About
La Grande Economic Development supports the economic growth of La Grande, Oregon by assisting new and local businesses, collaborating with partners and stakeholders and promoting ongoing development. The Urban Renewal Agency overseas economic development within the District.
Mission Statement
The Community & Economic Development Department provides the citizens of La Grande order, safety and vitality by facilitating, managing and supporting customer-driven development projects, offering excellent service and value.
About La Grande Economic Development
The City of La Grande Economic Development Division is primarily responsible for implementation of the City's Urban Renewal Plan. The current primary focus is downtown revitalization activities and the management of the La Grande Main Street program. Downtown revitalization has been a top priority for the City Council. In addition, the Economic Development Strategic Plan was adopted by the Council in 2010. The Plan is comprehensive and covers all aspects of local economic development strategy. The City aims to grow its economic base through the creation of family wage jobs and the expansion, retention and attraction of businesses.
The City's economic development efforts provide support to those of other organizations, as well, including the Northeast Oregon Economic Development District (NEOEDD), Union County, and the Union County Chamber of Commerce to name a few.
The City's role and plans with economic development include support of the following initiatives:
- Business retention & expansion
- Business attraction, recruitment and community marketing
- Downtown revitalization (Main Street Program)
- Urban Renewal (includes downtown, the La Grande Business Park and other commercial/ industrial sites)
- Tourism marketing, promotions and product development
- Workforce development
La Grande is also home to one of Oregon's Enterprise Zones, which provide property tax abatement to qualifying new business investments.
Most importantly, for existing and new businesses alike, the City's Economic Development Division is a part of the City’s Community and Economic Development team, which includes Planning and Building Inspection services. What this means to the business owner is the assurance of the highest level of business-friendly quality customer service aimed at providing assistance throughout the life of the project.