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Kotek Launches Prosperity Council as Oregon Struggles With One of the Nation’s Worst Jobless Rates Top Stories By Diane Megaw On Jan 10, 2026 Last updated Jan 10, 2026 FILE - Oregon State Capitol - October 2024 - Salem, Oregon | Photo by Seth Smigelski Oregon Governor Tina Kotek announced the members of her newly established Prosperity Council on Thursday. The Council is tasked with charting the state’s Prosperity Roadmap. Oregon Prosperity Council The Governor’s Prosperity Roadmap , announced on December 2, details an actionable plan to accelerate Oregon’s economy, create good-paying jobs, and recruit and grow Oregon’s businesses. Included in the roadmap. Tidings Data Snapshot Prosperity Roadmap targets in numbers 1.7 to 2.2 Near term GDP growth target in the roadmap 4B plus Potential general fund lift through the 2029 to 2031 biennium 23 to top 10 Target shift in CNBC workforce rank 39 to top 10 Target shift in CNBC overall business rank 0.5% Projected average annual population growth cited in the roadmap Source: Oregon’s Prosperity Roadmap / December 2025 Dailytidings.com The Governor has now charged the Council with advising her on near and long-term strategies to achieve these goals. Membership of the Prosperity Council, an advisory body to the Governor, was drawn from different regions of the state, critical industry sectors, and labor, and these advisors will make recommendations and propose the next steps to support the goals of the Prosperity Roadmap. Here is the full roster of the Governor’s new Prosperity Council: Member Organization Role Renée James Ampere Computing Co chair Curtis Robinhold Port of Portland Co chair David Booth Tillamook Creamery Member Robert Camarillo Oregon Building Trades Member Lois Cho Cho Wines Member Andrew Colas Colas Construction Member Alice Dale Labor Consultant / SEIU Member Dave Drinkward Hoffman Construction Member Diane Fraiman Voyager Capital Member Brian Hall NIC Industries Member Stephen Lafoon Penderia Technology Member Richelle Luther Columbia Sportswear Member Toby Luther Lone Rock Resources Member Laura Naumes Naumes, Inc. Member Brad DePuytl Fort George Brewing Member Jordan Schnitzer Portland philanthropist Member Governor Kotek said, “I am counting on the expertise and talent gathered on this Council to help build the next decade of economic growth in Oregon.” The Council will hold its first meeting this month. It will determine a public engagement strategy to solicit feedback from Oregonians. The Council is required to deliver a report with recommendations by June 30, 2026. In addition, the Governor prioritized one of her 2026 session bills to remove barriers to growth and incentivize investment. The bill will establish a new FastTrack Program to support large projects that have the potential to create jobs and grow Oregon’s GDP. The Governor plans to announce her new Chief Prosperity Officer imminently. Will Kotek’s Prosperity Roadmap Actually Move Oregon’s Stubborn Jobless Rate? In November, Oregon’s unemployment rate hit 5.2% as the state fell to 47th-worst nationwide . While the latest report from the state shows employers added a net 1,600 jobs after seasonal adjustments, including 10,900 in health care and social assistance, these gains may not be favorable for typical job seekers. Tidings Data Snapshot November 2025 unemployment rates : highest tier District of Columbia : 6.5% (rank 51) California : 5.5% (rank 50) New Jersey : 5.4% (rank 49) Oregon : 5.2% (rank 47 tie) Nevada : 5.2% (rank 47 tie) Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics LAUS / Unemployment Rates for States / November 2025 Dailytidings.com In her Prosperity Roadmap announcement, Governor Kotek noted sluggish job growth and elevated levels in the state. She said these are aspects that demand coordinated, strategic action. While the Governor said. “With actionable steps and a shared vision, we can and will create an economy that works for everyone,” it remains to be seen whether the new Prosperity Council can make inroads into the current critical unemployment situation. Share Twitter Facebook ReddIt WhatsApp Pinterest Email