AGP Executive Report

Data Centers & State Land: Gov. Tina Kotek ordered Oregon agencies to pause new, unapproved data-center requests on state-owned land—covering easements, leases, permits and sales—through July 1, 2027 while the state reviews water, power, infrastructure and community impacts. Packaging & Recycling: A federal court upheld Oregon’s Plastic Pollution and Recycling Modernization Act, clearing the way for the state’s packaging extended producer responsibility program after NAW’s constitutional challenge was rejected. Banking Policy: Kathleen Kraninger urged Congress to clarify DIDMCA’s state opt-out rules, warning that Oregon and Colorado’s approach could undermine the dual banking system and reduce credit access. Housing Market Watch: A Realtor.com analysis says home prices are cooling as summer ends, with nationwide price-per-square-foot down year over year for the 10th straight month. Cybersecurity & Fraud: A Portland-area former AT&T employee was sentenced to 16 months for SIM-swap fraud that helped drain nearly $600,000 from customers. Business & Brand: Nike is set to be removed from the S&P 100 on Sept. 21 after a major stock slump.

Data Centers: Gov. Tina Kotek says she now supports a statewide moratorium on new data centers, directing agencies to pause unapproved requests for easements, permits and state land deals until at least July 1, 2027 while lawmakers consider statewide rules. Workplace Safety: Oregon OSHA is developing proposed workplace-violence rules for hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, home health and hospice providers, with an expected October adoption and a tentative January 2027 effective date. Business & Education: University of Oregon law names Kristie Gibson faculty director of its Business Law Program, expanding experiential training and competitions. Local Governance: Madras City Council member Pamela Thomas resigns effective immediately, citing family time and unfinished city work. Environment & Courts: A federal judge blocks the Trump EPA from moving ahead with a plan that would let Congress revoke California’s vehicle emissions authority. Economy & Trade: Canada’s retaliatory tariffs against the U.S. take effect, hitting about $27.6B in U.S. exports with duties up to 50%. Community & Culture: Portland’s Panda Fest returns to the waterfront with 200+ dishes and a 15-foot panda. Sports & Odds: Polymarket rolls out a new $50 promo code “OREGON” for NFL Week 1 markets.

Public Health & Vaccines: Major U.S. medical groups are urging updated flu and COVID-19 shots this fall, stepping in as shifting federal guidance has left patients confused. Oregon Economy & Jobs: A strong national jobs report masks tech weakness, with Oregon’s high-tech employment still below peak levels. Workplace Safety: Oregon OSHA complaints about extreme heat and wildfire smoke hit an all-time high as the record wildfire season drives more worker concerns. Housing Math: An Arlington nonprofit says building homes for the poorest renters doesn’t pencil out without subsidies that don’t exist—highlighting why “affordable” units can still sit empty. Local Business & Growth: Bend’s Osheru says its medical tech has reached a new commercialization stage, with Ziplyft now available to qualified U.S. surgeons. Healthcare Expansion: St. Charles in Redmond opened a major new cancer center, expanding capacity and adding advanced treatment and infusion space. Environment & Community: Central Oregon groups are launching “Lights Out” to reduce artificial light during bird migration, aiming to cut collisions. Insurance Transparency: A new look at homeowners insurance data finds many states aren’t making market data public, limiting competition and consumer signals.

Health Care & Consumer Impact: A new nationwide patient-experience ranking puts Wisconsin at the top (4.06/5) and flags Florida, New Jersey and New York as the lowest-rated, based on CMS HCAHPS reviews. Local Health Care & Labor: Oregon Nurses Association reps and other healthcare workers are heading to Salem to press Asante concerns, including cuts/closures and alleged safe-staffing and anti-union issues. Wildfire Preparedness: Six years after the Almeda Fire, Rogue Valley leaders say most rebuilt housing is back, but wildfire risk planning and forest stabilization remain long-term work. Energy & Industry: Haffner Energy and OroCarbo reserved capacity for 12 biomass thermolysis units (up to €30M) aimed at renewable hydrogen and power hubs across California, Oregon and Washington. Public Safety & Environment: A federal judge halted a southern Illinois logging plan after the Forest Service approved it before completing required endangered-bat review. Portland Watch: Researchers say downtown Portland’s crow roost is already forming, with expectations of more than 20,000 birds by winter. Business Spotlight: High Desert Creations in Oregon highlights a local maker’s Western jewelry business built on ranching roots.

