The city of Stanfield, just southeast of Hermiston, is on the verge of explosive growth. The East Oregonian reports that roughly 450 new homes are set to go up in the next few years, representing a 50 percent population gain to the city of 2,400 residents. The increase means a larger tax base and the possibility of new economic opportunities, but it could also necessitate costly upgrades to the city’s wastewater infrastructure and school facilities as the district anticipates more students.

Stanfield City Manager Benjamin Burgener joins us to talk about the challenges and opportunities of rapid growth.