AGP Executive Report

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.

Biotech Manufacturing: Genentech broke ground on a $750M Hillsboro expansion, doubling the site and adding device fill-finish capabilities for combination products, with about 250 high-wage jobs plus construction roles; operations are slated to begin in 2031. Higher Education & Engineering: Nike co-founder Phil Knight and Penny pledged $1B to the University of Oregon to launch its first undergraduate engineering program, creating the Knight College of Engineering. Public Health & Food Safety: The FDA announced a nationwide recall of certain Sierra Nevada Graziers raw-milk cheeses tied to an E. coli outbreak in nine states, with 13 illnesses and hospitalizations reported. Housing Policy: Oregon’s DAS set the 2027 maximum rent increase at 10%, returning to the hard ceiling under the state’s rent stabilization rules. Energy Efficiency: The Pacific Northwest’s energy conservation acquisitions rose 14% in 2025, reaching 182 average megawatts of cost-effective conservation. Workforce Development: Rogue Community College and Oregon Tech launched a 2+2 pathway to bring upper-division manufacturing engineering coursework to RCC campuses in Southern Oregon. Consumer Protection & Competition: The FTC and states reached a settlement with Corteva over pesticide loyalty programs, aiming to lower prices for farmers. Data Centers Watch: A proposed data center campus on federal land near Hermiston would be Oregon’s first on public federal property, as more projects line up across the West.

Wildfire & Forest Policy: Oregon’s “protected” public-lands fuel-reduction plan is under scrutiny after the Grasshopper Fire burned nearly 94,000 acres in the Mt. Hood National Forest, including areas tied to a Wasco County Forest Collaborative restoration project that critics say was settled after a lawsuit. Consumer Health Insurance: Oregon regulators warn shoppers about cheap, non-ACA “self-funded” limited partner plans that may cover little beyond checkups, urging use of healthcare.gov or licensed agents during Nov. 1–Jan. 15 enrollment. Community Solar: Construction is underway on an 800 kW community solar array on NE 82nd Avenue in Portland, expected to cut power bills for up to 140 low-income households by as much as 40%. Local Housing & Land Use: Gresham voters choose among council and mayor candidates focused on unifying leadership, while Perrysburg Township approved two rezoning requests—both flagged for floodplain mitigation. Energy & Industry Ops: Jackson and Josephine counties lowered industrial fire restrictions to IFPL Level 1, easing some shutdown limits for forest operations. Oregon Business Watch: Oakshire Brewing is closing its Eugene brewery and Portland/Springfield taprooms after 20 years, citing a tougher market and rising costs. Research & Agriculture: UO researchers revived 160-million-year-old proteins that naturally attack drug-resistant microbes, pointing to new antimicrobial leads.

Sports & Safety: Oregon’s Dante Moore was hospitalized after a late hit by USC LB Desman Stephens II; USC suspended Stephens one game for the hit and his on-field celebration. Energy Policy: The U.S. Department of Energy renewed an emergency order keeping a Colorado coal plant running longer, citing Northwest reliability concerns as battery storage delays and rising demand pressure the grid. Oregon Fuel Prices: Diesel hit a low of $6.39 in Klamath County (week ending Sept. 19), with Oregon diesel averaging $6.71 statewide. Local Industry: Oakshire Brewing is shutting down its brewery and taprooms after two decades, affecting locations in Portland, Springfield and Eugene. Agriculture & Food Safety: FDA-linked E. coli concerns prompted a nationwide recall of Sierra Nevada Graziers raw milk cheeses; Oregon is among states reporting cases. Housing & Planning: Sisters is racing to finalize an urban growth boundary expansion to meet housing needs, while neighbors and process rules continue to shape timelines. Immigration & Retail: Oregon immigrant-rights data says arrests are increasingly happening outside big-box stores and supermarkets, including Lowe’s in McMinnville. Consumer Protection: Oregon regulators warn open enrollment shoppers about “self-funded” limited partner plans that can leave people with uncovered bills.

Injury & Safety in Oregon Sports: Oregon QB Dante Moore was taken by ambulance after a late hit by USC’s Desman Stephens II; coach Dan Lanning called it “disgusting,” said Moore was moving, and Dylan Raiola stepped in to help Oregon beat USC 41-27. Housing & Growth Planning: Sisters is racing to clear final hurdles on its urban growth boundary amendment map to avoid delays that could stall roughly two decades of housing expansion. Energy & Data Centers: A new push for AI data centers is reshaping electricity demand, with Oregon regulators also moving on AI safety and oversight as power needs and development pressures rise. Fuel Prices Watch: GasBuddy reports show premium gas in Klamath County hit $5.29 in the week ending Sept. 19, with Oregon’s statewide premium average at $5.61. PFAS Policy: Sen. Maggie Hassan reintroduced a bill to ban PFAS in food wrappers and packaging, reviving a fight over “forever chemicals.” Local Industry & Community: A Madras community screening will bring the PBS-bound documentary “BAD PRESS” to spotlight press freedom and voter mobilization in Native communities. Agriculture & Land Use: A mining company’s proposed lithium extraction in Oregon sage-grouse habitat is drawing sharp opposition from conservation groups.