Energy & Transportation Costs: Oregon diesel prices jumped to an average of $6.2547 a gallon, outpacing the already record-high U.S. diesel average as freight-heavy trucking keeps pressure on household and business budgets. Labor & Wages: A new Labor Day spotlight ties the holiday’s roots to worker organizing and today’s push for stronger pay power, including an Oregon hospice union win that reportedly boosted wages and benefits for staff. Housing Crunch: A report highlights why “affordable” units can sit empty while the poorest renters still can’t find homes they can afford—an issue showing up in vacancy data and income targeting. Oregon Business & Health Insurance: Cambia Health Solutions—based in Portland—moves further into multi-state scale after Arkansas approval, with implications for how regional insurer networks operate. Policy & Regulation: Oregon’s recycling modernization law cleared another legal hurdle as a court upheld the state’s EPR approach. Community & Local Economy: Bend’s Central Oregon LandWatch is set to host a fall “Livable Future Forum” focused on sustainable growth and practical climate solutions. Fraud Watch: BBB Scam Tracker data shows scam reports continue to cluster in some cities, underscoring ongoing consumer risk.

Salmon Funding: Oregon won a one-year reprieve for the SAFE salmon fisheries program after BPA reversed its plan to cut funding, protecting millions of salmon tied to Lower Columbia River fisheries and the Buoy 10 fishery near Astoria. Energy & Rates: The Northwest Power and Conservation Council’s draft Ninth Power Plan warns that surging electricity demand—especially from data centers—could drive major new generation, storage, and efficiency needs, with potential ripple effects for wholesale power costs and local rates. Wildfire Relief Probe: Oregon’s DOJ indicted Cascade Relief Team founder Marcus “Marc” Brooks on felony aggravated theft charges tied to misuse of public disaster-relief money, following earlier state civil allegations. Infrastructure Investment: US Capital Global Securities announced a $41M convertible note offering for Willamette Intermodal Group, a planned inland rail transfer facility near Woodburn aimed at shifting freight from long-haul trucking. Consumer Protection: Oregon’s recycling overhaul is being defended in court after a federal ruling upheld the Recycling Modernization Act, while separate reporting highlights ongoing scam risks and fraud losses nationwide.

Power Costs & Data Centers: Oregon households served by Portland General Electric are getting a small rate cut under the state’s POWER Act, with residential rates down about 1.3% and commercial/industrial also easing, while electricity costs for data centers rise roughly 29.7% as demand from data centers keeps climbing. Energy Infrastructure: Pacific Power narrowed preliminary preferred routes for its Blueprint South transmission project, including a proposed 180-mile 500-kilovolt line through Central and Southern Oregon and a connection east of Bend. Consumer Fraud Watch: New BBB Scam Tracker data shows Wisconsin cities including Wisconsin Rapids tied for 24th in July scam reports, with online purchase scams driving losses nationwide. Oregon Business & Markets: Oregon-based Nike is set to leave the S&P 100 after its stock fell nearly 80% from 2021 highs, signaling weaker standing even as it remains in the S&P 500. Local Health Funding: Ocean Beach Health Foundation launched a $500,000 campaign to buy a permanent MRI system for South Pacific County, aiming to end reliance on a mobile unit.

Oregon Sports & Economy: Oregon opened its 2026 season with a 34-27 comeback win over Boise State at Autzen, with Dante Moore leading the late surge and the Ducks turning a tight game into a home win. Labor Day Costs: AAA says Labor Day gas prices are on track to set a record, with the national average near $4+ and Oregon among the higher-priced states. Housing Watch: Realtor.com reports home prices are cooling in many major metros, including Portland, where listing prices per square foot fell year over year. Prediction-Market Buzz: Polymarket and Kalshi are pushing Labor Day and Week 1 college football promos, including Polymarket’s $50 “OREGON” bonus on a $10 deposit and Kalshi’s “SILIVE” $25 match on a $25 deposit. Local Connections: Khmelnytskyi, Ukraine, signed a sister-city deal with Tampa, and Chernivtsi and Gresham (Oregon) also have sister-city ties. Public Safety & Fraud: Oregon officials continue warning about scams targeting smartphone payment apps as fraud losses remain high nationwide.

