Growing the workforce demands housing

DAYTON–The Port of Columbia Board discussed the Blue Mountain Station, growing the workforce and working to provide more housing; and future purchase of a downtown property.

Maul, Foster and Alongi consultant Seth Otto, commended the work the Port is doing with the Blue Mountain Station sets an example for other ports. He only suggested that they look at further collaborating with farmers, colleges, and agricultural associations.

Commissioner Chair Seth Bryan said that he would like to expand it since it is currently full. He suggested that calling it an "artisan center" is off-putting for some people and does not represent what is offered there or the community. Maybe it should be called something with more of a focus on a farmers market idea.

Dickinson and the consultants discussed branding that highlights the producers and the co-op that sells the products produced there and other locally sourced products.

Commissioner Johnny Watts asked, via Zoom chat, "Do we know of business manufacturing seeking opportunities that may be a fit for our community? How do we recruit and what is our plan to attract this type of growth?" This led to the next area for discussion about workforce.

Maul, Foster, Alongi consultant Abbie Russell provided data indicating Columbia County has a strong, small business economy. Dickinson said it is not easy to recruit larger businesses because the County is limited on meeting their specific needs. Bryan acknowledged that attracting business is limited also because there is no available housing and suggested they work together by growing both. Russell suggested focusing on helping existing businesses grow into bigger businesses while trying to attract new business.

The housing needs in the community are also a priority for the comprehensive plan to have "middle-sized housing" and diverse housing available. This will help support growth of business in Columbia County. Dickinson cited the recent study on housing in Columbia County which showed no change in population, and there are less people living in each house. They talked about building housing while promoting business growth and one way is by constructing mixed buildings of residential and commercial spaces.

Otto suggested approaching Community Economic Revitalization Board with the need of the mixed construction, as well a purchase of a downtown building. Bryan suggested the board consider a building that is dilapidated or need of restoration, to serve downtown.