Today on Newsmakers at Noon, John Charles, President and CEO of Cascade Policy Institute, joined us to talk about an organization that has spent 35 years weighing in on some of Oregon’s biggest public-policy debates. Cascade describes itself as an independent, free-market public-policy research organization focused on individual liberty, economic opportunity and accountable government. John discussed what Cascade means by achieving “Oregon’s Promise,” some of its successes over the years, the issues commanding its attention today, and the organization’s 35th anniversary celebration coming up October 1 in Portland.
John also stayed with us for the beginning of our discussion about Oregon’s rapidly expanding data-center industry, offering his perspective on the policy and economic questions surrounding these massive developments. Newly published research identifies 111 operating data centers in Oregon, with another 32 planned or under construction, and estimates the industry accounted for approximately 23% of Oregon’s retail electricity sales in 2025 while directly employing about 2,630 people. Those numbers gave us plenty to chew on: What is the appropriate tradeoff between electricity consumption, tax revenue, construction jobs and permanent employment, and what should communities like Salem expect in return?
Closer to home, the continuing clearing of Wallace Marine Park made Salem’s homelessness debate much more immediate. The city had posted roughly 20–30 campsites for removal today as it works toward ending camping at Wallace this fall. Camp residents have argued that appropriate shelter isn’t available for everyone, while city officials say they are coordinating with service providers and cite winter flooding, mud and emergency-access concerns. The practical question we discussed was straightforward: Where do the people displaced from Wallace actually go? Salem Reporter has documented some former Wallace residents relocating elsewhere in the area, while city officials say they work to connect people with available shelter and services. Salem Reporter
Education gave us another lively conversation. We looked at reporting on a Progressive Policy Institute analysis finding an association between stronger teachers’ unions and states adopting fewer recommended literacy reforms. That finding raises questions about education policy, but correlation by itself doesn’t establish that unions cause lower literacy outcomes. New York Post We also talked about homeschooling and the increasingly interesting question of how employers may view traditionally educated and homeschooled applicants as more of those students enter the workforce.
And because we can’t spend an entire hour being serious, today was also National Miniature Golf Day, National Opioid Awareness Day, Telegraph Pole Appreciation Day and Escapology Day – although we still think “Houdini Day” would have been easier.
But Denise’s clear winner was Earth, Wind & Fire Appreciation Day. After all, it is the 21st day of September. If ever a date came with its own soundtrack, this is it.
Links from Today’s Show
John Charles — Cascade Policy Institute
Oregon Data Centers by the Numbers — Jefferson Public Radio
Wallace Marine Park Residents Ask Salem to Stop Camp Removals — Salem Reporter
Teachers’ Unions and Literacy Reforms — New York Post
Homeschooling and Hiring Discussion — X
