Feb 29, 2024 | AOC News
Over thirty Oregon county officials and representatives of the Association of Oregon Counties (AOC) joined approximately 2,000 attendees from across the country in February at the National Association of Counties (NACo) 2024 Legislative Conference in Washington, D.C.
President Joe Biden headlined the conference, along with cabinet secretaries, leads of federal agencies, representatives from Capitol Hill, private sector partners and senior administration staff. Conference attendees shaped NACo’s legislative agenda, received updates on key federal policies, and advocated for county priorities on Capitol Hill.
President Danielle Bethell commented, “this conference is a great opportunity for commissioners to network, not just with our Oregon peers, but our peers across the nation, and develop intergovernmental partnerships with federal officials on issues important to Oregon counties. This year’s conference offered what felt like more of an opportunity to really dig into important issues to Oregon, together. I really enjoyed the time spent with those who attended and look forward to next year.”
During the conference, the Oregon delegation engaged in NACo policy discussions through NACo’s policy steering committee process, as well as breakout sessions, and general sessions, hearing from a range of speakers in the federal government. Issues covered included disaster preparedness and management, administering the 2024 election, artificial intelligence (AI), housing affordability, behavioral health and justice, and more.
“Federal policies often have direct and long-lasting impacts on county governments and our residents,” said NACo President Mary Jo McGuire. “NACo’s Legislative Conference is an essential opportunity to advocate for county priorities and strengthen intergovernmental partnerships that help our communities move forward together.”
AOC members also met with U.S. Senator Ron Wyden to advocate for AOC policy priorities. Executive Director Gina Nikkel expressed appreciation for Wyden’s partnership and engagement with counties. “I am grateful for Wyden’s openness and availability to connect with AOC membership on a variety of county issues.”
County officials across Oregon found meaning in the program content, as well as the networking opportunities. First Vice President John Shafer encourages commissioners and other county leaders to attend the conference. “So many incredible things happened. From seeing a sitting president to discussing rural issues to visiting the Capitol, the conference offers opportunities to effect change at the federal level that benefits every county.”
For more details about the 2024 NACo Legislative Conference, click here.
Contributed by: Erin Good | communications coordinator
Feb 28, 2024 | OACES
In early February, the Joint Committee on Transportation (JCT) released a 2024-25 Beginning Conversation Draft Action Plan for the development of the expected 2025 State Transportation Funding Package. The document included the following tentative dates* for a statewide listening tour in the 2024 interim. AOC encourages you to save-the-date for your area meeting and be prepared to testify on behalf of your county’s local road, bridge, and transportation needs and priorities.
*Please Note: the schedule is tentative, and the committee has yet to schedule any official listening tour dates.
County road project tour suggestions: If your county has a project or particular facility that would convey county road needs to the legislature, please click here to fill out a short survey and help AOC compile a list of tour options.
As the listening tour dates approach, the AOC County Road Program and Oregon Association of County Engineers and Surveyors (OACES) will be providing additional suggested talking points, statewide county road needs data, and individual county road priorities one-pagers, to help your county share its needs effectively with the legislature.
JCT Listening Tour – Tentative Dates and Locations:
- Wednesday, April 17: Tillamook or Astoria (Tillamook County Fairgrounds)
- Thursday, May 2: Klamath Falls
- Wednesday, May 15: Coos Bay (SW Oregon Community College, Coos Bay City Hall)
- Wednesday, May 29: Woodburn or Albany (Woodburn H.S., Linn Benton C.C.)
- Wednesday, June 12: Burns or Ontario (Malheur County Commission Chambers)
- Thursday, June 13: Baker City or Pendleton (Baker City Armory, Blue Mountain C.C.)
- Friday, June 28: Eugene (University of Oregon)
- Tuesday, July 16: Medford or Grants Pass (Medford City Hall, Medford Public Library)
- Thursday, July 25: Bend or Redmond (Bend Senior Center, OSU Cascades, Fair & Expo Center)
- Thursday, August 15: Beaverton or Hillsboro (Washington County Commission)
- Other possible cities to visit as alternative / additions include: The Dalles / Hood River, Roseburg
County Roads Resources:
Legislative and ODOT Resources:
Feb 28, 2024 | AOC News
In a February presentation to a legislative budget subcommittee, the Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission (OLCC) revealed that recent liquor sales trends have not kept pace with expectations, and associated revenue projections are being revised downward.
