Tim Knopp#

Tim Knopp (born 1965) is a Republican politician and housing industry professional from Bend, Oregon, who served in the Oregon House of Representatives from 1999 to 2005 and the Oregon State Senate from 2013 to 2025, representing District 27 in Central Oregon.1 He served as House Majority Leader from 2003 to 2005 and Senate Republican Leader from 2021 to 2024.1

In January 2026, Governor Tina Kotek appointed Knopp as Oregon’s Chief Prosperity Officer, charged with growing the state’s economy, creating family-wage jobs, and supporting local businesses.2 Knopp’s appointment was notable as a cross-party selection by the Democratic governor, reflecting their shared work on housing legislation.

Background#

Knopp served as Executive Vice President of the Central Oregon Builders Association, which represents more than 800 local companies, and as Executive Director of Building Partners for Affordable Housing, a Bend-based nonprofit that has partnered with builders and the city of Bend to supply over 25 new homes and 13 lots for affordable housing.34 He stepped down from both roles upon becoming Chief Prosperity Officer.

Key Housing Actions#

As Chief Prosperity Officer (2026-present)#

  • Cross-Party Housing Appointment: Appointed by Governor Kotek in January 2026 to lead the Oregon Prosperity Council, tasked with increasing the state’s GDP and growing businesses consistent with the Governor’s Prosperity Roadmap.25

As Senate Republican Leader (2021-2024)#

  • 2024 Emergency Housing Package (SB 1537, SB 1530, HB 4134): Played a key role in negotiating the bipartisan $376 million housing package that boosted housing production, funded critical infrastructure, created the Housing Accountability and Production Office, and established a $75 million revolving loan fund for affordable housing. Knopp stated: “We know the best product comes from much input from both sides of the aisle, from urban and rural and this bill reflects that.”67

  • 2023 Senate Walkout: Participated in the 2023 Republican-led walkout that lasted over 40 days, exceeding the 10 unexcused absence threshold set by Measure 113 (2022). The Oregon Supreme Court unanimously ruled in February 2024 that Knopp and nine other Republican senators were barred from seeking reelection.89

As State Senator (2013-2025)#

  • SB 391 (2021): Co-sponsored with Rep. Jack Zika this bill allowing accessory dwelling units on rural residential land, signed by Governor Kate Brown on June 23, 2021. The law permits ADUs up to 900 square feet within 100 feet of an existing dwelling on rural residential parcels.1011

  1. Wikipedia: Tim Knopp ↩︎ ↩︎

  2. Governor Kotek Announces Tim Knopp as Chief Prosperity Officer (January 14, 2026) ↩︎ ↩︎

  3. Tim Knopp for State Senate: Meet Tim ↩︎

  4. KTVZ: Bend’s Tim Knopp named Oregon’s new Chief Prosperity Officer (January 14, 2026) ↩︎

  5. OPB: Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek taps Republican rival to boost business relations (January 14, 2026) ↩︎

  6. OPB: Oregon state senators approve more than $350 million to help state’s housing and homelessness crisis (February 29, 2024) ↩︎

  7. KTVZ: ‘Oregonians won’: Sen. Tim Knopp reflects on M. 110 reforms, major housing funds and legislative progress (March 7, 2024) ↩︎

  8. Oregon Capital Chronicle: Oregon Supreme Court bars Republican senators who participated in walkout from reelection (February 1, 2024) ↩︎

  9. OPB: Oregon Supreme Court rules that Republican senators who walked out last year can’t seek reelection (February 1, 2024) ↩︎

  10. Bend Bulletin: More housing coming to rural Deschutes County (July 13, 2021) ↩︎

  11. Schwabe: SB 391, Authorizing Accessory Dwelling Units in Rural Residential Zones, Set to Pass Oregon State Senate ↩︎

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