Oregon Education & Workforce: Nike co-founder Phil Knight and Penny Knight pledged $1 billion to the University of Oregon to create a new Knight College of Engineering, aiming to expand engineering and applied science programs at the Knight Campus in Eugene. Public Health & Food Safety: The FDA/CDC reported an E. coli outbreak linked to raw milk cheese, with 13 illnesses and eight hospitalizations tied to Sierra Nevada Graziers products, prompting a recall and ongoing investigation. Energy & Grid Readiness: The Northwest Power and Conservation Council says energy efficiency grew 14% across Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Montana, as conservation becomes more important with rising demand. Consumer Watchdog: Oregon regulators warned that some “limited-partner” health plans marketed as cheap coverage may not provide comprehensive benefits, urging shoppers to verify what they’re actually buying. Local Economy & Infrastructure: Oregon City opened a new Ornament Emporium storefront, bringing holiday retail back to downtown. Agriculture & Rural Pride: An Oregon giant pumpkin grower set a new record at the National Pumpkin Weigh Off, underscoring the state’s continued strength in specialty agriculture.

Food Safety: Federal health officials say an E. coli outbreak tied to Sierra Nevada Graziers raw milk cheese has sickened 13 people across nine states, including Oregon, with 8 hospitalized and 3 cases of HUS; the FDA/CDC urge shoppers to check refrigerators and freezers for four recalled varieties (medium cheddar, sharp cheddar, jalapeño jack, Monterey jack) and not eat them. Oregon Policy: Oregon Health Authority backed off proposed psilocybin licensing fee hikes after industry warnings, keeping discounts for veterans and low-income people while the program’s long-term funding questions remain. Workforce & Immigration: New USCIS data shows Oregon employers in the Other Services (except Public Administration) industry filed 6 H-1B petitions in 2025 (4 approved, 2 denied). Tech & Automation: Agility Robotics unveiled Digit 5 in Salem, a humanoid built for cooperative safety around people, with 50-pound lifting and a faster charge cycle. Data Privacy: Payments have started in Oracle’s data privacy settlement, with class members receiving $37.42. Energy & Industry: Oregon regulators are also moving on frontier AI rules, while Pacific Power plans to charge data centers for all energy costs tied to growing demand.

Food Safety: The CDC and FDA are investigating a new multistate E. coli O26:H11 outbreak tied to Sierra Nevada Graziers raw milk cheese, with 13 sickened across nine states (including Oregon), 8 hospitalizations, and 3 cases of hemolytic uremic syndrome; the FDA says it recommended a recall after interviewing nine ill people, all of whom reported eating the cheese. Public Health & Regulation: Oregon is moving to regulate “frontier” AI in state procurement, with Gov. Tina Kotek issuing an executive order requiring third-party safety review standards before the state buys or contracts for advanced AI models. Water & Infrastructure: Eugene is proposing a $1.2 million plan to cap dioxin-contaminated soil at Trainsong Park, using targeted excavation and an engineered protective cap to reduce exposure risk for children. Industry & Tech: RefinedScience says it has expanded access to a large pancreatic cancer dataset, adding a collaboration with OHSU to process and release single-cell multi-omic profiles linked to clinical outcomes. Energy & Fire Management: Fire restrictions ease in Jackson and Josephine counties as the industrial fire precaution level drops to Level 1 on Sept. 28, while public restrictions remain moderate. Consumer Finance: A federal judge in Oregon ruled the CFPB must be lawfully funded, rejecting a theory that would have blocked the agency’s funding replenishment. Business & Trade: MISCOwater and ClearStream Environmental expand across western states, including Oregon, to support municipal water and wastewater treatment projects.

Oregon Prosperity Agenda & Women’s Work: A Portland Metro Chamber forum highlighted Oregon’s weak private-sector job growth ranking (49th) and pressed the Oregon Prosperity Council to go beyond its 10 recommendations—especially for women in the built environment, from skilled trades to AEC careers. Data Centers in the Gorge: Wasco County’s Scott Hege is running ads against a House opponent over alleged data-center tax breaks, as the Port of The Dalles campus continues to expand and draw scrutiny for water and resource impacts. Higher Ed & Engineering Jobs: UO Knight donors Phil and Penny Knight pledged $1B to launch an engineering college, while Oregon Tech climbed in U.S. News rankings for value, veterans, and social mobility—signals for workforce pipelines. Environment & Tribal Land: A bill would transfer about 18,600 acres of federal forestland into Grand Ronde trust status, keeping hunting, fishing, and recreation open. Public Health: Oregon is among states reporting a Salmonella outbreak tied to recalled broccoli sprouts, with new cases added. Local Infrastructure: Eugene is revisiting sidewalk repair rules as costs strain property owners, and Longview crews are flushing water in Area #1 today. Retail Expansion: Oregon-born Black Rock Coffee Bar keeps growing, opening new locations in Arizona, Austin-area Texas, and California.

