Scope: Klamath County is seeking organizations to accomplish the goals of: 1) recruitment of new industrial and commercial businesses to the county; 2) assist existing industrial and commercial businesses with expansion and retention in order to be more competitive; 3) work in collaboration with regional economic development organizations and Business Oregon to achieve goals 1 and 2 above.
Summary of Services Required Contractor will provide Klamath County with the following services:
1. Identify short and long term goals for Klamath County’s economic development and job retention in light of the local and regional economic climate for increasing the well-being of County residents and their communities;
2. Develop five-year economic development plan for Klamath County. Identify prioritized criteria by which to evaluate legislative proposals for economic development programs which will serve the goals of the five-year plan;
3. Conduct a planning process that is open and inclusive;
4. Build a marketing plan by coordinating and considering existing economic development information and strategic plans produced by other organizations and agencies;
5. Include an examination of issues critical to encouraging business development in Klamath County, including workforce development, infrastructure development, quality of life issues and tax policy;
6. Include the development of a meaningful benchmark process that sets economic development goals appropriate for Klamath County;
7. Consider the cost-effectiveness of targeted business incentive grants and nonmonetary business aid;
8. Promote collaborations, programs and initiatives by and among technology enterprises, economic development organizations, the corporate community, government, workforce development organizations and other interests working collectively to advance economic growth;
9. Encourage business-mentoring opportunities to emerging technology companies in order to provide resources and industry knowledge to create opportunities for growth;
10. Work on an individual and community basis to assist with business development and increase utilization of existing resources within the community;
11. Work with cities and communities to encourage and receive their participation and to promote a common economic development focus from as many aspects of Klamath County as possible;
12. Be knowledgeable about Klamath County, its history, culture, communities, programs, geology and economy;
13. Establish a collaborative and coordinated economic development effort for the County, its cities and itsrural communities. The goal isto generate community wealth, foster regional links,support workforce development and training, and create a balanced and diverse industry base that provides living wage jobs and supports a full range of community services;
14. Act as a clearing house and information exchange service for site seekers and potential development partners in Klamath County;
15. Bring regional, state, federal partners and resources to the table where available. Assist communities in updating its “community profile” information and make it available on state, county and city websites;
16. Maintain familiarity with federal and state legislative and regulatory developmentsthat will impact existing and new businesses with Klamath County and communities and provide necessary advice to both businesses and public agencies to ensure a favorable business climate in Klamath County and communities.
17. Assist existing and new businesses with economic development related funding and financing options or financial incentives for business expansions and related infrastructure.
18. Review current tax abatement finance policies and state statutes to determine if efficiencies and process improvements to Klamath County and communities can be found to reduce the time to consider an application and or are available to existing or new businesses.
19. Develop an inventory listing of available industrial and commercial property that can be marketed for economic development activities. Identify and assist land owners in overcoming obstacles for the use of property to its highest and best use.
20. Provide a quarterly summary and budget report to the Board of Commissioners.
Due Date: 2:00 P.M., April, 22, 2025
Contact: Leslie Barlow-Hunter, Contract and Risk Manager Address: 305 Main Street, Klamath Falls, Oregon, 97601 Phone (voice): (541) 851-3693 E-maill barlow-hunter@klamthcountyor.gov.
