PORTLAND, Ore. — Oregon’s new Prosperity Council met for the first time Thursday as Governor Tina Kotek reviewed their goals of growing local businesses, increasing the state’s GDP, and creating family-wage jobs.
Also on Thursday, the Oregon Employment Department announced that the state’s unemployment rate was 5.2% for both November and December, higher than the U.S. average pf 4.5% and 4.4%, respectively.
In a surprising move for some, Gov. Kotek appointed former Republican State Senator Tim Knopp to serve as her new chief prosperity officer.
You can watch the meeting below when they convene for the first time from 2-3 p.m. Thursday:
Knopp previously served as Senate Republican Leader, and he also led the GOP walkout in the 2023 legislative session – which was the longest walkout in state history. He was also involved in a similar walkout in 2019.
The governor’s office said Knopp brings years of business and policy experience to the role.
PAST COVERAGE | Former senator Tim Knopp named Oregon’s chief prosperity officer to boost economy
“When the governor calls on you to drive prosperity for Oregonians across the state, grow the economy, and support Oregon businesses, the answer is yes,” Knopp previously said in a press release.
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Knopp is currently the executive vice president of the Central Oregon Builders Association, and the executive director of building partners for affordable housing.
