The Oregon City Commission on May 16 approved a $10,000 allocation from the city's business license fund to the Oregon City Chamber of Commerce for a one‑year pilot economic development program.

City Manager Dan Patterson told the commission the Chamber's proposal targets several gaps in the city's small‑business support: tracking and marketing open storefronts, engaging property managers, conducting one‑on‑one conversations with businesses, distributing a business resource packet, offering disaster planning curriculum for licensed businesses, and developing a leadership program. Patterson said the proposal was discussed at the commission's May work session and recommended staff approval with reporting requirements.

Amber Hovdeck, representing the Chamber, said the group would provide quarterly written reports and would present updates at the commission's request. Commissioners discussed the scope and feasibility; one commissioner described the plan as ambitious but appropriate as a pilot. The commission approved the motion to fund the chamber's project 5–0.

Speakers quoted: City Manager Dan Patterson; Amber Hovdeck, Oregon City Chamber of Commerce.

Why this matters: The funding is modest but targets business retention and recruitment at the local scale. Quarterly reporting provides transparency and allows the commission to assess whether to continue or expand the program.

Ending: The chamber will begin program activities and report progress to the city at agreed intervals.

Topic primary: economic_development