Oct 30, 2026 | AOC Business Partner
Sponsored content contributed by AOC Business Partner: Zendesk
Imagine trying to conduct an orchestra where every world-class musician plays a different song simultaneously. The final music would be difficult to understand, even though each individual performance makes sense on its own. Counties face a similar challenge due to the mandated variation in their operations and functions, centered around the single goal of public service.
Tasked with delivering a massive and diverse list of outcomes for citizens, counties share an ultimate objective, but the digital needs of a public works department differ greatly from those of a health department, emergency response team, or justice system (National Association of Counties [NACo], 2025). Because of these distinct missions and use cases, the technology platforms used across various departments often lack interoperability.
Part of this comes from the sheer weight of history. For the last 40 years, local governments have been building and buying separate, on-premise server-based systems. In the modern cloud era, IT departments are now left with the task of connecting archaic data sets and tape libraries into shiny new platforms. The result? Deep, stubborn information silos that trap data, frustrate employees, burn overhead, and ultimately shortchange the citizens relying on these services (Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development [OECD], 2025).
The Great “Data Lake” Mirage
Over the past 10 to 15 years, a common proposed solution to information silos was physical centralisation. As counties migrated to cloud infrastructure, organisations attempted to consolidate historical data into centralized data lakes. However, this approach has often failed to deliver expected outcomes, rendering traditional physical de-siloing ineffective.
An analysis of recent implementations shows that this approach relied heavily on manual data uploads, frequently leading to unification failures (ThinkLogic, n.d.). Furthermore, data deduplication errors occurred regularly. Merging and cleaning four decades of disjointed municipal data consumes budget resources and taxes IT personnel, reducing the capacity for strategic initiatives.
Zero-Migration Unification Platforms (ZMUPs)
Future-proofing county operations requires leaving existing data structures in place and ending unnecessary data migration cycles. A practical baseline approach is to maintain data in its original repository.
Modern technology allows local governments to transition to cloud infrastructure while drawing on past, archived, and legacy datasets without complex migrations. These systems are known as Zero-Migration Unification Platforms (ZMUPs).
A ZMUP addresses data within its original source environment. By utilizing standard REST APIs and modern integration frameworks, these platforms securely query 40-year-old servers, reading data in place and presenting it through a single interface.
In-Place Unification Key Technologies
When ushering in the next era of county technology, government leaders should keep their eyes peeled for providers who champion this data-in-place unification strategy. Here is a look at ecosystem players making it happen:
- MuleSoft and Boomi: These vendors provide API-led connectivity to link legacy databases with cloud They read data directly from older servers, avoiding large-scale data transfers to new repositories.
- Snowflake: Snowflake supports federated data sharing, allowing organisations to query and analyze data across diverse systems directly at the source location.
- Zendesk: Zendesk serves as a resolution platform and unified knowledge center for citizen service and internal employee support (Zendesk, n.d.). It uses REST APIs and integration tools to bring legacy data into a single workspace without requiring permanent external data storage within the platform.
Integrating these systems creates a unified connection across departments. A centralized hub adapts to specific agency workflows and reads underlying legacy data, allowing employees to access historical information efficiently.
Capitalizing on Past Investments: Honoring the Data
A primary advantage of a ZMUP strategy is its management of historical data. The architecture maintains access to historical records while providing a cloud interface. Rather than requiring IT teams to select specific datasets for migration, a ZMUP retains all existing data in place.
This approach preserves existing technology investments and uses historical data to support current operational needs and citizen interactions, avoiding expensive long-term storage in new cloud environments.
Cost and Legacy System Retirement
A common question regarding ZMUP architecture concerns the ongoing licensing costs of legacy software systems.
Adopting a ZMUP does not require maintaining active software licenses for retired applications. Data from decommissioned systems can be exported into standard file formats and stored in low-cost archival environments, such as Amazon S3 Glacier, Google Cloud Storage Archive, or Microsoft Azure Blob Storage. These storage options maintain cross-platform readability and API connectivity, allowing the ZMUP to query data on demand while reducing infrastructure overhead.
Through API connectivity, the platform reads standard file formats from archival storage and delivers requested information to users, eliminating ongoing software subscription costs while maintaining complete data access.
Real Counties, Real Wins
Many counties globally have implemented ZMUP strategies. For example, DuPage County, Illinois replaced fragmented legacy systems with Zendesk to support 2,500 employees across multiple departments. Through this implementation, DuPage County reduced its IT service desk response times by 95 percent across ten departments and achieved high customer satisfaction ratings (Zendesk, n.d.).
Similarly, Surrey County Council implemented Zendesk to consolidate citizen inquiries across multiple channels (Zendesk, n.d.). By centralizing data visibility across departments, the council improved service coordination and operational efficiency.
