Business Group Issued New Oregon Economic Reform Plan

The policy agenda from Oregon Business and Industry targets tax and regulatory reforms to address recent growth declines.

Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in Regional Economics

Isometric editorial illustration showing a stone state-shaped plinth in a forest, representing policy reform in Oregon. — Oregon Business and Industry released a new competitiveness agenda, urging state lawmakers to overhaul tax and regulatory policies to improve economic growth. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Oregon Business and Industry released its 2027-28 Oregon Competitiveness Agenda to address a 1% economic growth rate and a 0.5% dip in employment observed in 2025. The group, representing 1,500 companies, is pushing state lawmakers to overhaul existing tax and regulatory policies.

Why it matters

The group argues that Oregon is currently trailing national averages for growth and employment, necessitating a policy shift to boost the state economy. This proposal specifically calls for replacing the current Climate Protection Program with a market-based cap-and-invest system.

Oregon's state tax competitiveness ranking has dropped 28 places since 2019, while its business climate ranking fell 25 places since 2017. Additionally, the state's per capita personal income remains at 96% of the national average.

The players

Oregon Business and Industry

An organization representing 1,500 member companies and 250,000 workers that advocates for state tax and regulatory policies.

The details

The agenda seeks to reverse declining business rankings by pressuring lawmakers to implement tax and regulatory overhauls. By replacing the Climate Protection Program with a cap-and-invest model, the organization hopes to reduce costs for its 1,500 member companies. These businesses employ 250,000 workers across the state, and the proposed changes are intended to align Oregon's growth more closely with national performance.

2017 marked the baseline year for the CNBC state ranking.
2019 served as the baseline year for the Tax Foundation ranking.
2020 was the baseline year for relative personal income metrics.
2025 saw a 1% growth rate and 0.5% employment decline.
September 21, 2026, was the release date of the 2027-28 Oregon Competitiveness Agenda.

Money Landscape

The report highlights that Oregon's standing in the Tax Foundation State Tax Competitiveness Index has deteriorated significantly compared to seven years ago. This proposal follows a broader trend of regional business groups seeking to improve state economic competitiveness following recent performance dips.

Readers should monitor upcoming legislative sessions for potential changes to state tax codes or environmental regulatory fees that could affect household costs. Consult with a qualified tax or financial professional to understand how shifts in the state regulatory environment might impact your financial planning.

The takeaway

The proposed agenda highlights a push for structural shifts in how the state handles taxation and environmental regulations. Residents should keep an eye on state policy discussions, as changes to these frameworks can influence long-term local economic conditions and individual tax burdens.