Kevin Lee, Cedar’s director, gave the council a detailed annual update on regional economic-development work and Cedar-supported programs.

Lee said Cedar has coordinated regional responses to a potential FEMA buyout program and advocated on behalf of local interests. He reported Tongue Point Job Corps funding is secured through at least mid-2026 and highlighted an active job fair and other workforce supports. Lee described childcare investments in Clatsop County—$854,000 awarded to licensed providers (largely ARPA-funded and supplemented by hospital and local partners)—and said the average full-time infant care cost in the county is approximately $14,000 per year.

Lee also summarized the Small Business Development Center’s (SBDC) local work, listing 258 clients served in the latest period, business-starts figures and delivery of boot-camp and training programs supported by House Bill 3410 funds. He highlighted the Cedar internship program and partnerships with Clatsop Community College and Providence Seaside Hospital on CTE and workforce pathways.

Council members thanked Cedar and asked for copies of the report; Lee noted some funding (including ARPA and other state grants) will sunset Dec. 31 and said Cedar is seeking new funders to continue key programs.