PRINEVILLE, OR -- Prineville is gaining national attention, thanks to a recent article in U.S. News & World Report, highlighting the city's shift from timber town to tech hub. In A Town Called Prineville Makes a Comeback, the author chronicles the downturn of Crook County's timber industry, and the rise of data centers for Facebook and Apple.
Prineville Mayor Betty Roppe says the community has learned to diversify. “We put all our eggs in one or two baskets, and that was timber and tires. And so we set out to be open to multiple, diverse type of jobs.”
She tells KBND News the national exposure is a great thing. “People who are interested in starting a new business or any type of business will see that online. They’ll say, 'Hey, this sounds like a pretty progressive little town. Let’s give the city a call and find out what’s happening.'” What’s happening is a thriving local airport, multiple data centers and increased capacity for wastewater treatment.