From the Desk of the REDI Director, Steve Curley

From the Desk of the REDI Director, Steve Curley

EDCO serves as a regional organization across the tri-county area, grounded in the idea that while each community is distinct, our economies succeed together. Redmond Economic Development, Inc., (REDI) is a local office of EDCO serving the Redmond community. This month, I’m pleased to share a perspective from Redmond, Central Oregon’s second-largest community.

Redmond is often referred to as the “Hub of Central Oregon,” a distinction rooted in its role as home to our regional airport and the Deschutes County Fairgrounds, one of the largest fairgrounds in the United States. Today, Redmond plays a vital role in the regional economy and is well-positioned to take on an even greater share of future manufacturing growth, supported by available industrial land and a steadily expanding workforce.

Across Redmond as well as the broader region, several significant projects are underway or have recently been completed. REDI is proud to support many of these efforts behind the scenes.

Infrastructure investment is central to Redmond’s future. The Eastside Arterial is a key component of the City’s Capital Improvement Program, designed to improve mobility, safety and connectivity. Once complete, it will link 19th Street in the south to 9th Street at Hemlock Avenue in the north, enhancing access to the airport, fairgrounds and industrial areas while opening additional land for development. Progress continues, including the recently completed roundabout at Highway 126 and 9th Street and ongoing construction at Veterans Way and Airport Way, with this phase expected to wrap up in early June.

Recently, St. Charles Health System opened a new cancer center that will serve patients across central and eastern Oregon, as well as many rural communities statewide. This state-of-the-art facility offers both advanced care and a thoughtfully designed environment for those facing one of today’s most serious health challenges.

At the Redmond Airport, expansion is well underway and will soon include jet bridges, an upgrade that will significantly improve the travel experience, particularly during Central Oregon’s colder months.

The Deschutes County Fairgrounds is also expanding, with an additional 140 acres and a comprehensive master planning effort to determine the highest and best use of both new and existing facilities.

In the industrial sector, four major projects currently under construction represent 466 jobs and $91.6 million in capital investment. Among them is the region’s first Amazon last-mile delivery station, scheduled for completion this spring. Nosler is also expanding to consolidate its manufacturing operations and headquarters in Redmond, with completion projected in summer 2026. Additional investments from Basalite and Poltex will further strengthen Redmond’s manufacturing base for years to come.

Workforce development remains a top priority. Redmond High School is investing $10 million to expand and modernize its Career and Technical Education and manufacturing facilities, enhancing opportunities for students who already compete at a national level. At the same time, Central Oregon Community College is investing $8 million to expand its applied technology programs and better align training with local industry needs. Together, these efforts aim to build the workforce pipeline necessary to sustain continued growth in advanced manufacturing.

Beyond these initiatives, Redmond is also making meaningful progress in housing, childcare and other key areas that support a thriving community. The city continues to focus on balancing growth with the preservation of its rural character, ensuring that Redmond remains a place people are proud to call home.

While Oregon faces wider economic challenges, Redmond continues to stand out as a center of growth, thanks to investments in infrastructure, industry and workforce. REDI is proud to partner closely with the City and others to help shape the community’s future.