Federal Policy & Higher Ed: A new Trump-era IRS/Treasury rule would strip tax-exempt status from private schools that use race in admissions, scholarships, athletics, or other programs—potentially affecting Oregon’s private nonprofit colleges starting with tax years after May 31, 2027. Public Safety & Privacy: The U.S. military has disabled advertising location trackers on phones and computers after concerns that commercially collected data could be used to target service members. Housing & Local Affordability: A Bend housing proposal, “Caldera Ranch,” would add hundreds of homes with long-term deeded affordability plus fire-resistant building standards and space for small businesses. Workforce & Corrections: Oregon’s union construction training program for inmates (U-PACT) is set to graduate its final class next month unless new funding is found, with a direct pipeline into union apprenticeships. Immigration Enforcement: A Newberg man detained without a warrant while buying construction materials is being held far from home, raising fresh concerns about access to counsel and due process. Energy Siting: Researchers say 2027 could be the biggest year yet for state renewable energy siting bills, with many proposals aiming to restrict projects.

Energy & Industry: The U.S. Department of Energy opened a Geothermal Center of Excellence at the National Laboratory of the Rockies in Golden, aiming to speed up “hot rock” drilling and power generation. Public Finance & Fisheries: Gov. Tina Kotek won a one-year reprieve for Oregon’s SAFE salmon fisheries program after BPA reversed a plan to end funding immediately. Higher Ed Budgeting: The University of Oregon launched a public process to find about $65 million in reductions to close a structural budget gap, with a new website and community input. Transportation & Jobs: Medford’s DMV resumed CDL skills testing after a five-year pause, adding weekly appointments and using the Central Point yard for maneuvers. Food Safety: Washington and Montana health officials are investigating a Salmonella outbreak tied to broccoli sprouts, with no recall issued yet. Local Business: Handel’s Ice Cream is set to open in downtown Redmond under a 10-year lease, with more retail tenants planned for the site. Retail Expansion: Buffalo Wild Wings opened in the old Sears space at Clackamas Town Center, signaling continued mall redevelopment. Tech & Privacy: Oregon’s Rep. Ron Wyden highlighted that the U.S. military disabled advertising trackers on devices amid concerns about data brokers being used to target forces. Wildfire Costs: A report says wildfire risk is driving up costs for Northwest utilities, with consumer advocates warning bills could rise. Community & Safety: A Portland teen sued Oregon DHS over alleged missed warning signs in a trafficking case. Law Enforcement Tech: Josephine County canceled its Flock ALPR contract, citing vandalism and public concern, while other Rogue Valley agencies say they still use similar systems.

Local Elections & Federal Scrutiny: Washington’s Secretary of State is issuing guidance for county election workers on what to do if federal officials show up, including how to handle interviews and subpoenas. Border & Public Safety: A newly released Border Patrol video shows agents chasing migrants through El Paso’s underground storm drain network, highlighting a sprawling smuggling route. Housing Stability: Windsor extended its temporary pause on mobile home park closures for up to 12 more months after residents warned of displacement and aggressive rent/eviction tactics. Oregon Business & Regulation: Oregon’s Division of Financial Regulation says tax-relief companies must register as debt management service providers under the state’s DMSP Act, a move that took effect immediately. Energy & Growth: Washington County, despite Oregon-wide data center concerns, opted not to impose a formal moratorium—creating a “de facto” pause instead. Tech Real Estate: Hillsboro’s North Hillsboro tech corridor keeps expanding, with Trammell Crow breaking ground on phase two of Sewell Corporate Park. Mental Health Access: 988 Oregon continues to offer 24/7 support for Oregonians facing crisis, grief, loneliness, bullying, financial stress, or domestic violence. Sports & Local Economy: Oregon’s season opener vs. Boise State is driving major betting and promo activity as Week 1 kicks off.

Oregon Tech & Workforce Training: Oregon Tech’s dental hygiene program sent 11 students and faculty to Jamaica for an externship, delivering hundreds of cleanings and fluoride treatments to underserved patients. Local Business & Development: Dutch Bros plans for a Kelso mall location are on hold as city officials wait for more details on the permit package. Education & Community Impact: Rogue Community College is expanding truck-driver training with a safety-first curriculum focused on pre-trip inspections and real-world driving skills. Civic Life & Tourism: Silverton is moving to forgive more than $500,000 in Oregon Garden Foundation debt, aiming to reset operations and negotiate a new lease. Public Safety & Fraud: Oregon lawmakers are offering a $1,000 reward for vandals who damaged state park restrooms, while Oregon officials warn about growing mobile payment scams. Economy & Cost of Living: AAA says Labor Day gas prices are set for a record high, with Oregon among the most expensive markets. Data Centers & Politics: A former Oregon congresswoman and Labor secretary is joining a public affairs firm to advocate for data centers amid local power and water concerns. Sports Betting Buzz: New promo codes from Polymarket and Kalshi are rolling out for college football Week 1 odds, reflecting how prediction markets are pulling in mainstream bettors.

