As many county commissioners, chairs, and judges are acutely aware, counties have experienced a decades-long trend of increasing budget challenges and more frequent budget shortfalls at the county level. Today, 60% of Oregon counties have a deficit in their general fund and face difficulties providing all mandated services to their communities.
As a solutions-oriented organization representing Oregon counties, the Association of Oregon Counties (AOC) is ready to serve as a catalyst for confronting county revenue challenges. Recognizing the urgency of this challenge, AOC President and Tillamook County Commissioner Erin Skaar will focus her 2026 Presidential Initiative on ways that counties can generate revenue outside of advocacy with state and federal government and under their own authority.
“An alarming number of counties are facing significant, structural challenges in delivering the services our communities count on to be safe and to thrive,” Skaar said. “My presidential initiative this year will highlight this growing revenue crisis and build a foundation on which the AOC membership can unite, learn from each other, and lead toward solutions.”
Throughout the year, AOC will create opportunities for information sharing on topics related to revenue generation and optimization, cost cutting, and other best practices. Through a series of webinars, AOC members will have the opportunity to learn from their peers and from thought leaders at the national level.
Oregon county commissioners, chairs, judges, and other county leaders who have tested new approaches to generating revenue and managing expenses will be invited to share their experiences in these webinars.
Stay tuned for webinar details and how members can be involved in developing budget solutions within their counties.
Contributed by: Jill Rees | Member Services Director