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Economic Development
John Day was founded during the Gold Rush, and thrived as a timber town. As mill jobs faded, necessitating change, local leadership took clear action to pour the foundations for the next chapter. Combining a resourceful mindset with effective government action, the City is revitalizing the localized economy by seeding private investment, and anticipates sustained growth.
Strategies for Growth
The City of John Day is embarking on an ambitious plan to turn around years of population and economic decline. Starting with the Strategy for Growth and culminating into the five-year Community Investment Strategy (CIS), the City has clearly defined where they want to lead their community and how they are going to get there.
The CIS articulates specific priorities and actions supporting the Strategy for Growth and outlines an implementation framework. The overall effort seeks two primary outcomes: (1) to achieve sustained population growth, and (2) to expand the local economy. The CIS starts by describing the intent behind these efforts, why it is important to the community, and how different audiences can use the document. The CIS then describes the assets that the community can bring to bear and the roles that different organizations have in pursing the strategy goals.
Targeted Investments
The City is working with community stakeholders to make smart investments in the things that make our home special:
- Community-first amenities, like the aquatics center (scheduled for completion before summer 2023, pending voter approval), our growing Integrated Parks System, and working with the Grant County Library to build a new facility.
- Local entrepreneurship and small business development, with the strategic guidance and support of the successful GRO program, as well as the business mentorship and expertise provided by Oregon RAIN.
- Outdoor recreation opportunities (see our Recreation Community Action Plan), taking advantage of our home's rugged beauty by promoting business opportunities in water and snow sports, mountain biking, municipal camping, offroading, hunting and more.
- Riverfront community projects, including restoring habitat while encouraging housing, nature trails, lodging, dining and more
- Our legacy, by investing in Main Street through projects that honor our heritage, like the Len's Pharmacy redesign, and through our unique history, like the Ka Wa Chung State Heritage Site.
Investing Smarter
Investments in smart infrastructure include restorative water reuse, internet for all, and adaptive commercial zoning through the Innovation Gateway and the regional airport.
A pioneering smart greenhouse project is an example of technology in service of food independence, and a teaching resource also.
The most important resource for employers remains smart and serious workers. Existing programs span local schools with focused vocational training. Additional resources are in development to connect local youth with local jobs which are sustaining and rewarding.
