The Economic Development Commission was established July 2007 by City Council with the belief that the community would be effectively served by a broad-based public-private Commission to foster relationships between organizations such as the Chamber of Commerce and Pacific University and between the public and private sector to make recommendations to the City Council and to better guide sustainable economic development strategies for the betterment of the City.

Mission: To maintain a viable commission representing for-profit not-for-profit and public sector representatives with the primary purpose of advising and making recommendations to City Council on economic development and policy issues to support strengthening the local economy and increasing prosperity; and to prepare an economic development strategic plan for recommendation to the City Council to promote:

A thriving vital progressive business community capitalizing on Forest Grove’s unique strengths.

A full complement of retail goods and services to allow our citizens to shop locally and to encourage tourism.

A wide variety of visual performing arts festivals recreational opportunities and events.

High quality educational opportunities for youth and adults.

Diverse employment opportunities.
A welcoming community for doing business raising healthy families and enjoying leisure time.

The Economic Development Commission consists of nineteen members appointed to three-year terms. The members are selected from public and non-profit entities private businesses and one at-large member. The Commission meets the first Thursday of each month at noon at McMenamins Grand Lodge.