Month: February 2026

Barney Lerten

Update: adding video

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Gov. Tina Kotek’s new Prosperity Council traveled to Redmond on Tuesday for their second official meeting, to discuss strategies for Oregon’s economic growth. The session included a tour of the BASX manufacturing facility tour and a roundtable discussion at Hayden Homes with Central Oregon business leaders.

The meeting was part of the council’s charge to identify ways to make the state more competitive. During the visit, members gathered feedback from local employers to help shape policy recommendations and received a briefing on the state’s latest revenue forecast, according to a news release from the governor’s office.

The council began the day with a tour of BASX, a Redmond-based manufacturer of high-efficiency data center cooling solutions, cleanroom systems, custom HVAC systems and modular solutions. Members observed the manufacturing processes first-hand, to understand the caliber of businesses operating in Central Oregon.

Following the facility tour, the council convened a business roundtable at the headquarters of Hayden Homes, the Redmond-based homebuilders. Council members met with area employers to hear directly about what actions the state should take to encourage economic growth. The discussion focused on identifying what programs are currently effective and what policy changes are necessary.

Gov. Kotek emphasized that the state must be proactive in maintaining its economic standing. “Oregon’s prosperity is not a given. We have to act with intention to be more competitive,” Kotek said. She noted that the meeting in Redmond was specifically designed to help the council understand the perspectives of businesses in the region.

Renée James, co-chair of the council, said the tour demonstrated the type of industry Oregon can support.

“Seeing firsthand how companies like BASX are manufacturing here in Oregon demonstrates the caliber of businesses we can attract and grow in this state,” James said. She added that the council is committed to translating “real-world experiences into practical policy recommendations” to improve state competitiveness.

Co-Chair Curtis Robinhold explained that the council is traveling across the state because economic needs vary by region.

“Central Oregon’s business community showed us that economic prosperity isn’t one-size-fits-all,” Robinhold said. He stated that the group is “taking this council on the road” to hear from workers and communities in every part of the state to build a strategy for shared prosperity.

The day concluded with a briefing on Oregon’s revenue forecast and economic outlook. Members held a discussion regarding the state’s financial trajectory following the presentation of the economic data.

Former state Senator Tim Knopp of Bend,, who Kotek recently chose as the state’s Chief Prosperity Officer, will attend council meetings and work closely with the council. 

The council has launched an online statewide survey and other engagement tools on its website. Oregonians can use these resources to share insights and ideas about the state’s economic future to help guide the council’s upcoming work.

Engagement tools are available on the Council’s website: https://www.oregon.gov/gov/policies/Pages/Prosperity-Council.aspx. A list of the 16 council members can be found on the Governor’s Prosperity Council website here.

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Spencer Sacks

(Update: Adding quotes from Redmond City Councilor Cat Zwicker, Deschutes County Commissioner Phil Chang)

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Redmond city leaders and Deschutes County commissioners met Tuesday to discuss a proposal for a 1,200-acre development on the city’s east side. The project includes plans for 8,400 dwelling units, schools and parks.

The master plan covers land located north of the Redmond Airport and the Core three building. In addition to housing, the proposal features mixed-use areas for restaurants and shopping along with green space. The project is designed to manage the population growth the city has seen over the last several years.

The proposal received mixed reviews from local officials during the joint meeting. Redmond City Councilor Cat Zwicker advocated for the plan as a way to prepare for the future of the region.

“Future planning is always in the best interest of the city. I think Redmond is working toward smart growth and the mayor has an a really good idea where that growth should be,” Zwicker said.

Deschutes County Commissioner Phil Chang expressed concerns regarding the scope of the project. He questioned the timeline and the availability of funding for the undertaking.

“My hesitancy is, we have finite a focus and resources dollars. I just want to know whether this is time sensitive or this is long fuze,” Chang said.

Moving forward with the development is considered the first step in a lengthy process. To build on the 1,200 acres, the city must expand its Urban Growth Boundary. This expansion would require official support from state leaders in Salem.

Beyond the new development, officials also reviewed the progress of the Redmond Airport expansion. Zachary Bass, the Redmond Airport director, informed the board that the project is currently six months into its timeline. Bass reported that the expansion is on schedule, on target and on budget. He also noted that nearly 1.3 million people have traveled through the airport.

The city and county will need to coordinate with state officials in Salem to address the Urban Growth Boundary expansion before the project can move forward.

You can find the full agenda packet and presentations here.

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Claire Elmer

HOODOO, Ore. (KTVZ) — Hoodoo Ski Area is set to welcome skiers and riders back to the slopes this Thursday, after a mid-winter shutdown caused by a prolonged stretch of warm, dry weather. The reopening comes as a welcome boost for snow enthusiasts and local businesses.

In an update posted to its website, Hoodoo announced that recent snowfall, combined with an encouraging forecast, will allow the resort to resume operations on Thursday, February 19th. The mountain had suspended operations earlier this month due to a lack of adequate snow coverage, part of a broader regional snow drought impacting ski areas across the West.

Hoodoo framed the decision with a bit of trademark humor, saying, “Here at Hoodoo, we have decided to count our chickens before they hatch. With the snow we have received and the snow that has been forecast, we will be able to re-open this Thursday, Feb. 19. The forecast looks great for the next couple weeks with lots of snow in our area. We look forward to seeing you all on the slopes again!” The fresh snow and promising outlook are expected to improve conditions across the mountain, from groomed runs to learning terrain.

With operations resuming, guests can plan for a more traditional mid-winter experience, including lift-served skiing, snowboarding and other snow play, pending daily conditions and terrain openings. Visitors are encouraged to check Hoodoo’s online conditions report and webcams before heading up for the latest on open runs, lift status and any operational updates. For many regulars, the reopening marks a return to winter routines that had been on hold during the recent dry spell.

The restart of operations is also good news for surrounding communities and seasonal workers who rely on winter recreation traffic. Lodging, restaurants and outdoor shops in nearby towns typically see a jump in business when Hoodoo Ski Area is open and conditions are favorable. With the forecast calling for continued snowfall in the coming weeks, local stakeholders are hopeful the late-season rebound will help salvage what has been a challenging winter.

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