This legislative session, lawmakers are expected to pass several pieces of landmark legislation that will undoubtedly impact millions of Oregonians. But one little-known, yet powerful, economic policy will sunset unless legislators extend it – the authority for local communities to court businesses to “enterprise zones” by offering tax breaks. Enterprise zone programs can create jobs, expand wealth and enhance long-term property tax revenue for designated areas, such as historically underserved communities, high unemployment areas and regions with low economic opportunity. As mayors, we have a simple goal: To leave our community in a better place than which we found it. Enterprise zones help achieve that goal. Oregon’s 76 enterprise zones touch all corners of the state. In fact, they’re currently present in 35 counties, 143 cities, 15 ports and lands of 2 tribes. Local jurisdictions sponsor these programs to attract new economic investment into their community by temporarily exempting eligible investments from local property taxes. To receive a property tax break, a company must commit to bringing a certain number of new jobs that exceed the average wage in that community. If they don’t, they’re on the hook for back taxes. Oregon doesn’t offer standard tax incentives seen in other states, such as the research and development tax credit, so enterprise zones are an economic lifeline if we are to remain competitive in recruiting coveted industries and businesses. As it stands, legislators must pass an extension to assure prospective new employers that these incentives will continue or this program expires in two years. Enterprise zones do their job, and they do their job well. measured the return on investment from 287 companies that recently participated in the program. The report found that the economic activity generated was an extraordinary 29 times the investment for the standard program, in which tax breaks last for three-to-five years. Furthermore, the governor’s most recent concluded that enterprise zones “achieve its purpose. The program continues to be associated with numerous job-creating investments…located in more economically challenged areas of Oregon. ” Simply put, this program works. In Prineville, enterprise zones brought economic life to a stressed community and has undoubtedly proved its impact throughout rural Oregon. One of Prineville’s data center campuses employs 350 people and is the area’s third largest private employer. Crook County’s information sector now of the county’s . Rural Oregon has not seen this kind of economic stability, activity and job growth since the peak of the timber industry over 40 years ago. Beyond bringing family wage jobs to communities, enterprise zones also bring vital investments in infrastructure. These contributions have benefitted participating cities, counties and even fire districts by improving service levels. For example, fees assessed on companies in Prineville’s enterprise zone have helped fund an award-winning wetlands protection project, expand wastewater treatment capacity and improve drought resiliency. Oregon City has seen similar success. Like other Portland metro cities, Oregon City views economic development as a means of survival and resiliency. Most recently, the city’s economic development department one of Oregon’s largest not-for-profit financial cooperatives, Advantis Credit Union. Advantis’ new corporate campus will consolidate three separate corporate office locations from across the Portland metro area into one modern 76,211 square-foot building on 12 acres, all proudly located in Oregon City. The campus will be home to 210 employees, with room to accommodate growth. We both have seen how enterprise zones can be a catalyst for economic growth. As mayors, we believe in the power of enterprise zones and their long-term impact, leaving our communities in a stronger place than we found it. It’s not only important for our cities, but the entire state. We ask the Legislature to extend the sunset and not leave millions of dollars in local investment, funding, and future revenue at stake. .