Gov. Kotek signed a series of laws aimed at boosting Oregon’s business growth, helping small companies offset tariffs and funding innovative industrial and ocean economy projects

Oregon – Governor Tina Kotek signed a series of laws passed during the 2026 legislative session aimed at boosting Oregon’s economic growth. The new measures streamline processes for business investment, support small businesses facing pressures from tariffs, modernize regulatory approaches, and promote emerging sectors of the state’s economy.

“Communities in every corner of our state are looking for clear, reliable pathways to help local businesses grow and support family-wage jobs in this challenging economic climate,” Governor Kotek said. “These bills represent a promise that Oregon is open for business and ready to be a partner.”

The legislation strengthens Oregon’s economic landscape, reflecting the Governor’s ongoing efforts to grow jobs, attract investment, enhance regional resilience, and position the state for long-term success amid national and global challenges.

In December 2025, Governor Kotek unveiled the Prosperity Roadmap, a statewide strategy emphasizing business growth, job creation, and leveraging Oregon’s assets for future economic expansion. House Bill 4084, signed last week, implements a FastTrack permitting model for major economic development projects and updates current economic development tools.

Other bills signed include:

• House Bill 4062 directs the Oregon Business Development Department (Business Oregon) to evaluate all programs administered by the department and provide recommendations to improve efficiency and align efforts with state economic goals.

• House Bill 4102 modernizes the Department of Environmental Quality’s regulatory processes, allowing agreements with businesses to expedite permitting and compliance while maintaining environmental protections.

• House Bill 4061 creates a micro-enterprise tariff adjustment grant program to help small Oregon businesses offset federal tariff costs and updates the state’s trade strategy to better promote exports, attract foreign investment, and support economic resilience.

• House Bill 4086 funds industrial symbiosis pilot projects in Clatsop, Klamath, Morrow, and Multnomah counties, coordinating waste byproduct reuse to reduce waste, lower emissions, and strengthen local supply chains.

• Senate Bill 1525 establishes the Blue Economy Task Force to study and develop strategies for growing Oregon’s ocean-related industries, including marine science, sustainable aquaculture, seafood, and coastal tourism.

“For capital-intensive projects and industries, predictability, efficiency, and coordination across state agencies is just as important as incentives,” said Paul Schuytema, Director of the Economic Development Alliance of Lincoln County. “These bills provide transparency, efficiency, and business opportunities in every corner of Oregon.”

State Representative Daniel Nguyen (D-Lake Oswego & SW Portland), Chair of the House Committee on Economic Development, Small Business, and Trade, added, “Our economy is at an inflection point–we need to act now to optimize our natural strength and innovation. These policies are a first step toward prosperity, and I thank Governor Kotek for acting with urgency to encourage more people, jobs, and businesses.”

The Governor’s Prosperity Council will deliver final recommendations by June 30, 2026, to guide further legislative and executive actions. The Council has conducted multiple listening sessions and stakeholder meetings statewide, receiving over 1,000 responses from nearly every county in Oregon.

The Council will next convene in Pendleton on April 15 to continue shaping Oregon’s economic future.