Local News

The Grants Pass City Council heard a Business Retention and Expansion report and considered an update to the City Manager evaluation process during today's workshop.

Following one-on-one confidential surveys, top concerns in the community included decreasing consumer confidence and spending, global or United States recession, the availability of qualified workers, and inflation.

Market Geography was prominently local in Grants Pass and Josephine County, with little engagement shown in Internet sales. Workforce issues included problems recruiting employees and a lack of childcare availability at 56% and 42% respectively.

The Impact of Housing Ability has improved since last year, and public trust in government is near historic lows in America. Josephine County was shown to be in the bottom 5% of Labor Participation Rate in the country.

Regarding the City Manager evaluation, it was recommended the process begin with independent facilitation. A motion was seconded to form a study group to recommend and refine the evaluation process with amendments to have three council members and the city manager make a recommendation on the process, and include staff in getting other city manager evaluation forms.

The motion passed, with Council members Joel King and Indra Nicholas abstaining. The Council was then unanimous in approving a motion for the Urban Renewal Agency grant program. Standalone funds at $125,000 will go to reimburse building owners and businesses up to $5,000 for repairing vandalism except for graffiti for the entire URA.