University & Workforce: Phil and Penny Knight’s $1B gift will create a University of Oregon College of Engineering, aiming to close Oregon’s engineering workforce gap and expand bioengineering and product-focused research. Higher Ed Rankings: Oregon Tech climbed in U.S. News “Best Colleges 2027,” ranking high for veterans, value, social mobility, and undergraduate engineering. Local Infrastructure: ODOT says Portland’s I-5 Rose Quarter Improvement Project is still on schedule to reopen on time, with a two-mile southbound closure and detour impacts easing. Clean Energy Funding: Eugene voters will weigh a clean energy fund modeled after Portland’s PCEF, as climate advocates push for more reliable local emissions-reduction dollars. Data Centers & Power: A former Eugene semiconductor facility tied to data-center concerns is now listed for sale, while new reporting highlights growing electricity and water strain from Oregon data centers. Public Safety & Health: A Redmond youth mental health facility is set to break ground Sept. 29, targeting a shortage that forces kids to travel for crisis care. Business & Labor: Oregon AGs and others reaffirm disparate impact enforcement is still lawful, signaling continued pressure on hiring and housing decisions. Aviation: Amtrak’s new Airo trains will debut Sept. 30 on the Pacific Northwest Cascades route.

Energy & Costs: AAA says the national average gas price is up nearly 5 cents to $4.48, with volatility tied to crude and Strait of Hormuz pressures. AI Regulation: Oregon’s AGs joined a bipartisan push urging Congress to regulate AI fast, citing safety and infrastructure risks after reports of AI systems “breaking containment.” Oregon Housing & Growth: Sisters is racing a deadline to secure Urban Growth Boundary expansion approval by end of 2026, or face major planning resets. Forestry Policy: Oregon’s roadless forest protections are under renewed pressure, with a comment period aimed at stripping protections from intact national forest lands. Construction & Home Safety: Stalcup Roofing & Construction released a four-step Oregon roof inspection checklist for homeowners ahead of seasonal weather. Entertainment Industry: Paramount reached a settlement with 12 states over its Warner Bros. Discovery merger, clearing a major antitrust hurdle pending court approval. Local Business/Real Estate: Anderson Poolworks is promoting aquatic facility expertise at the Oregon Recreation & Park Association conference in Seaside.

Major Philanthropy: Phil and Penny Knight are pledging $1 billion to the University of Oregon to create a new engineering college at the Knight campus, aiming to tackle Oregon’s engineer shortage and expand bioengineering and other high-demand programs. Behavioral Health Regulation: Oregon regulators dropped proposed fee hikes for the psilocybin therapy industry after backlash, keeping licensing costs from jumping and protecting access. Food Industry Scrutiny: A new Oregon Research Institute review finds most authors criticizing the Nova ultra-processed food system have industry ties, raising questions about conflicts in the debate. Business Growth Support: Mighty Growth is hosting a free “Find Your Growth Bottleneck” workshop for Oregon business owners on Oct. 29, focused on identifying the one priority holding growth back. AI Governance: Gov. Tina Kotek issued an executive order setting new AI procurement and safety standards for Oregon state agencies, including third-party safety reviews and a possible “kill switch” assessment. Energy & Climate Policy: A report says NW Natural used SB 98 biomethane incentives to fund out-of-state projects while failing to meet climate goals. Agriculture & Water: Oregon’s Court of Appeals rejected a push for tighter water-quality controls tied to Tillamook dairy manure pollution. Workforce Demand: Oregon’s Employment Department says mental health professionals are seeing faster demand growth than other occupations. Local Infrastructure: Cave Junction is replacing dozens of city streetlights with LEDs under a Pacific Power/Energy Trust grant.

University & Industry Investment: Nike co-founder Phil Knight and Penny Knight will donate $1 billion to the University of Oregon to launch the Knight College of Engineering in Eugene, a major step for Oregon’s engineering pipeline and a potential new research magnet. Energy Efficiency & Utilities: Energy Trust of Oregon selected Franklin Energy to lead its next multifamily energy-efficiency program, aiming to make upgrades easier for property owners and residents across the state. Geothermal Push: Quaise Energy’s Project Obsidian in central Oregon was picked for up to $25 million in U.S. DOE support to advance what it calls the world’s first commercial superhot geothermal power plant. Data Centers & Power Costs: Pacific Power agreed to a POWER Act deal that would let it assign data-center-related costs to operators via a separate rate class, with a Nov. 13 approval expected. Semiconductor Materials Research: OSU scientists patented a greener, water-based method to separate zirconium from hafnium—key inputs for semiconductors and nuclear energy—reducing reliance on toxic solvents. Housing & Home Energy: Eugene City Council heard testimony on a proposed Home Energy Score disclosure rule for sellers, pushing for clearer buyer cost expectations.