Food Safety: Horizon Organic is recalling 53,760 cases of shelf-stable 1% chocolate milk after reports of bloated cartons and off smells/taste, with the issue traced to a packaging seal problem rather than contamination. Elections & Voting Systems: A USPS ballot-screening “Portal” faces fresh scrutiny after a whistleblower warned rushed development and minimal testing could lead to large-scale ballot rejections. Oregon Business & Policy: Oregon’s EPR packaging recycling law is upheld by a judge, reinforcing the state’s approach to shifting recycling costs to producers. Wildfire & Energy: Oregon lawmakers are bracing for another record wildfire-fighting cost bill, while a new wave-energy test facility, PacWave South, opens to help developers speed up marine energy trials. Local Economy: Bend-based Local Coupons is launching across Central Oregon next month, giving shoppers a phone-based way to redeem local offers and letting businesses track usage. Tech & Jobs: Intel is changing its top-scientist title structure—dropping “Fellow” for “distinguished engineers”—as it pushes a new standard for technical leadership. Business Integrity: Oregon AG indicted Cascade Relief Team founder Marcus Brooks for allegedly misusing more than $326,000 in disaster funds.

Oregon Courts Cybersecurity: The Oregon Judicial Department disclosed a breach tied to Thomson Reuters’ cloud case-management system (C-Track) used by the appellate courts, saying Oregon’s other courts weren’t affected and that it’s pushing for more details from the vendor. Health Care Deal: Salem Health completed its merger with Santiam Hospital in Stayton, keeping Santiam operating while Salem Health takes on $22 million in debt; the combined system will have 710 licensed beds and about 7,000 employees. Regulation & Consumer Safety: Oregon regulators used new enforcement powers to crack down on unlicensed massage businesses, including a “sticker” that flags facilities as unlicensed and directs workers to the National Human Trafficking Hotline. Business & Energy: The Port of Moses Lake kicked off an industrial symbiosis planning effort with local industry and experts to find a viable project to meet regional power and water needs. Local Governance: Eagle Point City Council accepted the resignation of police chief Jim Hamilton and authorized an investigation into union claims about city management.

Oregon Recycling Win: A federal judge in Portland ruled Oregon’s new recycling law is constitutional, clearing the way for the state’s Extended Producer Responsibility program to move forward and for paused enforcement to resume. Health Coverage Shift: Oregon is preparing to replace Healthcare.gov with a state-run marketplace, ExploreHealthOR.gov, starting Nov. 1 for nearly 120,000 current enrollees. EPR Legal Fallout: The same court upheld Oregon’s packaging EPR law against constitutional attacks, setting a roadmap for other states and raising the stakes for any appeal. Local Business & Growth: Summit Wealth Group is expanding into the Pacific Northwest by acquiring Portland’s Financial Investment Team, adding about $224 million in assets and roughly 300 clients. Consumer & Food Safety: Washington state issued multiple food recall updates, including tofu recalled over possible ink contamination, and other products tied to undeclared allergens or foreign materials. Energy Reliability: The U.S. Department of Energy warned blackout risk could rise Wednesday as intense heat strains major grids across the Midwest to the Mid-Atlantic. Community Funding Idea: An Oregon lawmaker proposed a $1 million emergency fund to help small cities keep parks and other public spaces open during budget crises.

Wildfire Response: Gov. Tina Kotek says Oregon still has more than a month left in a record-breaking fire season, with over 2.5 million acres burned and the Oregon National Guard continuing to plug gaps as crews respond to major blazes. Food Safety: Hodo, Inc. recalled more than 10,000 cases of Lightly Fried Chili Crisp Tofu after it found printing ink may have migrated from packaging into the product; Horizon Organic also recalled 53,760 cases of shelf-stable chocolate milk. Business Growth: Lam Research broke ground on a new Tualatin R&D lab, a planned up-to-$1.7 billion investment that would expand cleanroom space by more than 50% by 2028. Local Economy: Lane County commissioners are weighing rural property-tax incentive proposals aimed at renewable-energy projects and job creation. Consumer/Community: Metro cited a Portland man $24,219 for allegedly dumping 3,674 tires, and OnPoint Community Credit Union donated $30,000 to wildfire relief partners. Sports & Education: A former Lane Community College women’s soccer player sued her coach and the school alleging sex discrimination and retaliation.