Oregon Economic Development Foundation

02/17/2026

🏀 OEDF March Madness Investor Mixer 🏀
Hosted by GenoaBank Genoa

We’re kicking off 2026 with a little networking, great appetizers, drinks, and some March Madness fun! Join us as we gear up for another big year of growth and collaboration in Oregon.

📅 Thursday, March 12, 2026
⏰ 5:00–6:30 PM
📍 GenoaBank – Oregon Branch

This event is exclusively for OEDF Investors.
If you are an investor and plan to attend, please RSVP or send questions to:
📧 director@oregonohio.com

Let’s start the season — and the year — strong.
Live. Build. Grow.

02/15/2026

As our community grows and projects become larger and more complex, it’s natural for partnerships to evolve. We welcome conversations with the City about strengthening communication, transparency, and alignment while continuing to move Oregon forward.

The Oregon Economic Development Foundation remains focused on what it was created to do: attract investment, prepare sites, support employers, and create opportunity for residents. That work continues every single day alongside our public and private partners, and our commitment to this community does not waver.

As a nonprofit organization, the Foundation is governed by its board and bylaws on behalf of its investors and members. Our partnership with the City is defined through our contractual agreements, which outline how we collaborate in support of shared economic development goals. This public-private model is widely used because it allows communities to prepare opportunities, pursue investment, and respond at the speed employers require while maintaining public accountability.

If proposals are brought forward, our board will review them carefully and thoughtfully — with the same dedication to accountability, independence, and long-term success that has guided the Foundation for decades.

We are committed to keeping our investors and partners informed. This topic will be discussed at our upcoming Thursday meeting so stakeholders can hear directly from us, ask questions, and stay engaged in the process.

Progress happens when people stay at the table and keep working. That’s exactly what we intend to do.

Good afternoon Oregon!

After a short break we are bringing back our weekly update (In the Know). Keeping our citizens informed is a top priority.

- In order to properly address an inquiry from a City Council Member after the meeting, the City Administration is seeking an opinion from the Ohio Attorney General's office as to whether Ordinance no. 20 - 2026 passed or failed as a non - emergency measure at the Council Meeting on February 9th, 2026.

- Palmer Energy, on behalf of the City and the other members of the Northwest Ohio Aggregation Coalition (NOAC), has provided the following contact to answer questions on your natural gas and electric rates, and explain how to opt in or opt out of the aggregation. This information is available on the city website and will be listed on the water bills soon.

Valerie Bluhm
vbluhm@palmerenergy.com
419-491-1040 (Direct Dial)
419-539-9180 ext 300

- Planning for the City's America 250 celebration is underway. So far, two of the main events are "America has a picnic" at the South Shore Veterans Park on June 14, 2026 and an Independence Day Celebration at Oak Shade Grove on July 2, 2026. More details are forthcoming.

- Oregon Town Center is proceeding as planned. Tropical Smoothie Cafe is now open. Starbucks is planned to be open this Spring, Chick-fil-A is planning to open in the summer, and Olive Garden late fall. Harvest is planning to renovate the building where the Shed currently is in June, planning to open Fall 2026. Waffle House is planning to start construction in October 2026 and open in 2027. Oregon Place Apartments (just south of Dustin Road) are constructing their first apartment building and lease office. The apartment construction will be ongoing for a couple years with a final build out of 6 apartment buildings with 208 units.

- The Navarre Avenue Safety Improvement Construction is underway. Signal construction has started, with roadway work continuing through the summer and completion expected by October 2026.

- The City Administration has met with the Oregon Economic Development Foundation (OEDF) to start discussing the future of the partnership with OEDF including much needed revisions. The city will be proposing desired changes to the foundation bylaws to further protect city interests, property assets, and other guidelines regarding past interactions to best serve Oregon. The draft bylaws changes, possible annual agreement, including possible legislation may be proposed to Council and OEDF in the next few weeks.

Stay tuned for future updates!

02/13/2026

April OEDF Investor Meeting

Big conversations. Real implications. The people shaping our region all in one room.