According to the commission, sales of distilled spirits in Oregon grew steadily over the past couple of decades, and then sped up significantly between 2019 and 2021. Experts anticipated those accelerated growth trends would continue through 2023-25. However, as 2023-25 data has become available, the projected growth has not materialized. Rather, growth trends seem to be flattening. OLCC notes that flattening trends in alcohol consumption in Oregon align with national trends.
Slower liquor sales will translate into significantly lower county revenues for 2023-25, the OLCC said. Their prior forecast anticipated counties would receive $64.2 million for the biennium, but their new forecast indicates counties should expect only $51.3 million.
It isn’t known whether flattening sales trends reflect lower alcohol consumption, or whether consumers are just choosing less expensive spirits. However, the fact that alcohol consumption surged during the pandemic was widely reported, so the recent flattening trend could indicate that overall sales trends are returning to normal.
Contributed by: Michael Burdick | legislative affairs manager
Feb 27, 2024 | AOC Business Partner
Sponsored content contributed by AOC Business Partner: Siemens
Siemens Smart Infrastructure combines the real and digital worlds across energy systems, buildings and industries, enhancing the way people live and work and significantly improving safety, security, efficiency and sustainability. We work together with customers and partners to create an ecosystem that both intuitively responds to the needs of people and helps customers achieve their business goals. Locally, Siemens employs 175 employees in the state of Oregon, with offices in Portland, Eugene, and Central Oregon to support our customers throughout Oregon and SW Washington.
Prior to joining the Association of Oregon Counties in 2021, Siemens has worked directly with several counties and other municipalities throughout the state, helping them solve problems related to safety, security, sustainability, and energy efficiency. Siemens has deployed solutions in county buildings such as law enforcement, corrections/jails, office, courthouse, utilities, elections, as well as other types of buildings.
One of the major areas that Siemens can assist AOC members relates specifically to procurement solutions, for a variety of products and services. Siemens was recently awarded a fourth term of the Sourcewell Cooperative Purchasing Agreement, which runs through April of 2025. Siemens is proud to partner with Sourcewell and their Cooperative Purchasing Contracts.
As the leader in the cooperative purchasing industry, Sourcewell is passionate about helping counties fulfill their public service missions and are building stronger relationships with members and vendors to develop practical solutions together.
By utilizing Sourcewell Cooperative Purchasing Contracts, counties are able ensure their purchases are:
Compliant
- Trusted process satisfies bid requirements
- Government agency that works like you
- Achievement of excellence in procurement recipient
Competitive
- Buying power of 50,000 members
- Contracts offer ceiling-based pricing, volume discounts
Convenient
- More than 400 trusted brands under contract
- Full catalog of options for a complete solution
- Easy, no-cost membership
By helping our county customers using this procurement model, Siemens has been able to develop customized solutions at the user and management level. The Sourcewell contract also helps fulfill obligations at the commissioner, counsel, and finance level within the organization. This proven tool for counties has greatly saved both time and money, by shortening the project timeline while allowing counties to build customized, specific solutions.
Contributed by: Bud Ferrigno, Siemens county market specialist siemens smart infrastructure | bud.ferrigno@siemens.com | 503-869-0767
Feb 24, 2024 | AOC Business Partner
Sponsored content contributed by AOC Business Partner: Hinge Health
CIS Oregon has provided member counties with an exciting benefit! CIS member counties are now eligible to join Hinge Health at no cost to you.
Is Hinge Health right for me?
Whether a new injury or a nagging ache, Hinge Health is for anyone living with joint or muscle pain. Our personalized program combines gentle exercises to target and relieve pain with 1-on-1 support from a dedicated physical therapist and health coach.
Every plan is tailored to your individual goals and abilities with convenient exercises that can be done anytime, anywhere, in as little as 10 minutes. Get started by answering a few questions to discover how Hinge Health is right for you.
Questions? Hinge Health is here to help!
To talk to a member of their support team, call us at 1-855-902-2777 or email help@hingehealth.com.
Get started today at hinge.health/cisoregon-february
Participants must be 18+ and enrolled in a CIS Oregon medical plan administered by Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Oregon. Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Oregon is an Independent Licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. Hinge Health® is a separate and independent company that provides services for CIS members enrolled in a CIS Benefits medical plan administered by Regence.
