Oregon Administrative Rules Chapter 123 - OREGON BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
Oregon Administrative Rules (OAR) Chapter 123 details the regulations governing the Oregon Business Development Department (OBDD), more commonly known as Business Oregon. This comprehensive chapter outlines the various programs, funds, and procedures through which Business Oregon fulfills its mission to promote economic development and cultural enhancement across the state.
Here's a general overview of what Chapter 123 covers, broken down by common themes:
I. Foundational and Procedural Rules:
Procedural Rules (Division 1): Covers general administrative procedures for the department, including public meeting protocols, rule-making processes, and internal operations.
Access to Public Records (Division 5): Details how the public can access records held by Business Oregon and any associated fees.
Procedures for Contracts (Division 6): Outlines the rules for contracts entered into by the department.
Quality Development and Land Use Coordination (Division 8): Addresses how Business Oregon's activities align with Oregon's land use planning goals.
II. Funding and Financing Programs:
Business Oregon administers a wide array of financial assistance programs, and Chapter 123 sets the rules for each. These include:
Oregon Business, Innovation and Trade Fund (Division 9): Likely governs a broad fund supporting various business development initiatives, innovation, and trade activities.
Oregon Economic Development Revenue Bonds (Division 11): Rules for issuing revenue bonds to finance economic development projects.
Business Retention Fund (Division 16): Guidelines for funds aimed at keeping existing businesses in Oregon.
Oregon Business Development Fund (OBDF) (Division 17): A significant revolving loan fund providing fixed-rate financing for business expansion projects, particularly in traded sectors (manufacturing, processing, distribution) and rural/distressed areas.
Capital Access Program (Division 18): Rules for a program that helps businesses obtain loans from private lenders by providing a reserve to cover potential losses.
Oregon Entrepreneurial Development Loan Fund (Division 19): Focuses on loans for new and emerging businesses.
Oregon Credit Enhancement Fund (Division 21): Provides credit enhancements to facilitate business financing.
Special Public Works Fund Program (Division 42): Rules for grants and loans to local governments for public infrastructure projects that support economic development.
Water/Wastewater Financing Program (Division 43): Specific financing for water and wastewater infrastructure.
Beginning and Expanding Farmer Loan Program ("Aggie Bonds") (Division 52): Helps new and expanding farmers access capital.
Local Economic Opportunity Fund (Division 56): Supports local economic development efforts.
Regional Infrastructure Fund (Division 61): Provides funding for infrastructure projects with regional impact.
Brownfields Redevelopment Loan Fund (Division 135) and Oregon Coalition Brownfields Cleanup Fund (Division 140): Programs to assist with the cleanup and redevelopment of contaminated sites.
III. Business Support and Incentive Programs:
Innovation Infrastructure (Division 15): Rules related to supporting infrastructure for innovation.
Small Business Development Centers (Division 22): Governs the operation of these centers which provide advising and training to small businesses.
Distressed Areas (Division 24): May include rules for specific programs or incentives targeted at economically distressed regions.
First-Source Hiring Agreements (Division 70): Rules for agreements that prioritize hiring from certain sources, often related to job creation programs.
Oregon Community Development Block Grant (OCDBG) Program (Division 80): Administers federal CDBG funds for community and economic development.
Strategic Reserve Fund (Division 90): A flexible fund for strategic economic development projects.
Oregon Business Retention and Expansion Program (Division 91): Supports efforts to retain and grow existing Oregon businesses.
Small Business Expansion Loan Fund (Oregon Royalty Fund) (Division 92): Another loan fund specifically for small business expansion.
Solar Development Incentive Program (Division 93): Incentives for solar energy development.
Industrial Site Readiness (Division 97) and Industrial Site Readiness Assessment Program (Division 98): Programs aimed at preparing industrial sites for development.
Business Energy Tax Credits for Renewable Energy Resource Equipment Manufacturing (Division 600): Specific tax credits for manufacturing renewable energy equipment.
Strategic Investment Program (Division 623): Provides property tax exemptions for large investments that create jobs.
Oregon Low Income Community Jobs Initiative (Division 630): Programs to create jobs in low-income communities.
Oregon Investment Advantage (Division 635): Incentives for business investment in Oregon.
Enterprise Zones (Divisions 650, 656, 662, 668, 674, 680, 690): A comprehensive set of rules for the creation, amendment, and operation of various types of enterprise zones, which offer property tax exemptions and other incentives for businesses locating or expanding in designated areas (e.g., standard, rural renewable energy, long-term rural).
Child Care Infrastructure Program (Division 700): New programs supporting the development of childcare facilities.
IV. Cultural and Arts Programs (Administered by OBDD):
Oregon Arts Program Grants (Division 450): Rules for grants supporting arts and cultural organizations.
1% for Art in Public Buildings (Division 475): Regulations for a program that dedicates a percentage of state building construction costs to public art.
Cultural Participation Grants (Division 500): Supports cultural participation initiatives.
Overall Purpose of the Oregon Business Development Department (Business Oregon):
Business Oregon's mission is to invest in Oregon businesses, communities, and people to promote a globally competitive, diverse, and inclusive economy. It serves as the state's economic development agency, working to:
Create and retain jobs: Through various financial incentives, technical assistance, and direct investment.
Support business growth: Helping companies expand, innovate, and access new markets.
Strengthen communities: Investing in infrastructure, community development, and brownfield cleanups.
Foster entrepreneurship: Providing resources and support for startups and small businesses.
Promote international trade: Helping Oregon businesses export their products and services.
Advance arts and culture: Recognizing their role in a vibrant economy and quality of life.
Chapter 123 provides the regulatory framework for these extensive responsibilities, ensuring transparency, accountability, and effective implementation of Oregon's economic development strategies.
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