The Bottom Line
Consolidating municipal technology through physical data integration often increases operational complexity (Government Finance Officers Association [GFOA], 2020), and while this practice has been seen as the track towards operating in the cloud while utilizing historical data, the emergence of the API-driven, AI-supported tech landscape available today allows for better options – including leaving data where it is, and focusing on a system that unilaterally accesses historical records without migrating in data. Focusing on zero-migration cloud-based integration solutions allows local governments to access data in its existing location. By leveraging
API-driven platforms such as Zendesk, counties can improve mobility, unify information access, and maintain integration with historical data assets, honoring and protecting the data generated by past investments in historical systems.
References
Government Finance Officers Association. (2020). Does consolidating local governments work?
National Association of Counties. (2025). How county governments thrive with cloud-based solutions.
Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development. (2025). Governing with artificial intelligence: Implementation challenges.
ThinkLogic. (n.d.). From 30+ disconnected websites to one scalable platform. Zendesk. (n.d.). DuPage County modernizes employee support and CX. Zendesk. (n.d.). Surrey County Council customer story.
To meet publication-length limitation needs, condensed or shortened versions of this article are available on request.
Author Note
Laura Lundahl Baga, MPA, DBA, Zendesk.
Laura Lundahl Baga is a government-technology enthusiast and thought leader in the technology industry. Her professional background includes drafting technology-oriented fiscal notes for legislation, researching policy, overseeing national funding allocations for the federal government, and chairing federal panels for agencies such as USDHHS. She has served clients including the US VA, NOAA, and NASA, directed university research funding development, and directed programs on NATO and US military bases globally. She represents technology companies in supporting the technology goals of government customers.
Correspondence concerning this article should be addressed to Laura Lundahl Baga, Zendesk. Email: laura.baga@zendesk.com
Oct 30, 2026 | Natural Resources
The Association of Oregon Counties (AOC), the League of Oregon Cities (LOC), and the executive branch spent the last four months in complex negotiations surrounding rulemaking for the Middle Housing Oregon Homes Program, created by House Bill 2258 (2025). The final rules were adopted by the Land Conservation and Development Commission (LCDC) on Oct. 22.
The Middle Housing Oregon Homes Program (known simply as Oregon Homes) allows housing developers to submit pre-approved housing development plans to any planning department in the state for automatic approval – assuming the necessary site requirements are met.
HB 2258 lists the site requirements that must be met. Lots or parcels must be inside an established urban growth boundary (UGB) or city limit boundary, on a slope averaging no more than 15%, and not within a mapped area of environmentally sensitive natural resources. Additionally, trees of specific diameter must be preserved.
Initial proposed rules from the Department of Land Conservation and Development (DLCD) prohibited a local government from considering many factors in the permitting process which typically would be grounds for altering a development plan. AOC, LOC, and local jurisdictions coordinated to provide comprehensive comments in opposition to the proposed preemptions. These coordinated efforts proved successful when LCDC declined to approve the initial draft and directed DLCD to incorporate local government concerns in a new draft. LCDC was further informed during a meeting in August that additional alterations needed to occur. At the conclusion of negotiations, local governments secured significant adjustments to address concerns raised throughout the process.
Under the final version of Oregon Homes (OAR 660 Div. 47) housing developments are required to follow the DLCD’s height restrictions when located near airports and airstrips (ORS 836.608 and OAR 660 Div. 13); the defensible space code, and the Oregon Fire Code. Oregon Homes’ projects will also be required to offer one parking location per dwelling. Local governments, in addition to using established comprehensive plans to identify environmentally sensitive and natural hazard areas, may now also use locally adopted ordinances or resolutions.This includes the Department of Geology and Mineral Industries IMS, OFR and SLIDO areas as well as FEMA Flood Maps.
DLCD ended up addressing setbacks differently depending on the jurisdiction issuing the permit. Oregon Homes’ projects within UGBs (unincorporated communities) will be required to have a 15-foot setback in the front and 10 feet on all remaining sides of the structure.However, within city limits the requirement is 5 feet on all sides. The larger setback for counties is to accommodate the urban services that would need to be provided once annexed into city jurisdiction at a later date.
LCDC approved OAR 660 Division 47 (MHOR Homes) on Oct. 22 and went into effect immediately.
Contributed by: Branden Pursinger | Legislative Affairs Manager
Oct 30, 2026 | AOC News
The Association of Oregon Counties (AOC) annual district meetings concluded in October, providing a forum for members to discuss key issues facing their counties and receive updates from the association, regional partners, and affiliates.
AOC staff and members of the executive committee traveled across the state to meet with county leaders in each district. Reflecting on the meetings, AOC Executive Director Gina Nikkel highlighted the importance of county collaboration.
“Our association’s strength comes from counties uniting to share ideas and advocate for our communities, and we are grateful for the active engagement and dedication of our members.”
Hot topic discussions were primarily focused on revenue and unfunded mandates, with deeper conversations on funding for deflection programs, behavioral health, and district attorneys. Topics in some districts also covered ambulance service districts, regional infrastructure, wildfire management, County Financial Assistance Agreements, Oregon State Hospital restructuring, Community Care Organizations, and the Statewide Solid Waste Taskforce.
