Oregon Business and Industry cites lagging growth and employment data in call for tax and regulatory reform

Oregon's economy grew 1% in 2025, less than half the national rate, while state employment fell 0.5% as national employment rose 0.5%, according to data cited by Oregon Business and Industry in its 2027-28 Competitiveness Agenda released today.

The statewide business group, which represents 1,500 member companies, said Oregon's economic growth has trailed the national average for five consecutive years and employment growth for six. Per capita personal income has sat at about 96% of the national average since 2020. The group also cited a Tax Foundation ranking of 35th for state tax competitiveness, down 28 places since 2019, and a CNBC ranking of 42nd for best states for business, down 25 places since 2017.

OBI CEO Angela Wilhelms said Oregon "is on the wrong track" and called for state leaders to prioritize economic development, improve affordability, reform regulation, and make tax and budget policy more competitive. The agenda specifically proposes replacing Oregon's Climate Protection Program with a market-based cap-and-invest system, a recommendation that echoes proposals from Governor Tina Kotek's Prosperity Council.