Civil Municipal - Feb 2024

Industrial Systems has excelled in the Controls and SCADA industry in the NW since 1998. Electrical and control design has been expanded due to demand. We partner with clients to provide longterm solutions for complex electrical and control needs. We have completed scores of projects with Scappoose over the years. is@is-inc.com is-inc.com 360.718.7267 12119 NE 99th Street |Suite 2090 |Vancouver, WA 98682 “I would say that with all of our community partners, we’re always looking for ways to help them broaden their message, support them where we can, and be a good steward and a good partner.” Mayor Backus adds that the city has a community enhancement program that provides grants to nonprofits, to assist them with local events and programs. ECONOMIC VITALITY AND GROWTH The Columbia Economic Team, operating as a public and private mixed membership organization, holds countywide responsibilities encompassing traditional economic development, small business support, and tourism. Paul Vogel, the Executive Director of the Columbia Economic Team, explains their role as the destination management organization for the county, facilitating programming and tools through collaborations with Travel Oregon and the broader tourism region. Vogel recounts the city’s participation in a recent destination downtown workshop series, a comprehensive effort involving every community in the county. The focus was on developing strategies and generating ideas to enhance the unique downtown areas, with an emphasis on seeking funding for major projects. The recent round concentrated on improving accessibility, including elements such as sidewalks and ramps to enhance walkability and rideability in Scappoose. The Economic Development Committee, along with the Urban Renewal District in Scappoose, is actively involved in developing initiatives. Vogel elaborates, “They are starting to focus closely on what they can do, not only aesthetically, but in terms of encouraging livability businesses, and visitor-oriented businesses and that sort of thing. There’s some initiative by property owners and other interested parties in Scappoose right now to pursue a new hotel. It’s early days, but things are changing.” 36 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 5, ISSUE 02