The Dalles

NWCPUD logo print black.eps NWCPUD logo print greyscale.eps NWCPUD logo print process color.eps Process 3155 131 c 100 c 0 m 0 m 32 y 24 y 100 k 38 k 9 NWCPUD logo print spot color.eps PMS 3155U PMS 131U OUR MISSION: To provide reliable, competitively-priced energy and related services that benefit our customers in the tradition of public power. WHAT IS A PUD? A “People’s Utility District” is a not-for-profit, customer-owned utility . A PUD is different from an “investor-owned utility” (such as Pacific Power or Portland General Electric) in a many ways: We are locally controlled. The utility is governed by a five-member Board of Directors that is elected by our customer-owners. The directors live and work in the community they serve. Our electric rates are lower. That’s because a PUD doesn’t have to earn a profit for the benefit of stockholders or investors. We are open and transparent. Board of Directors meetings are open to the public, and customers are encouraged to participate in decision-making. Customers own the electric system. Because PUD’s do not send profits off to far-away stockholders, more revenues can be used to keep the electric system reliable. www.nwascopud.org CustomerService@nwascopud.org and the city has been instrumental in amplifying the reach and impact of local businesses. Farquharson shares,“We’ve partnered with the city for many years,” a collaboration that has significantly benefited the tourism sector, a vital driver of the local economy. Innovative marketing campaigns, like the recent partnership with a Portland TV station to spotlight local businesses, have directly translated into increased interest and visitation, demonstrating the power of strategic storytelling and promotion. NAVIGATING GROWTH WITHIN SCENIC CONSTRAINTS As The Dalles progresses, the city finds itself at a crossroads, balancing preserving its breathtaking natural beauty with the ambition to foster economic growth and diversification. This delicate equilibrium poses unique challenges and opportunities for urban development and economic expansion. City Manager Klebes explains the intricacies of managing growth within the dual constraints of the national scenic area designation and Oregon’s urban growth boundaries. “We’re in a stunning and wonderful area,” he begins, acknowledging the allure of The Dalles’ setting. However, this beauty comes with limitations on expansion, a factor that significantly influences the city’s development strategy. The urban growth boundaries, designed to curb sprawl and protect the area’s natural assets, also restrict the availability of land for industrial and commercial use.This situation, as Klebes notes, is “a blessing and a curse.” The city’s innovative approach to these challenges includes a robust brownfield program supported by substantial funding from the EPA. This initiative aims to rehabilitate underutilized or contaminated properties, transforming them into productive assets within the urban fabric.“It encourages us to make the best and highest use of our land,” Klebes explains, highlighting the program’s role in promoting density and sustainability. INFRASTRUCTURE INNOVATIONS The Dalles, amidst its picturesque setting and commitment to sustainable urban development, is also at the forefront of significant infrastructure In The Dalles, where urban renewal intertwines with economic vitality, the Dalles Area Chamber of Commerce is pivotal in nurturing the local business ecosystem. Under the leadership of Lisa Farquharson, the Chamber’s efforts extend far beyond conventional support, diving into innovative strategies and robust partnerships to ensure the prosperity and sustainability of the local business community. Farquharson recounts the intensified efforts of the Chamber over the past challenging years, emphasizing the expanded support mechanisms put in place to buoy local enterprises.“We provided extra training around the clock,” she recalls, illustrating the Chamber’s proactive stance in equipping businesses with the knowledge and tools necessary to navigate the shifting regulatory and operational landscapes. This support ranged from marketing and advertising assistance to guidance on new ordinances, taxes, and fees, ensuring businesses remained compliant and competitive. The symbiotic relationship between the Chamber 6 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 5, ISSUE 03 BUSINESS VIEW AGAZINE VOLUME 11, ISSUE 01