On April 17, we’ll gather at the National Museum of the Great Lakes to talk about Ohio’s upcoming ballot initiative that could eliminate property taxes — and what that may mean for schools, infrastructure, economic growth, and the future of our communities.

We’re honored to welcome:

🎤 State Representative Jim Hoops, District 81
⚓ Kate Fineske, Executive Director, National Museum of the Great Lakes
🚢 Joe Cappel, VP of Business Development, Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority

If you care about where investment, funding, and opportunity are headed, this is a meeting you won’t want to miss.

🗓 April 17, 2026
⏰ 7:30 – 10:00 AM
📍 National Museum of the Great Lakes

RSVP to attend.

02/13/2026

🎉 THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! 🎉

Wow — we are incredibly excited to share that our Police Division's page has officially reached 17,000 followers!

Each and every day, we continue to welcome new followers, and we truly appreciate you being here with us. Through this page, we’re able to share current events, traffic updates, road closures, and most importantly, many of you have played a major role in helping us identify unknown suspects.

We can’t do any of this alone — and we’re grateful you’re along for the ride with us.

If you enjoy our posts, please continue to invite your friends, family, co-workers, and loved ones to like and follow our page so we can keep growing and reaching even more people in our community.

Again, thank you for making this page such a success. 17,000 strong — and growing!

The City of Oregon Oregon Ohio Fire and Rescue Department Oregon Parks & Rec Oregon, Ohio Community Oregon Economic Development Foundation Eastern Maumee Bay Chamber of Commerce Oregon Ohio Community Oregon, Ohio Community Neighbors Oregon, Ohio community neighbors unfiltered Buzz On The Bay (TM)

02/13/2026

The Oregon Economic Development Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating opportunity, supporting job growth, and strengthening the future of Oregon.

Our board is made up of volunteers from across the business and community landscape who generously give their time and expertise because they believe in this city.

OEDF does not gain financially when projects move forward, and we do not lose financially if they do not.

In addition to our mission work, OEDF owns property that may be part of potential development areas. When land you are responsible for is being discussed, you participate. That’s stewardship.

We are thankful for the partners, residents, and volunteers who stay engaged and continue working toward thoughtful, long-term progress for Oregon.

Oregon city council members voted 3-2 with one abstention at a regular council meeting on Feb. 9 in favor of granting a six-month extension to potential $2 billion data center developer Will Turner of Capacity LLC.

02/12/2026

Help me welcome Rob Enos and the team at OBR Cooling Towers as a Bronze Investor with the Oregon Economic Development Foundation 👏

OBR is a nationwide leader in cooling tower construction, service, inspections, and specialty parts — supporting critical industrial and energy facilities where reliability matters most.

Beyond the work they do across the country, they’re also an amazing family gem in our region. We’re proud to have them engaged, investing locally, and helping us keep the momentum going.

Welcome to OEDF, Rob — we’re glad you’re here (again).

02/11/2026

Onward Oregon: A Plan Grounded in Community Voices and Real Progress

The City of Oregon Comprehensive Plan (Draft 10-31-2025) is available for public review — and it reflects both the remarkable progress underway and the priorities residents shared through a year of surveys, workshops, and public meetings.

📄 Read the full plan:
👉https://oregonohio.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/OregonComprehensivePlan_Draft_10-31-2025_sm.pdf

This 110-page document serves as a roadmap for responsible growth — balancing industry and innovation with neighborhood character, housing choice, and quality of life.

It also mirrors work already happening: Town Center housing, infrastructure investment, beautification and mural programs, expansion in energy production, and strategic industrial redevelopment.

🗣️ What Residents Said

More than 1,000 residents and stakeholders helped shape the plan. Common themes emerged:
• Oregon’s median age (45.2) shows the need to attract and retain younger families and professionals.
• Strong support exists for more housing options — starter homes, townhomes, and apartments.
• People want additional restaurants, retail, and recreation close to home.
• Residents value small-town character while supporting growth in the right places.
• Safety, schools, and community pride remain defining strengths.

