Two bills working their way through the Oregon House underscore the economic importance of sports in Oregon. The state is home to more than 51,0000 jobs and 3,100 businesses serving sports and outdoor recreation markets, according to a coalition-supported study released in June 2022.
House Bill 3250 would establish a Task Force on the State of Sport in Oregon, which would provide recommendations to enhance the state’s role as a location for sports and recreation businesses. It would do so by considering regional business hubs and infrastructure needs as well as business growth and retention needs.
OBI’s Scott Bruun provided testimony in support of HB 3250 on March 23. Read his testimony here. The bill was approved by the House Committee on Economic Development and Small Business and sent to the Joint Committee on Ways and Means.
House Bill 2023 would, under a proposed amendment, allocate $2.5 million for a local grant program to support youth sporting events. The program would help local jurisdictions attract regional and statewide events, which support local hotels, restaurants and small businesses.
OBI’s Scott Bruun provided testimony in support of HB 2023 on March 30. Read his testimony here. It will receive a vote in the House Committee on Economic Development and Small Business on April 4.