City of GP and ODOT Partnership to Create 6th and 7th Streets Multimodal Study

The City of Grants Pass -- in partnership with the Oregon Department of Transportation -- is working to make the downtown area a safe, more active and easier place to get around for everyone. The 6th & 7th Streets Multimodal Corridor Study is focused on identifying practical, fundable improvements for non-automobile travel. The study builds on earlier planning work and supports the City's 2020 Master Transportation System Plan. Retail businesses in the Central Business District serve a mix of both the local community and visitors. Adjacent areas are primarily residential, with community spaces, schools and public buildings. 6th and 7th streets form the spine of the downtown transportation system, which is presently auto-dominated but affords many opportunities for safety and access improvements to the pedestrian, bicycle and transit networks. The study corridor extends from Interstate 5 Exit 58 southward across the Rogue River to the Big Y intersection of Rogue River, Williams and Redwood highways. It encompasses 6th and 7th streets (US Highway 99) and adjacent streets from 4th to 9th streets. An Advisory Committee made up of local stakeholders is helping guide the process to make sure the proposed improvements reflect the needs and values of the Grants Pass community. ...Read more

Payroll Employment in Josephine County Rose by 220 Jobs in May, But Down Over the Year

Total payroll employment in Josephine County rose by 220 jobs in May led by strong gains in leisure & hospitality. According to the Oregon Employment Department, there were 32,953 people working in Josephine County last month for a seasonally adjusted jobless rate of 6.4%, which was slightly higher than the 6.2% mark announced in April. Leisure & hospitality gained 170 jobs in May. Other industries posting estimated employment increases were private education & health services and retail trade. Government employment increased by 50 jobs. Gains were posted in federal, state and local government education. Over the past year, payroll employment in Josephine County was down by 630 jobs, a loss of 2.3%. Employment fell over the year in most private-sector industries. The most notable declines occurred in retail trade (-190), leisure & hospitality (-120), financial activities (-110), manufacturing (-70), construction (-60) and wholesale trade (-60). ...Read more

Chamber Urges GP Businesses to Provide Coupons for "Back to the 50s" Goodie Bags

The Grants Pass & Josephine County Chamber of Commerce continues to support and promote local businesses through great event partnerships. The Rogue Valley Classic Cruisers is hosting the "30th Annual Fabulous 50s Charity Car Show" July 25th-27th when Grants Pass will be visited by vintage car owners from all over. The Chamber is facilitating filling over 300 "goodie bags" for event participants and attendees. They want them to be visiting local businesses, whether they do it that weekend or come back for more fun. The Chamber is sending this message to all of its members. Those who are connected to the Chamber are encouraged to bring at least 300 coupons to the Visitor Center so they can be included in the bags to get the word out about your business. The deadline to be included in this special promotion is June 30th. ...Read more