Bruce W. Starr – Biography

Bruce Starr is a native Oregonian. He grew up on his parent’s farm south of Hillsboro, Oregon. He graduated from Hillsboro High School and earned a bachelors degree from Portland State University.

Upon graduation from PSU, Bruce started his own construction company. His company focused on residential and commercial roofing and repair. He operated the business for more than a dozen years.

Bruce’s experience as a small business owner was a major factor in his decision to alter his career path and seek elective office in 1994, first at the local level then at the state. From City ordinances to State statutes, Bruce has maintained a commitment to improving both community livability and the business environment in Oregon.

In 2002, Bruce accepted a position with the Portland Business Alliance. The Portland Business Alliance is the chamber of commerce for the greater Portland area. He was responsible for business development with a focus on international trade. He began representing companies’ public affairs needs during his work with the PBA.

Bruce started his new business, Cutting Edge NW in 2006. He currently advises companies on public affairs strategies, regularly representing firms in front of legislators from Washington, DC to Washington State.

Bruce is strongly committed to public service and currently serves as a State Senator in the Oregon Legislature, first elected in 2002 and re-elected in 2006. Prior to his senate service, Bruce served two terms in the Oregon House of Representatives and a four year term on the Hillsboro City Council.

His public service priorities reflect the needs of his rapidly growing western Washington County district. Those priorities include education reform, transportation investments and economic development incentives.

He currently serves as vice-chair of the Oregon Senate Business and Transportation committee and a member of the Joint Ways and Mean Subcommittee on Transportation and Economic Development. He is the chair of the National Conference of State Legislatures Surface Transportation Act Re-Authoization working group. He is a member of the National Conference of State Legislatures Executive Committee.

Bruce is married to Rebecca and they live in Hillsboro, Oregon with their two children.