During a two-day retreat held in Deschutes County on June 29-30, the Association of Oregon Counties (AOC) Legislative Committee and steering committees convened to adopt AOC’s policy priorities and principles for the 2027-2028 legislative biennium. The gathering included commissioners, chairs, and judges from 30 counties, along with county staff, affiliates, and AOC staff, who met to address the pressing issues facing Oregon’s counties related to county budgets, services, and governance that unite all Oregon counties.
Counties serve as vital partners to the state, ensuring that critical public services are delivered efficiently and effectively to every Oregonian. These legislative priorities establish the foundation for AOC’s upcoming advocacy by emphasizing that counties require sufficient authority and resources to provide essential infrastructure and services that all Oregonians rely on.
2027-28 Legislative Session Priorities
Revenue
Ensure property taxes are administered accurately and fairly by providing adequate and stable funding for all county assessment, mapping, appeals, collection, and distribution services.
Health and Human Services
Use a combination of budget neutral solutions (reduction of administrative burden, increased flexibility) and strategic new investments in behavioral health, public health, and homeless response to maximize the capacity and efficiency of counties and thereby reduce reliance on costly state services.
Natural Resources
Protect, and grow if possible, funding and flexibility in managing local natural resource programs.
Public Safety and Emergency Management
Support state-county public safety partnerships and service delivery through sustained full cost funding. Specifically seek modernization of Oregon’s local emergency management system and develop a stable state source of revenue for disaster response, recovery, and local service delivery.
Transportation
Ensure an efficient and comprehensive transportation funding package prioritizes investments in operations, maintenance, and safety of existing transportation infrastructure; incorporates diverse and modern funding mechanisms to ensure the growth and stabilization of the State Highway Fund (SHF); maintains the 30% county share of SHF revenues; and reduces barriers to local revenue sources.
2027-28 Legislative Priorities (PDF)
Contributed by: Mallorie Roberts | Legislative Affairs Director