PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Oregon, Washington and British Columbia signed a memorandum on Wednesday to improve housing affordability, sustainability and connectivity throughout the Pacific Northwest.
At the Cascadia Innovation Corridor conference, leaders from the three jurisdictions signed a Memorandum of Reaffirmation that builds on the Memoranda of Understanding that was signed in 2016 and 2018.
This year, Oregon was officially invited to the partnership, with Washington Governor Bob Ferguson saying in a press release that the partnership reflects the shared values across the entire region.
“This partnership reflects the shared values of our region — practical problem-solving and a commitment to progress,” said Ferguson. “By addressing housing affordability, investing in clean energy, and creating the conditions for long-term economic growth, Cascadia will remain one of the most competitive and livable regions in the world.”
As part of the memorandum, the three areas agreed to expand cooperation, focusing on innovation, housing affordability, environmental stewardship and transportation connectivity, which includes high-speed rail.
“This partnership strengthens our ability to expand housing supply and create more jobs,” said Oregon Governor Tina Kotek. “Together, we can plan for a more connected, affordable, and economically stable future across Cascadia.”
The three governments also agreed to work together to progress the fields of data analytics, artificial intelligence and advanced computing, with British Columbia Premier David Eby, saying he looks forward to making the region “a global hub of innovation and economic opportunity.”
“For decades, British Columbia, Washington and Oregon have built deep ties that are stronger than recent efforts to divide us,” said British Columbia Premier David Eby. “We know that British Columbia is stronger when we work together with our neighbors in the U.S. We are proud to reaffirm our commitment to work with the governors of Oregon and Washington and look forward to growing together as a global hub of innovation and economic opportunity.”
Andrew Foran
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