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Condon Today
By the People, for the People
Gilliam County Joins Mid-Columbia Economic Development District
The move will bring more resources and coordination to the region's economic development efforts.
Mar. 26, 2026 at 12:00am
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Mid-Columbia Economic Development District (MCEDD) directors have approved the expansion of the district's federal economic development boundary to include Gilliam County. This will allow Gilliam County to fully participate in MCEDD's programming and services starting in the next fiscal year. The move is significant as it will give Gilliam County access to MCEDD's greater lending diversity, public transportation services, and regional coordination efforts.
Why it matters
The inclusion of Gilliam County in MCEDD will provide the rural county with more resources and support for economic development initiatives. As a quasi-governmental organization, MCEDD has more authority to coordinate across jurisdictions and receive funding from member governments. This will be particularly beneficial for Gilliam County as it looks to address shared regional challenges like housing supply constraints and the need for affordable childcare.
The details
MCEDD's expansion into Gilliam County was approved by the U.S. Economic Development Administration's regional office in Seattle. The district will now need to amend its bylaws to add a Gilliam County representative to the board. Executive Director Jessica Metta has already met with Gilliam County Judge Cris Patnode to discuss the county's participation and budgeting for MCEDD services starting in the next fiscal year. As part of MCEDD, Gilliam County will have access to the district's revolving loan funds, public transportation services, and regional economic development planning efforts.
- MCEDD's request to modify its planning boundary to include Gilliam County was approved by the U.S. Economic Development Administration's regional office in Seattle in March 2026.
- MCEDD plans to amend its bylaws to add a Gilliam County representative to the board and finalize a services contract so the county can fully participate in MCEDD's programming starting in the 2026-27 fiscal year, which begins in July 2026.
The players
Mid-Columbia Economic Development District (MCEDD)
A regional economic development organization formed in 1969 and federally designated in 1970, MCEDD is a government nonprofit that coordinates economic development efforts across multiple jurisdictions in the Mid-Columbia region.
Jessica Metta
The executive director of MCEDD.
Cris Patnode
The Gilliam County Judge.
What they’re saying
“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”
— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee
What’s next
MCEDD will need to amend its bylaws to add a Gilliam County representative to the board, and the district will finalize a services contract so that Gilliam County can fully participate in MCEDD's programming starting in the 2026-27 fiscal year.
The takeaway
The inclusion of Gilliam County in MCEDD will provide the rural county with greater access to economic development resources, regional coordination, and shared solutions to challenges like housing and childcare. This move strengthens the Mid-Columbia region's collaborative approach to economic growth and resilience.