Executive Director Gina Nikkel presented an overview of the proposed budget for the upcoming year which will be considered for adoption by the full membership at the AOC Annual Business Meeting during the 2026 Annual Conference later this month.
AOC department directors provided updates on key accomplishments and outcomes for AOC member counties:
- Member Services Director Jill Rees highlighted initiatives designed to enhance membership engagement and celebrated the growth of the business partner program.
- County Road Program Director Brian Worley highlighted ongoing technical assistance and advocacy conducted in partnership with the Oregon Association of County Engineers and Surveyors, and provided an update on the Integrated Road Information System, used by county road departments for asset management, cost accounting, and maintenance tracking.
- Legislative Affairs Director Mallorie Roberts recapped key outcomes from the 2026 legislative short session and provided a preview of what to expect in the 2027 legislative session.
Members also had the opportunity to hear presentations from county staff, business partners and local government affiliates:
- County staff provided briefings on local deflection programs and state funding for behavioral health.
- OSU Extension Services shared updates highlighting the ongoing educational and community programming collaboration between OSU Extension and counties.
- Representatives from affiliate organizations delivered reports highlighting shared administrative hurdles and opportunities for cross-jurisdictional cooperation.
AOC extends our sincere appreciation to host counties for their hospitality and to all members for their valuable feedback and engagement throughout the district meetings. We look forward to seeing everyone at the upcoming annual conference.
Visit our website to access all materials and recordings from the district meetings.
Contributed by: Erin Good | Communications Coordinator
Oct 30, 2026 | Public Safety & Veterans
Counties nationwide will visibly demonstrate their commitment to our nation’s veterans by participating in Operation Green Light for Veterans, Nov. 4-11, 2026.
Counties play a direct role in providing services to veterans and their families. In Oregon, every county operates a local County Veteran Services Office (CVSO) to connect veterans and their families with federal, state, and local benefits free of charge. CVSOs are often the first point of contact for veterans in their community looking to access federal and local benefits, assisting with a wide range of services including VA healthcare, home loans, educational benefits, property tax relief, and job placement assistance.
Participating in Operation Green Light is a visible way to honor veterans while raising awareness about the role of counties. By illuminating public buildings, counties can also inspire local businesses, civic organizations, and residents to participate by changing their own lights to green.
To support your county’s participation, the National Association of Counties (NACo) offers a comprehensive, free resource toolkit. We encourage you to utilize these resources to highlight your county’s ongoing dedication to its veteran population.
- Draft Resolutions: Formal templates for county boards to officially declare participation.
- Media Resources: Customizable press releases and media advisories to engage local news outlets.
- Social Media Templates: Pre-designed graphics and messaging to promote the initiative online.
- Community Outreach Guides: Materials to encourage participation from local stakeholders and businesses.
Register your county’s participation and see how Oregon counties are participating at NACo’s Operation Green Light:
Contributed by: Erin Good | Communications Coordinator
Oct 29, 2026 | AOC Business Partner
Sponsored content contributed by AOC Business Partner: Trane
Trane works with organizations like OMNIA Partners to help public agencies, including those across Oregon, with simple and cost-effective procurement solutions. Through its collaboration with OMNIA Partners Public Sector (National IPA and U.S. Communities), Trane offers Oregon county and state government agencies with streamlined purchasing options and reliable procurement resources.
Work completed in the St. Louis, Missouri metropolitan area illustrates how Oregon communities can benefit from cooperative purchasing. In 2023, Trane partnered with four cities—Des Peres, St. Ann, St. Charles, and Wentzville—to enhance their building infrastructure using the best value procurement offered through OMNIA Partners.
For example, St. Ann, home to about 13,000 residents, had a long list of costly repairs and necessary improvements to their community facilities. To manage the modernization of each building without impacting taxpayer dollars, the city turned to Trane as its single, turnkey provider for project execution.
Collaborating with the city leaders, Trane’s local building experts identified the following building upgrades and maintenance plan:
- New rooftop units
- Exterior and indoor lighting
- Tracer® SC+ building automation systems
- Annual maintenance and repair service agreement
They were able to bolster savings through the cooperative purchasing contract with OMNIA Partners. This offers best–value, pre-negotiated pricing and streamlined equipment, controls, and service procurement directly from Trane – reducing the cost to fund, execute, and manage the project.
St. Ann City Administrator, Matt Conley, comments on the project: “We’ve significantly improved the efficiency of the buildings throughout our entire city, improving the comfort and indoor air quality for staff and residents alike; We are also seeing over $21,000 in energy savings annually.”
Read the full customer story.
Communities in Oregon can leverage the same Trane OMNIA Partners contract to accelerate infrastructure modernization, manage taxpayer resources responsibly, and enhance building performance.
Trane’s full portfolio of HVAC systems, controls, building services, and energy solutions is available through the OMNIA Partners contract—making it easier for Oregon’s public-sector leaders to achieve cost savings and operational improvements.
Learn more about how Oregon state and local governments can access Trane solutions through the OMNIA Partners procurement process.
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