The City of Dallas, Oregon, hosted a joint meeting on July 27, 2025, focusing on economic development and regional business challenges. Key discussions highlighted the difficulties in attracting and retaining businesses in the area, particularly in light of Oregon's recent drop in national rankings for business friendliness.

A representative from the national sales team emphasized the importance of understanding potential business expansions and the challenges of obtaining this information from large customers. Despite efforts to identify companies looking to grow in the region, the representative noted that many businesses are reluctant to share their plans, complicating the task of economic development.

The meeting also addressed Oregon's decline in business competitiveness, with the state now ranked 39th out of 50 in terms of being business-friendly. This decline has raised concerns among Economic Development Corporations (EDCs) across the state, as many report a loss of businesses seeking more favorable environments elsewhere. The representative pointed out that neighboring states, such as Washington and California, are not significantly better, indicating a broader regional issue.

In a related discussion, a question was raised about the potential impact of Union Pacific controlling local rail lines on marketing efforts. The representative clarified that large railroads typically focus on long-haul shipments and lack interest in the local service aspects, which are crucial for businesses needing flexible transportation options.

Overall, the meeting underscored the challenges facing Dallas and the surrounding areas in fostering a supportive environment for business growth, highlighting the need for strategic efforts to improve Oregon's standing as a business destination.