Yesterday, city staff and Mayor Schwarzler participated in a Polk County economic development roundtable with Oregon’s Chief Prosperity Officer, Tim Knopp. This new state-level role is focused on advancing the Governor’s priorities to grow GDP, create family-wage jobs, and support Oregon businesses.

The discussion ranged from city budget constraints to improving industrial sites to attract industry and support job creation. We look forward to continuing these conversations with state partners to strengthen the economic future of our city and region.

  • A woman speaks emphatically at a meeting, sitting at a wooden table with two men. Papers and notebooks are spread out, conveying a serious tone.
  • A man and a woman sit at a conference table, engaged in discussion. Papers and nameplates are visible. The mood is serious and focused.
  • A man in a dark jacket speaks at a conference table, with a laptop and water bottle in front of him. Name card reads "Tim Knopp, Chief Prosperity Officer."
  • A woman in a blue top speaks animatedly at a conference table. A nameplate reads "Mayor Kate Schwarzer, Independence." Warm, engaged setting.
  • Three people stand talking in a wooden-paneled room. Two are in business attire, and one wears a navy jacket with a badge. The atmosphere is professional.