges are getting more hands-on lab research opportunities, including PCC students advancing a three-component distillation experiment with real-world chemistry applications. Community & Culture: Gresham’s Indigenous Arts Festival drew growing crowds and vendors, with a rescheduled concert set for November.

Energy & Costs: The national gas average fell nearly 7 cents to $4.41 after a record September, with crude back near $90 a barrel—Oregon listed among the higher-priced markets at $5.05. Marine Science & Fisheries: After pushback over dismantling a $368M ocean monitoring network, a 238-foot ship has begun reinstalling monitors off the Pacific, with data tied to climate forecasting and fishing. Local Industry & Data Centers: Medford is weighing clearer zoning and guidelines for future data centers as concerns grow over power, water use, and environmental impacts. Workforce & Construction Training: Redmond opened a $7.3M youth workforce campus (Heart of Oregon Corps) focused on trade skills like construction, wildfire prevention, food handling, and childcare. Health Care Labor: Oregon Nurses Association challenged Asante’s financial claims at a Medford meeting amid stalled contract talks and service cuts. Policy Watch (Hemp): Oregon retailers and suppliers warn federal changes could put hemp industry operators out of business. Community & Culture: Gresham hosted its 3rd Annual Indigenous Arts Festival, with a rescheduled concert now set for Nov. 14.

Energy & Grid Storage: Arizona’s utility-scale battery build hit a record 20.2 gigawatt-hours in one quarter, with analysts pointing to fast-response storage that can shift power in minutes when solar and demand swing. Local Governance & Housing: Tigard City Council candidates are lining up on housing, public safety, and city services as ballots head out Oct. 14, while Lake Oswego council races spotlight growth and spending priorities. Sustainable Agriculture: A new study of Oregon and North America farms says regenerative practices can match conventional yields and profits while boosting soil carbon and biodiversity, including hazelnuts and vegetables. Workforce & Industry: Oregon Tech and Rogue Community College are partnering to meet Southern Oregon’s manufacturing workforce needs, aiming to close local skills gaps. Data Centers & Community Impact: Amazon’s “Built Together” program pledges $1B over five years for communities near data centers, focusing on education, energy affordability, and water solutions—though critics remain skeptical. Oregon Politics: Gov. Tina Kotek and Sen. Christine Drazan traded barbs in the first debate, with affordability, data centers, taxes, and wildfire funding driving the clash.

Restaurant Reshuffle: Multiple chains are closing hundreds of locations in 2026 as inflation, labor costs, and tougher competition squeeze traffic—Wendy’s, Pizza Hut, Red Lobster, Starbucks and others are among the brands shrinking footprints. Energy & Utilities: A think tank says federal policy changes could push Oregon households to pay about $9,000 more for energy through 2040, driven by higher demand for gas and gasoline. Power Plant Fight: Cities and states, including Oregon, are suing the EPA over rollbacks to power-plant emissions rules, arguing the changes raise pollution and costs. Oregon Health Policy: Oregon lawmakers are set to receive a universal health plan proposal by Dec. 1, aiming for cradle-to-grave coverage starting in 2032. Wildlife & Water Impacts: A new report revisits the tradeoffs of dredging the Columbia River, highlighting risks to tribal and aquatic communities. Local Business & Jobs: Nike is expanding in India with a new Bengaluru campus, while Oregon’s Genentech is moving ahead with a major Hillsboro manufacturing expansion. Industry Services: PR Consultants Group expands its Pacific Northwest-to-Northeast network, adding senior-level crisis and media support. Public Safety & Outdoors: Volunteers are helping maintain wilderness trails in Oregon’s backcountry, keeping access open for hikers and riders.

Manufacturing & Jobs: Boeing workforces in the Pacific Northwest (with some Oregon roles) avoided a strike after SPEEA members ratified new four-year contracts, including 10% wage increases and reduced mandatory overtime limits. Public Health & Food Safety: Sierra Nevada Cheese Company recalled all Graziers Raw Milk cheese varieties nationwide after a multi-state E. coli O26 outbreak tied to the products sickened people in Oregon and elsewhere. Energy & Environment: Oregon AG Dan Rayfield announced a $400 million settlement with Sandoz over alleged generic-drug price conspiracies, while separate lawsuits target EPA rollbacks of power-plant emissions limits—showing how state enforcement and federal policy are colliding on costs and pollution. Local Oregon Development: Medford City Council and Planning Commission discussed how data centers fit its land development code, citing concerns like electric demand, water use, and noise/glare—no applications or decisions yet. Agriculture & Workforce: Three Klamath Basin schools won $375,000 total to expand hands-on CTE programs, including livestock, modernized shops, and an engineering/entrepreneurship lab. Community & Infrastructure: Springfield planted 500 native trees and shrubs at the Mill Race stormwater pond to improve water quality and habitat. Business & Innovation: Epic Aircraft in Bend won FAA certification for Garmin Autoland on the E1000 AX, enabling automatic landings if a pilot is incapacitated.

AI & Power Demand: A new study says AI data centers run by major tech firms could hit about 1% of global electricity use by 2030, with facilities consuming up to six times more power than conventional racks—raising pressure on grids and energy planning. Oregon Tech Policy: Nvidia’s “AI ambassadors” push for Oregon schools and campuses has been largely paused, leaving unspent state-backed funding and unanswered expectations for workforce training. Manufacturing & Logistics: U.S. Bank’s freight index shows contract rates rising while spot rates soften, even as fuel surcharges climb—an early warning for Oregon shippers watching margins. Hospitality Growth: Choice Hotels keeps expanding its upscale footprint, including Cambria and Ascend openings, signaling continued demand for branded stays. Food Safety: Sierra Nevada Cheese Company expands a raw-milk Graziers recall tied to an E. coli outbreak with 13 illnesses, including cases reported in Oregon. Local Business: Oakshire Brewing announced pending closures of its Portland and Springfield locations as costs and competition squeeze Oregon craft beer. Healthcare Consumer Watch: Oregon AG Nessel urges people to file claims tied to generic drug price-fixing settlements. Workforce & Immigration: USCIS reported 307 H-2B approvals for Manufacturing employers in Washington for fiscal 2026 through June 30, with a 100% approval rate.

