Jun 25, 2026 | AOC Business Partner
(Photo: Adam Capage and Diane Brandt from Renewable NW, at the AOC Annual Conference in 2025)
Sponsored content contributed by AOC Business Partner: Renewable Northwest
Renewable Northwest (RNW) is a nonprofit organization that advocates for the development of clean, renewable resources in Oregon, Washington, Idaho, and Montana. As a partner of the Association of Oregon Counties, our paths frequently cross in advocacy, utility policy, and infrastructure development across the Pacific Northwest. A key component of our advocacy work at the county-level is to promote streamlined and predictable siting and permitting processes for renewable energy generation and energy storage.
In early 2024, RNW launched the “County Advisory Group” with the goal of engaging with county governments and learning firsthand what issues are regularly faced as renewable energy and storage projects are considered. The group is exclusive to County Commissioners and County Planners — some with experience drafting local ordinances, and others who seek to learn from the experiences of peers. Over the past two years, the group has grown to twenty-five participants from Washington, Oregon, and Idaho.
We’ve met over a dozen times with varying agendas — several meetings have been self-led by internal group participants describing experiences in their own counties and then fielding questions from peers. Other meetings have included external guest speakers on topics ranging from best practices for setting decommissioning requirements, to a briefing on battery storage (BESS), which was our most recent meeting. There have also been beginner-level learning sessions about broader energy topics like the transmission system, the utility regulatory process, and the Community Renewable Energy Association (CREA). Meetings are usually one hour, always held virtually, and are scheduled roughly every 6 weeks.
Going forward, the goals for this group remain modest; we seek to continue listening, learning, and building local connections across Washington, Oregon and Idaho. RNW has gained valuable perspectives from hearing best practices about developing renewable energy ordinances, and we now bring this perspective to counties who are new to considering their own ordinances. We have heard from group members that they appreciate learning about the broader energy system and sharing with peers.
“I’ve participated in this group from the beginning and I’m glad, because it helps me in Sherman to hear what other counties are doing.” – Judge Joe Dabulskis, Sherman County
If you would like to learn more about the County Advisory Group reach out to Adam Capage at RNW: adam@renewablenw.org. Participation is limited to Commissioners and County Planners, and we’re always looking for more participants who want to discuss how the siting process can be improved for local governments and citizens. If you’d like to learn more about RNW’s work, visit our website: renewablenw.org.
Jun 25, 2026 | AOC Business Partner
Sponsored content contributed by AOC Business Partner: Pinnacle Architecture, Inc.
Oregon counties are facing unprecedented behavioral health challenges. Demand for crisis response services continues to grow, while emergency departments, law enforcement agencies, and behavioral health providers are asked to do more with limited resources. As counties invest in crisis stabilization infrastructure, the focus is no longer simply on creating additional capacity, it is about creating environments that improve outcomes for individuals, staff, and the broader community.
Crisis Stabilization Centers represent one of the most important opportunities to strengthen the behavioral health continuum of care. These facilities provide immediate intervention for individuals experiencing a mental health crisis, helping divert people from jails and emergency rooms while connecting them to appropriate services. When thoughtfully designed, they become a critical community asset that supports recovery, improves operational efficiency, and maximizes public investment.
Deschutes County Stabilization Center
We have seen firsthand how design can support these goals. The Deschutes County Stabilization Center, Central Oregon’s first mental health stabilization center, was developed to provide an alternative response for those experiencing behavioral health crises. The project reflects an emerging statewide priority: creating facilities specifically designed for stabilization rather than relying on systems that were never intended to address behavioral health needs.
Successful stabilization centers begin with the patient experience. Individuals often arrive in distress, making the physical environment a powerful tool in de-escalation and recovery. Access to natural light, intuitive wayfinding, calming materials, and comfortable gathering spaces help create a setting that feels welcoming rather than institutional. Research and experience consistently show that environment matters in behavioral healthcare
The recently completed Klamath Basin Behavioral Health Campus exemplifies how counties can leverage thoughtful design to expand access to care while improving community outcomes. Working alongside Klamath Basin Behavioral Health, Pinnacle helped create a walkable behavioral health campus that includes a new residential treatment center and the region’s first Crisis Stabilization Center. The project will double the number of residential treatment beds available in Klamath County while providing a local resource for individuals in crisis, helping reduce the burden on hospitals and jails.
