The Association of Oregon Counties (AOC) kicked off its 120th anniversary celebration with two key events in Salem on Feb. 9 and 10, bringing the unified voice of Oregon’s counties to the state capital. These events included a legislative reception, held in the newly reopened Capitol Galleria, and County Day in the Capitol.
The legislative reception proved to be an overwhelming success, attracting a large attendance of legislators and their staff following a busy day of legislative work and committee hearings. This annual event provided a relaxed and informal environment that fostered networking and strengthened relationships with key figures, including Gov. Tina Kotek, state agency directors and staff, legislators, legislative staff, and various partners.
More than 30 members gathered in the Capitol the following day for County Day at the Capitol to network and advocate on behalf of county budgets, county services, and county governance. Highlights included visits from Senate President Rob Wagner and House Speaker Julie Fahey, a private tour of the extensive Capitol building renovations, a special event honoring counties and AOC on the Senate floor, and afternoon meetings with legislators. AOC’s Executive Committee carried the county message of partnership and collaboration in highly productive discussions with Wagner, Fahey, caucus leaders, and the co-chairs of the Joint Committee on Ways and Means.
AOC continues to strengthen the state-county relationship by consistently delivering the message that counties are the state’s partner in delivering critical public services and infrastructure to every Oregonian. To aid in this messaging, AOC recently released several publications, including a redesigned State-County Shared Services Chart, a new role of counties one-pager, and AOC priority issue briefs and talking points. Members are encouraged to use these resources to illustrate the essential services and programs counties provide.
“The success of the legislative reception and County Day at the Capitol reaffirms our commitment to proactive engagement with the Legislature,” said Executive Director Gina Nikkel. “AOC remains dedicated to its founding mission of advocating for county governments, strengthening intergovernmental collaboration, and ensuring counties have the necessary resources to effectively serve their communities across Oregon.”
Contributed by: Erin Good | Communications Coordinator