Energy & Mobility: Oregon Department of Energy launched the Oregon Electric Fleet Network to help public and commercial fleets electrify faster, sharing best practices and troubleshooting as the state pushes EV adoption. Industrial Development & Power: A Medford City Council discussion highlighted how data centers are spreading across Oregon, with residents raising concerns about electricity costs and water use. Mining & Supply Chains: Homeland Nickel signed a binding offtake agreement with Westwin for nickel concentrate from the Red Flat Nickel Project in Southern Oregon, setting up a path to a funded feasibility study. Workforce & Training: Two Klamath County school districts won $125,000 each to expand hands-on CTE programs, including new livestock plans and upgrades to fabrication shops. Agriculture Housing Policy: Oregon is weighing changes that could make it easier for farmers to build second homes on farmland, with Social Security earnings rules complicating how rent is treated. Food Safety: FDA-linked raw milk and cheese recall coverage continues to warn about risks for young consumers. Consumer/Legal Watch: Wyoming AG Keith Kautz urged eligible consumers to file claims tied to a multistate generic drug antitrust settlement. Local Economy & Community: Roseburg approved a grant application up to $1 million to convert a former downtown post office into student housing for Umpqua Community College. Historic Preservation: Canby and Milwaukie city halls from the 1930s were accepted into the National Register of Historic Places.

Food Safety: FDA upgraded a recall of Salata Salad Kitchen Jalapeño Avocado Dressing to Class I after possible Salmonella contamination, affecting 1,724 cases distributed in Georgia, North Carolina, and Texas. Public Works & Accessibility: ODOT will run nighttime lane closures on Oregon 99W near Linfield in McMinnville to update sidewalk curbs and crosswalks to newer ADA standards. Wildfire & Land Management: BLM opened a Lake County firewood collection area tied to the Fremont Fuels Management project, letting residents take previously cut hazardous fuels before future prescribed burns. Energy & Climate Policy: Oregon lawmakers are revisiting a carbon cap-and-invest approach, weighing it against the state’s Climate Protection Program amid industry concerns about costs. Transportation Tech: ODOT issued an intent to award Rekor Systems for a statewide connected in-vehicle alerts program, aiming to push work-zone and incident alerts directly to drivers. Oregon Agriculture & Food Industry: Portland-based Organically Grown Company leader Mike Dill won the Organic Trade Association’s Organic Trailblazer Award and joined its board. Business & Housing Development: Redmond’s enterprise zone rules cleared key steps, potentially enabling 10-year tax breaks for qualifying $25M+ projects. Finance & Fraud: Three Oregon men were indicted in federal court for an alleged bank fraud scheme tied to altered checks and a sham logistics business. Education Investment: Billionaire Ken Griffin pledged $3B to Carnegie Mellon, with a major new Miami campus and expanded Pittsburgh work—another sign of big money reshaping tech and manufacturing research.

Food Safety: Oregon’s raw milk cheese market is taking a hit after a nationwide recall of Graziers cheeses tied to an E. coli outbreak that has sickened 13 people, including cases of kidney complications. Agriculture & Prices: Oregon hazelnut growers are negotiating lower initial 2026 prices amid “complete chaos” in global markets, though processors hint at possible upside later. Consumer Protection: The FTC and coalition states reached a proposed settlement with Corteva that would dismantle pesticide loyalty programs and lower pesticide prices for farmers. Housing & Local Development: Oregon’s new housing laws are reshaping how projects get approved, with Jacksonville weighing how state timelines and limits interact with historic and neighborhood character. Public Health & Food Access: Oregon Summer EBT benefits are set to expire for many families—automatic June 5 recipients have until Oct. 4 to spend. Business & Crime: A federal grand jury indicted three Oregon men in a bank fraud and money laundering scheme involving altered stolen checks and a sham logistics LLC. Wildfire Insurance: Oregon extended its wildfire emergency insurance order another 30 days, keeping cancellation and nonrenewal pauses and adding payment grace periods. Wine & Tourism: Oregon winegrowers report optimism heading into harvest after a summer with fewer heat spikes and less smoke, while the Rogue Valley continues to draw attention as a top U.S. wine region.

Biotech Manufacturing: Genentech broke ground on a $750M Hillsboro expansion to nearly double its campus and ramp production of prefilled syringes and autoinjectors, with operations targeted for 2031 and 250 permanent jobs plus about 200 construction jobs. Food Safety: FDA recalled four Sierra Nevada Graziers raw-milk cheese varieties (medium cheddar, sharp cheddar, jalapeño jack, Monterey jack) tied to a multistate E. coli outbreak with 13 illnesses and 8 hospitalizations, including cases reported in Oregon. Workforce & Training: RCC and Oregon Tech launched a new 2+2 pathway to build local manufacturing engineering talent, with upper-division coursework delivered at RCC sites. Energy & Policy: InnerSpace Action named Drew Nelson executive director to expand geothermal advocacy across more states ahead of the 2027 legislative season. Hazelnuts: USDA forecasts another record Oregon hazelnut crop, with harvest expected near 144,000 tons in-shell as mature plantings push production well above 2019 levels. Public Health Access: A federal push to address estrogen patch shortages drew attention from Oregon Rep. Val Hoyle as lawmakers ask for a stabilization timeline and supply steps.