Building Momentum: Incentive-Based Tools Strengthening Yamhill County's Business Economy: C-PACE

Jan 23, 2026

4/24/26

Unlocking New Investment: MEDP Brings C-PACE to Yamhill County

Through steady collaboration and a clear focus on business investment, McMinnville Economic Development Partnership (MEDP) is helping bring a powerful new financing tool to the region: Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy, or C-PACE.

Working closely with Yamhill County, MEDP has played a key role in advancing the program from concept to implementation. With the County adopting C-PACE by board order in January of this year, the program is on track to launch this spring—opening the door for property owners to access flexible, long-term financing for building improvements.

C-PACE is designed to help commercial, industrial, and multifamily property owners fund upgrades that improve energy efficiency, resilience, and overall building performance. Eligible projects can include high-efficiency mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems, building envelope improvements like insulation and windows, and even seismic retrofits—an important consideration for Oregon communities.

What makes C-PACE particularly impactful is its ability to support projects that may otherwise stall due to capital constraints. Whether a building is mid-renovation or planning major upgrades, the program can provide financing for qualified improvements, often for projects exceeding $500,000. With repayment structured through a property assessment, it offers a unique pathway that aligns costs with long-term building value.

MEDP will serve as the local program administrator, guiding property owners through the process—from initial eligibility questions to coordinating with lenders and the County for final approval. The application process is designed to be accessible and responsive, with rolling submissions and a clear checklist to help move projects forward efficiently.

Already, early interest from property owners across the county—including projects in downtown Newberg, Sheridan, Dundee, and McMinnville —signals strong demand for this new tool.

Bringing C-PACE to Yamhill County reflects a commitment to expanding access to capital and supporting business growth across the region. As the program launches, it represents not just a new financing option, but a strategic investment in the long-term vitality, sustainability, and resilience of Yamhill County’s built environment.

How C-PACE Works

IdentifyYour Project
Define eligible improvements—energy efficiency (HVAC, lighting, insulation), water conservation, or seismic/resiliency upgrades.
Build Your Team
Engage an engineer or contractor to document scope, costs, and projected performance.
Secure Lender Consent
If the property has an existing mortgage, obtain consent from the lender.
Connect with a Capital Provider
Work with a C-PACE financing partner to structure funding based on your project scope.
SubmitApplication
Provide required documents to the McMinnville Economic Development Partnership for review.
Local Review & Approval
MEDP reviews for completeness and forwards to Yamhill County for final approval and lien recording.
Project Moves Forward
Once approved, financing is secured and improvements can proceed.
Repayment Over Time
Repayment is made through a property assessment, typically aligned with the long-term life of the improvements.

If you would like to learn more please contact: Patty Herzog, Executive Director, MEDP at patty@mcminnvillebusiness.com | 503.550.8504

1/23/26

Building Momentum: Incentive-Based Tools Strengthening McMinnville’s Business Economy

McMinnville’s economic landscape continues to evolve as local businesses grow, reinvest, and look toward the future. At the McMinnville Economic Development Partnership (MEDP), our focus remains on creating the conditions that allow businesses to thrive—through strategic planning, strong partnerships, and incentive-based tools that support long-term investment and job creation.

As McMinnville and Yamhill County compete regionally for business growth, programs like Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (CPACE) are increasingly important. These tools help reduce barriers to development, encourage reinvestment in existing assets, and ensure our community remains competitive while supporting quality, living-wage jobs.

One of the most promising advancements is the progress of CPACE in Yamhill County. CPACE is a voluntary, state-authorized financing tool that enables commercial, industrial, and multifamily property owners to invest in energy efficiency, renewable energy, water conservation, and seismic upgrades using private capital. Improvements are repaid over time through a property assessment, allowing businesses to modernize facilities while managing costs and preserving cash flow.

Beyond the property modernization benefits, C-PACE is an economic development tool at its core. It supports reinvestment in existing buildings, improves business competitiveness, and lowers long-term operating costs—without placing financial risk on local government.

Source Link energy.gov

Recently, the Yamhill County Board of Commissioners reached consensus to direct staff to prepare a C-PACE program for adoption, marking a major milestone for the county. This progress reflects more than three years of collaborative work and advocacy led by MEDP and supported by local businesses including Chapul Farms, McMinnville Properties, and the Piquette Hotel, alongside regional economic development partners.

MEDP extends sincere thanks to Commissioners Johnston, Starrett, and King for their leadership and thoughtful discussion, with special appreciation to Chair Johnston for guiding this effort forward. We also look forward to continued collaboration with Yamhill County staff as the program moves toward implementation.

As MEDP looks ahead, we see C-PACE as one example of how economic development programming can strengthen McMinnville’s business environment, support reinvestment, and build a more resilient local economy. To learn more about CPACE, visit Energy.gov or the Clean Energy Finance Guide.

To see the Yamhill County Commissioner Presentation held on January 15, 2026, view here:

Patty Herzog, Executive Director, MEDP – CPace public testimony (Timestamp 47:)

Todd Severson, Chapul Farm – CPace public testimony (Timestamp 1:18)