📊 Understanding Oregon Today

Oregon has just under 20,000 residents, more than 10,900 jobs, and 719 businesses.

Housing is 81% single-family, with over half built before 1970 — underscoring demand for reinvestment and diversified options.

Land use remains balanced:
• 52% agricultural
• 25% residential
• 14% industrial/employment
• 6% commercial or mixed use
• 3% parks and open space

Future development focuses primarily on serviced or previously developed areas, preserving farmland while enabling opportunity.

🏘️ Town Center: Vision Becoming Reality

Town Center is one of the plan’s primary focus areas.
• Every single-family home has sold.
• Apartments are underway.
• Future phases bring walkable retail and gathering spaces.

It is a direct response to what residents asked for: connection, vibrancy, and modern housing options.

⚡ Industry, Innovation & Economic Development

Oregon’s foundation in manufacturing, logistics, and energy remains strong, while diversification is essential for long-term resilience.

The plan supports:
• Strategic redevelopment in corridors like Wynn & Corduroy
• Growth in clean energy and advanced technology
• Commercial expansion that connects jobs to neighborhoods

These priorities align with active regional partnerships and ongoing recruitment efforts that continue positioning Oregon competitively.

🌳 Parks & Open Space

From neighborhood parks to regional destinations, Oregon’s natural assets are a point of pride.

Recommendations include:
• Expanded trail and sidewalk connectivity
• Continued collaboration with Metroparks
• Planning green space alongside growth

🎨 Community Identity

Residents want Oregon’s identity reflected in how the city looks and feels.

Priorities include:
• Stronger gateways and signage
• Public art and placemaking
• Celebrating the balance of industry, nature, and neighborhoods

Many of these initiatives are already in motion through partnerships and grant activity.

🤝 Implementation, Transparency & Partnerships

The plan outlines 57 measurable strategies guiding zoning, infrastructure, and development over the next decade.

The City of Oregon retains oversight, accountability, and final authority for decisions and expenditures.

Public-private partnerships help attract funding and coordinate projects while keeping approvals in public view.

💚 Moving Forward Together

This plan captures Oregon’s momentum and community values. Work already underway includes:
• Expanding housing in the Town Center
• Supporting energy development and industrial reinvestment
• Advancing beautification and public art
• Coordinating regionally to bring resources into the city

What Happens Next

City Council will soon vote on adopting the updated Comprehensive Plan.

That vote marks the result of extensive public engagement, professional analysis, and months of discussion about how Oregon grows while protecting what residents love.

Adoption strengthens Oregon’s ability to:

✔ guide responsible development
✔ compete for jobs and investment
✔ preserve agricultural areas
✔ plan infrastructure wisely
✔ remain a community families choose

📄 Read the full draft plan:
👉https://oregonohio.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/OregonComprehensivePlan_Draft_10-31-2025_sm.pdf

02/11/2026

The Oregon Economic Development Foundation (OEDF) remains committed to making sure residents have clear, accurate information about the proposed data center at Wynn & Corduroy.

This opportunity represents decades of planning, millions of dollars in local investment, and steady leadership focused on Oregon’s future.

Every major step has moved through public Council legislation, recorded meetings, and formal votes. Residents can review the information at any time.

📑 Meeting Minutes & Ordinances
https://drive.google.com/drive/mobile/folders/1UU9DM7UcIPqf_VLY6LQ-Nfl-j8rFHwSk

🎥 Council Meetings (Video Archive)
https://youtube.com/

Confidentiality & Transparency
• OEDF is a private, nonprofit membership organization.
• This structure allows land to be assembled and negotiated efficiently while protecting Oregon’s competitive position.
• When agreements become public, actions move through Council in open session.
• The site work has been funded and led locally by OEDF investors and partners on behalf of the community.

Simply put: local leadership positioned Oregon for this.

Long-Term Planning & Investment
• Wynn & Corduroy has been identified for industrial development since the mid-2000s in Oregon’s Comprehensive Plan.
• More than $8.6 million has been invested by the City and OEDF to assemble and prepare the property.
• Council supported advancement at each milestone.

