At the beginning of the year, Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek formed the Governor’s Prosperity Council. Convened to advise the Governor on strategies to achieve the goals in her Prosperity Roadmap, the Council today released a 452-page report with a wide range of contributions from businesses, organizations, and institutions around the state.

Fortunately, there is also an executive summary only seven pages long. Both can be found at the Council’s site.

While I have only just barely dented the full report – it’s a lot of policy, analysis, and ideas through which to plow – it is heartening to see the number of times Oregon State University is noted as a partner in knowledge and innovation.

Among the ten recommendations is one I feel very connected to: Strategically align higher education funding with West Coast states to strengthen Oregon’s workforce, research, innovation, and industry partnerships in high-growth sectors.

Oregon, the nation, and the world are facing turbulent times of change and need. It is essential that we provide better support to our higher education institutions. As I dig into this report, I can’t help but look back to the fall of 2023 when Oregon State University set out its bold, poetic, and prescient strategic plan, “Prosperity Widely Shared.”

What the Governor’s Council on Prosperity calls for is very much in our wheelhouse.