Just as importantly, the design demonstrates how the built environment can support healing. Walking paths, outdoor gathering areas, a community garden, abundant natural daylight, and acoustical treatments create spaces that promote comfort, recovery, and resilience. Warm materials, clear wayfinding, and connections to nature help foster a sense of dignity and safety for both patients and staff.
For counties, operational effectiveness is equally important. Facilities must support clinical workflows, staff visibility, and future flexibility while meeting strict budget requirements. The Klamath Basin campus was planned with future growth in mind, allowing the organization to expand services as community needs evolve. Thoughtful planning today can help counties avoid costly renovations tomorrow while ensuring facilities remain adaptable to changing service models, funding opportunities, and regulatory requirements.
As Oregon continues to invest in behavioral health infrastructure, the most successful projects will be those that view design as a strategic tool rather than a construction requirement. Stabilization and crisis centers are an opportunity to reduce pressure on emergency systems, support behavioral health providers, and create dignified pathways to recovery for some of the community’s most vulnerable residents.
When counties invest in facilities designed around safety, healing, and operational excellence, they are doing more than constructing buildings, they are building the foundation for stronger, healthier communities.
About the Author
Briana Manfrass is President of Pinnacle Architecture and specializes in healthcare, housing, and civic facility planning and design. An Evidence-Based Design (EBD) Certified professional, she brings more than 20 years of experience helping public agencies translate community needs into thoughtful, practical, and sustainable solutions. Briana is passionate about working alongside local leaders to solve complex challenges, build consensus, and create facilities that serve communities for generations.
To discuss facility planning or a future crisis center contact Briana at Briana@parch.biz or 541.388.9897 ext. 22.
Jun 25, 2026 | AOC Business Partner
Sponsored content contributed by AOC Business Partner: iSector
The Oregon iSector is pleased to announce that Keith Leavitt will join the organization as Executive Director effective July 6.
Leavitt brings more than 30 years of leadership experience in economic development, public policy, transportation, trade and community development. His career includes leadership roles with the Oregon Legislature, the Oregon Economic Development Department, the Governor’s Office and more than 25 years at the Port of Portland, where he advanced major infrastructure and economic development initiatives through partnerships across the public, private and civic sectors.
Leavitt succeeds founder Greg Wolf, who will continue serving as Director of Program Development.
The leadership transition comes as Oregon iSector continues expanding its work to help communities tackle complex challenges through cross-sector partnerships and innovative approaches.
In recent years, the organization has sponsored the Housing Innovation Partnership, a statewide initiative that has helped advance more than $140 million in workforce housing investments through financing and policy recommendations. Oregon iSector also provides technical assistance to rural communities, helping local leaders navigate infrastructure planning, housing development, funding opportunities and project implementation while building local capacity for long-term success.
“The iSector board and staff is composed of people with vast experience in public, private and civic partnerships in many different sectors,” said Board Chair Kate Sinner. “Keith brings long experience in major infrastructure projects and the multi-sector systemic changes that make them possible. We look forward to having him join our team.”
As Executive Director, Leavitt will focus on strengthening partnerships and expanding the organization’s support for communities across Oregon as they address housing shortages, infrastructure needs and other complex public challenges that require coordinated action.
Learn more about Oregon iSector and its work at iSector.org.
Jun 25, 2026 | AOC Business Partner
Sponsored content contributed by AOC Business Partner: Energy Trust of Oregon
As temperatures rise, counties can help residents stay comfortable and manage energy costs by sharing practical, low- or no-cost cooling tips.
- Keep hot air out during the day
Close windows, blinds and shades when it’s hot outside to block heat from entering your home. Light-colored window coverings can help reflect heat away. When temperatures drop at night, open windows and doors to bring in cooler air.
- Use fans to stay comfortable
A ceiling fan can help circulate cool air from your air conditioning. Make sure to set ceiling fans to spin counterclockwise, which pushes air down and creates a cool breeze.
- Limit heat from appliances
Appliances and electronics give off heat. Try running dishwashers and laundry in the evening and switch to LED bulbs to keep your home cooler.
- Keep hot air out and cool air in
Seal gaps around doors and windows with caulk or weatherstripping. You can also seal cracks in attics, basements and crawl spaces to prevent unwanted heat from getting in.
- Make the most of your cooling system
Set your thermostat a few degrees higher when possible and keep filters clean so your system runs efficiently and doesn’t work harder than it needs to.
Get more tips and ways to save here.
