Nothing says “uniquely Oregonian” and “economic vitality” like idling in a drive-thru line for Raising Cane’s, watching waves of traffic swarm to national fried chicken just down the road from near-identical chains. I like chicken tenders as much as the next person, but when it comes to building a resilient local economy, we can’t just put the fries in the bag and call it a plan.

National franchises certainly have their place, and targeted recruitment will always be a recognized tool in municipal economic development. Yet for years, our strategy has felt uncomfortably like “The Bachelor,” where midsized cities compete with one another by offering tax incentives and multiyear abatements to woo distant corporate suitors who threaten to pack up when the corporate winds shift.

With city budgets exceptionally stretched thin, it may be time to rebalance our economic strategy toward homegrown resilience. 

Upjohn Institute research shows that traditional tax subsidies average $436,000 per job created, compared to a fraction of that to support homegrown entrepreneurs. Over-relying on outside corporations leaves our local revenue and workforce vulnerable to decisions made in distant boardrooms.

Thankfully, we already have commendable advising and microgrant programs through the Lane Council of Governments and our local chambers of commerce. But mentorship and small grants alone can’t break through the barriers that keep local businesses from scaling.

Cities should direct more than a modest amount of urban renewal and economic development resources into programs designed to scale new businesses emerging from LCOG pipelines. Provide matching grants strictly to clear the codes, acronyms and other unglamorous hurdles that crush ventures before opening day.

Let national chains open if they wish, but stop treating corporate recruitment like we’re indebted to them for their presence. Rebalance our ledger toward smaller, incremental, local bets: the neighbors quietly anchoring our actual community.

Or, at the very least, send the Duck to their grand openings, too.

Marissa Chizum
Eugene