Focus area
A Resilient Local Economy
An economy built on locally owned business, remote work, recreation, the arts, and the trades.
For a town this size, Sisters has an unusual economy. Destination retail and festivals, a strong creative community, outdoor recreation, construction and the trades, and a growing number of people who work remotely and picked Sisters for the life.
We want that mix to hold up, and to be less exposed to any one season or sector. That means businesses that can make it through winter, workspace and childcare for people starting something new, housing that workers can afford, reliable internet, and keeping ownership local as buildings and businesses change hands.
Tourism is part of Sisters and that is not changing. The question worth asking straight is about balance. How do we host visitors well and still make sure the economy works, first, for the people who live here?
The question we keep asking
How many Sisters storefronts are locally owned, and what would keep it that way through 2040?
~30 min
to the Bend and Redmond job markets
Folks here mix local work, regional commutes, and remote careers.
Get involved
Know this territory? This focus area needs resident knowledge, working hands, and honest critics.
Ways to participate →“The economy should be built around locally owned business, remote work, entrepreneurship, recreation, tourism, arts, music, healthcare, and the outdoor industry.”
Live work