At our Forum Speaker Series luncheon on December 8, 2025, economist and Adjunct Professor of Economics (Portland State University) Dr. Eric Fruits presented on the current state of Oregon’s economy, the warning signs legislators need to pay attention to, and his prescribed solutions that the state should implement before it’s too late.
During the presentation, Dr. Fruits provided factual data showing that Oregon’s taxable income base is shrinking due to both large and small businesses leaving the state to set up shop in neighboring states (like Washington), where they can avoid the rising costs of doing business in Oregon, including the high tax rates.
Dr. Fruits also highlighted the massive budgetary burden the current PERS structure has on local governments, which prevents spending on the services the communities need. He argues this contributes to why many are leaving Oregon, which has created a perpetual cycle of economic instability that he and others call “The Doom Loop.”
In addition, the Forum included a presentation of the Salem Chamber’s monthly Spirit of Salem Award, which went to Salem Police Chief Trevor Womack and Salem Fire Chief David Gerboth for their leadership in our community’s efforts to bolster public safety.
Thank you to the Salem Convention Center for providing the venue and meal, and to Allied Video Productions and Capital Community Media for their help with producing this event.
We’d also like to thank Businesses for Community for serving as this month’s Forum Sponsor, and Hagan Hamilton Insurance Solutions for being our Presenting Sponsor for the entire Forum Speaker Series.
Join us again on January 12, as the Forum Speaker Series features the very first public debate between the two candidates running for Mayor of the City of Salem: Mayor Julie Hoy and Salem City Councilor Vanessa Nordyke.
