OPB’s First Look: Quantifying Oregon data centers

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Good morning, Northwest.

A report released today documents the quantity, size and impact of data centers in Oregon.

Among the findings: Oregon has more than 100 data centers that combined consume nearly one-quarter of the state’s electricity. OPB business reporter Kyra Buckley gives details from the report to start today’s newsletter.

Also this morning, how a pair of rural Oregon ski areas is adapting in a market dominated by pricey resorts.

Here’s your First Look at Thursday’s news.

— Bradley W. Parks

Top story

Oregon data centers by the numbers

For the first time since the explosive rise of artificial intelligence and spread of political tensions around the data centers, researchers in Portland have quantified the size and scope of the industry in Oregon.

A new report released today from ECONorthwest and the University of Virginia, funded by the Portland-based nonprofit Lemelson Foundation, quantifies basic yet hard-to-find data.

That includes how many data centers the state currently has (111), what’s in the pipeline (32), their employment impact (2,630 direct workers), and their energy use (about 23% of statewide electricity demand in 2025).

Perhaps more importantly, the report highlights the gaps in available information on how data centers affect the state’s economy and the communities in which they operate. (Kyra Buckley)

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3 things to know

• Portland Police Chief Bob Day wrote in a press release yesterday that he’s lost trust in Councilor Mitch Green after reviewing Green’s past statements about the city’s police officers. (Alex Zielinski)
• Oregon wildlife officials are planning to mail nasal swabs to hunters so they can test their bighorn sheep catches for illnesses while in the field during the hunting season starting Sept. 21, amid the bacterial outbreak that has affected multiple sheep outside The Dalles. (April Ehrlich)
• Multnomah County District Attorney Nathan Vasquez announced yesterday that Jesse Lee Calhoun was charged for the death of 32-year-old Elizabeth “Libby” Gibson, of Portland. It’s the sixth death Calhoun’s been charged in connection with. (Joni Auden Land)

Northwest headlines

• Oregon lawmakers seek to open up affordable housing records following ProPublica’s reporting (Rob Davis, ProPublica)
• Venezuelan man shot by Border Patrol in Portland sentenced to time served (Conrad Wilson)
• Leaders condemn Washington County chair for flipping off fellow commissioner (Holly Bartholomew)
• Oregon’s top HR staffer who was fired gets new state job (Lauren Dake)

Listen in on OPB’s daily conversation

“Think Out Loud” airs at noon and 8 p.m. weekdays on OPB Radio, opb.org and the OPB News app. Today’s planned topics (subject to change):

• Support group brings together extreme weather event survivors in Oregon, across the country
• Supporting Oregon’s rural older adults during emergencies

One more look

Rural Oregon ski areas plan out futures after tough year

It’s been a challenging year for snow-starved Oregon ski areas, but leaders of two nonprofit destinations say they’re making moves to survive long-term.

In Eastern Oregon, Anthony Lakes is tapping a federal loan to upgrade the Baker County ski hill’s 70-year-old facilities. Across the state at Mt. Ashland in Southern Oregon, leaders are raising money for lift upgrades while offering more summertime activities to build resiliency amid a streak of unpredictable winters.

In an industry dominated by for-profit resorts with pricey lift tickets, both locally run organizations focus on providing affordable access to snow sports, especially for youth and locals.

“People have grown up here, learned to ski here,” said Mt. Ashland’s Gabby Conner. “They’ve taught their kids and they want it to exist for the next generation.” (Antonio Sierra)

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