In late September, business and community leaders gathered at Broadway Rose Theatre for our annual State of Business event to explore the trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping Tigard’s economic future. The 2026 theme was, “Building Tigard’s Next Chapter: Turning Vision Into Action.” From Tigard’s new economic development roadmap and the regional economy to workforce trends, transportation investments, redevelopment, tourism, and the future of our Main Streets, State of Business brought the conversations that matter to our business community into one room.
We kicked off the event with our keynote address from the City of Tigard presented by Mayor Yi-Kang Hu, City Manager Brian Rager, and Community Development Director Sambo Kirkman. Earlier this year the City of Tigard crafted the 2026-2029 (FY27-30) Economic Development Strategic Plan that represents the city’s commitment to near-term, lasting improvements to Tigard’s economic and business ecosystem. This plan reflects the needs and priorities brought to light by Tigard’s diverse communities, businesses, and workers. Their Economic Development Vision Statement is as follows:
We envision Tigard as a vibrant community known for its economic strengths and quality of place, where strong partnerships and responsive services enable thriving businesses, meaningful career paths, and a resilient economy with enduring opportunities for all.
Tigard’s strategic pillars outline the core areas where the city will focus its energy to advance a thriving and resilient local economy. They provide a framework for coordinated action and guide the development of specific initiatives and measures in the next phase of the strategy. The pillars include:
1. Business attraction, support, and growth
2. Partnerships and navigation
3. Operations and communication
4. Development and placemaking
The City of Tigard has already identified some upcoming investments including River Terrace 2.0, improving 72nd Avenue, and a future Hall Boulevard that provides safe and viable mobility options for the entire community with a specific focus on the needs of the underserved and transportation-disadvantaged.
The City of Tigard’s Business Spotlight Program also shines a light on Tigard businesses and the people behind them. By participating, businesses help uplift local entrepreneurship, celebrate diversity, and connect residents with the businesses that make Tigard a great place to live, work, and visit.
Workforce Analyst Brittany Hjelte and U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Branch Chief Matthew Insco provided an overview of the regional economic outlook and its implications for Washington County. The county’s labor force participation rate is approximately 61.6%, with adults ages 25–54 representing the most active age group at 83%.
At the same time, an aging workforce presents challenges for employers, including talent retention, knowledge transfer, and succession planning as more experienced workers approach retirement. Washington County is also experiencing declines in employment and job growth, with 3.9 unemployed individuals for every available job opening. Despite these challenges, there are encouraging signs: educational attainment in Tigard exceeds the national average, highlighting a potential strength in the region’s workforce.
Dr. Liza Morehead, Research & Data Analyst at Worksystems, offered a closer look at the region’s workforce pipeline, education and skills trends, and what the data reveals about the talent businesses will need in the years ahead. Her presentation highlighted five key forces reshaping the regional workforce: demographic change, a weakening talent pipeline, affordability challenges, mounting pressures, and technological change.
The region’s demographics are shifting from growth toward near-stagnation, meaning smaller groups of students and trainees will enter schools, workforce training programs, and the labor market in the coming years. At the same time, the region’s long-standing talent advantage is becoming less certain, while the rising cost of living is creating additional barriers for workers and employers alike. Since 2020, everyday costs have increased by nearly 30%, and many essential jobs still do not pay enough to cover basic living expenses.
Addressing these challenges will require a new approach to workforce growth – one that activates local talent, invests in retaining and developing workers, and recognizes affordability as a critical part of workforce strategy. Ultimately, the region’s future prosperity will depend less on population growth alone and more on how effectively it develops, supports, and engages the talent already here.
Our next panel discussion focused on an issue that impacts nearly every aspect of doing business in Tigard: Transportation and Infrastructure. From getting employees to work and customers to local businesses to supporting future development and improving accessibility, transportation decisions play a critical role in the health and growth of our community.
We brought together representatives from TriMet, Tiffany Gehrke, Principal Transportation Planner for the City of Tigard, and Jeff Pazdalski, Executive Director of the Westside Transportation Alliance, to explore how their organizations can work together to address Tigard’s transportation challenges. The conversation highlighted the importance of looking beyond individual projects and taking a more connected, regional approach. Whether we were talking about pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure, public transit or regional connectivity, one thing was clear: progress will require us to plan together, advocate together and invest strategically.
Just as importantly, transportation and economic development need to be part of the same conversation from the very beginning. After all, there is not a separate transportation system for residents, employees, customers and businesses. We all rely on the same interconnected network every day, and its success depends on how well we work together to shape it.
The afternoon wrapped up with a panel focused on an exciting question: How can Tigard continue to grow as a destination for residents, visitors and businesses alike?
Moderated by Congresswoman Andrea Salinas, the discussion featured Dave Parulo, President & CEO of Explore Tualatin Valley; Sean Farrelly, Redevelopment Manager for the City of Tigard; and Kevin Bates, owner of Symposium Coffee and Vault & Main. Together, the panelists explored how continued investment, thoughtful redevelopment and a strong mix of local businesses can help bring Tigard’s vision to life. From creating a vibrant Main Street to strengthening the community as a whole, the conversation centered on the opportunities ahead and what it will take to build on the momentum already underway.
The takeaway? Tigard has an opportunity to build on its unique assets, continue investing in its future and deliver on the promise of becoming a vibrant destination where people want to live, work, shop, dine and gather.
Turning vision into action doesn’t happen in silos. It takes strong partnerships between businesses, local government and community organizations, with each bringing valuable perspectives and a shared commitment to Tigard’s future. The opportunity is there for everyone to have a seat at the table, help shape what comes next and turn big ideas into meaningful progress for our community.
As we reflect on the conversations and opportunities explored throughout the afternoon, one message from the Tigard Area Chamber of Commerce CEO Megan De Salvo stands out: “The future of Tigard’s economy isn’t something that happens to us; it’s something we build together. This year’s State of Business: Building Tigard’s Next Chapter: Turning Vision Into Action was about moving beyond conversations and plans to meaningful action for our community. From Economic Development and Workforce needs to Transportation, Tourism, River Terrace 2.0, and Downtown Revitalization, we have tremendous opportunities ahead. Our role at the Tigard Chamber is to bring the right people to the table, elevate the voice of business, and help turn these opportunities into real results. When our businesses succeed, our entire community benefits.”
Attendees also had the opportunity to connect with local businesses and organizations at the Business Expo, highlighting the people, partnerships and resources helping move our region forward.
An event like this wouldn’t be possible without the support of our incredible sponsors and community partners. A special thank you to our Presenting Sponsor, Columbia Bank, and our Supporting Sponsors, Cloudminders, Edge One Media and NW Natural, for helping make this event possible. We are also grateful to Broadway Rose Theatre for hosting us and to PNW Artisan Boards for providing a delicious lunch and refreshments. Thank you all for your partnership and continued investment in our business community!
We look forward to bringing our business community together again. We hope you will join us for our next State of Business event in Fall 2027 as we continue building what’s next for Tigard.