Site Assembly Progress

OEDF has successfully secured control of the properties needed to create a unified, development-ready site. That work required years of coordination, negotiation, and partnership.

Strategic Location Advantages
• Directly across from Oregon Clean Energy Center II, bringing long-term regional energy stability.
• Adjacent to Toledo’s reservoir, strengthening confidence in water access and system resiliency.
• Near major transmission infrastructure, highways, rail, and workforce.

Few communities can offer this combination.

Key Facts

Water
• Estimated use: 20,000–30,000 gallons per day.
• Oregon’s system capacity: roughly 2 million gallons per day.
• Technology relies on recycling systems that minimize draw.
• City guidance to date: the project does not drive residential rate increases.

Electricity
• Full build demand could reach 500 MW.
• Access to 345kV and 138kV transmission.
• Pricing is set regionally through multi-state markets, not by a single user.
• Clean Energy II enhances supply confidence.

Taxes & Schools
• $2–3 billion in private investment.
• Data centers historically produce far more revenue than they consume in services.
• Structured agreements create predictable funding for schools, infrastructure, police, and fire — without shifting burden to homeowners.

Jobs & Economic Impact
• High-wage permanent technical careers.
• Multi-year construction employment for union trades.
• Growth for suppliers, restaurants, housing, and small businesses.
• Real pathways for local students to work near home.

Why Oregon

This position was earned through:
• Decades of planning
• Millions invested locally
• Difficult land assembly work
• Infrastructure foresight
• Public votes
• Private partners willing to believe in the city

Land Use Perspective

Even if you combined every planned data center site across the state, the total land involved would equal about three-tenths of one percent of Ohio’s farmland.

In other words, this type of development represents a very small footprint statewide while creating enormous economic return for the communities that host it.

Protecting Oregon’s Future

With ongoing conversations statewide about eliminating or restructuring property taxes, projects like this become even more important.

Why?

Because large private investment paired with structured revenue agreements helps secure the funding base Oregon relies on for:
• Schools
• Police & fire
• Roads & infrastructure
• Community services

If traditional property tax structures change, diversified revenue from major employers becomes a stabilizer.

Strength for Oregon City Schools

At a time when districts across Ohio are facing funding uncertainty and reductions, long-term commercial investment helps position Oregon City Schools to remain competitive, supported, and attractive to families.

Stability is power.

Years of Union & Trade Work

Large-scale facilities mean:
• Multi-year construction cycles
• Specialized skilled labor
• Repeat upgrades and expansions
• Ongoing maintenance contracts

This is the kind of pipeline that can keep union halls busy with back-to-back projects for years, not just months.

When people ask what preparation looks like — this is it.

Planning ahead so Oregon can remain strong no matter how state policy or funding formulas evolve.

Communities across the country compete for projects like this. Oregon did the preparation.

Oregon invested in itself.
Oregon built the opportunity.
Oregon is ready for what comes next.

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02/11/2026

🚍 Transit access = workforce access.

Our partners at Toledo Area Regional Transit Authority are celebrating Ohio Loves Transit Week by offering fare-free rides on February 14 and February 17 across fixed routes, paratransit, and TARTA Flex.

That includes the Walleye Shuttle to Saturday’s game — free.

Reliable, affordable transportation connects residents to jobs, education, healthcare, and entertainment throughout our region. When mobility improves, economic opportunity grows.

We appreciate the role public transit plays in supporting employers and employees across Oregon and Lucas County.

Learn more about routes and shuttle details at tarta.com.

02/09/2026

Notice from Superintendent, Dr. Fritz.

02/08/2026

Last night the Oregon Schools Foundation Frost Fest was a great reminder of what makes this community special. When Oregon gathers, it shows up in a big way.

Congratulations to everyone who joined the fun — from the horse race win to some incredible raffle prizes, it was an evening full of energy, laughter, and generosity.

Most importantly, the dollars raised will directly support students and strengthen the future workforce of our region. That’s a win for families, businesses, and the entire community.

Proud to stand alongside partners who invest in education and opportunity.

📸: Doug Hinebaugh