![\"FILE](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/WJLGGC3UL5E2ZORE3VRDNE3DW4.JPG\")
<\/p>\nOregon\u2019s economy is in rough shape.<\/p>\n
On Monday, economic and political leaders pitched their vision for a path forward to steer the state\u2019s economy back to relative stability, when they gathered for the annual Oregon Leadership Summit.<\/p>\n
They have their work cut out for them.<\/p>\n
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FILE \u2014 The price of food and other goods has increased this year, especially for imports hit with tariffs imposed by the Trump administration. An undated image provided image shows containers at the Port of Portland\u2019s Terminal 6.<\/p>\n
Courtesy of the Port of Portland<\/p>\n
Unemployment has steadily ticked up from 4% to 5% over the last year. During the same time, the state has shed nearly 25,000 jobs, and the workforce has dropped to fewer than 2 million people. Population growth has stalled<\/a>. Some Oregonians fear going to work<\/a> or school due to federal immigration enforcement activity.<\/p>\n Meanwhile, the cost of food, utilities and housing is going up. And a stubbornly persistent housing shortage<\/a> and affordability crisis continue to force a shocking number of Oregonians into homelessness or housing insecurity.<\/p>\n Now, Democratic Gov. Tina Kotek is seeking to make attracting business<\/a> a key pillar of her reelection campaign. She told attendees at the Oregon Leadership Summit that spurring economic growth was key to Oregon having a prosperous decade. <\/p>\n \u201cThat means being honest about where we stand today,\u201d Kotek said. \u201cWe must address our economic headwinds, sluggish job growth, elevated unemployment, and declining population trends. Some of our homegrown businesses have left, and bureaucratic red tape blocks critical investments.\u201d<\/p>\n Kotek also pointed to federal policies like tariffs that are driving up costs for businesses and consumers alike. <\/p>\n Echoing Kotek\u2019s focus, U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., told OPB that rising prices are the main concern for Oregonians. <\/p>\n \u201cThe reality is I\u2019ve had more than 1,100 town hall meetings open to all,\u201d Wyden told OPB ahead of Monday\u2019s summit. \u201cThe number one issue is where the second word is cost \u2013 it might be medical costs, it might be energy costs, it might be housing costs. But Oregonians are just getting clobbered by some of these costs.\u201d<\/p>\n Sen. Ron Wyden (center) discusses the affects of tariffs with Trey Winthrop, CEO of Bob\u2019s Red Mill (left), Tia Sandberg, president of Columbia River Customs Brokers & Forwarders Association (right), and Erica Mitchell, chief financial officer at Hood River Distillers, and others at the Port of Portland on April 21, 2025.<\/p>\n Kyra Buckley \/ OPB<\/p>\n This year\u2019s event took place in Portland at the Oregon Convention Center. It came as near-stagnant population and economic growth have put pressure on state leaders to attract more business opportunities to Oregon<\/a>.<\/p>\n![\"Sen.](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/3AFTXI5DQ5BFFOF2SNF2PVNQRU.jpg\")
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