Each year, the Association of Oregon Counties (AOC) president selects an initiative to elevate and thread throughout their term of service. This year, Morrow County Commissioner and AOC President, Jim Doherty, has been focused on “Arts, Culture, and Community.”

This year’s presidential initiative “Arts, Culture, and Community” will be a feature throughout the 2020 AOC Annual Conference slated to be held virtually November 17-19.

Doherty said of his initiative, “the impact of arts and culture on our lives can be significant. It preserves heritage, gives a platform for expression, and builds strong communities. The power of arts and culture can bridge communities and strengthen our collective county voice.”

Doherty initially planned to invite members to engage in events across the state that showcase the best each county has to offer, allowing members to learn about one another’s communities. Unfortunately, a year of unprecedented events impeded Doherty’s initial plans, however, during this challenging time, counties have been able to unite around creative solutions while facing adversity together. “I am encouraged to see Oregon’s 36 counties unite around critical issues that are meaningful to Oregonians and support one another. I hope that my presidential initiative will foster this.” 

During the conference opening day and throughout the virtual conference, arts, culture, and community will be woven into sessions, breaks, and networking opportunities. Participants will experience music and visuals representative of the diverse regions of the state.

“Though we were unable to visit counties across the state this year, and see in-person the unique features of one another’s communities, we plan to celebrate Oregon’s heritage and all that our counties are throughout this uniting experience.” said AOC Executive Director, Gina Firman Nikkel, Ph.D.

The 2020 AOC Annual Conference will also feature hot topics that impact Oregon’s diverse regions, best practices where experts will share challenges, success, and opportunities delving into topics including police reform, wildfire, diversity, equity and inclusion, and more.

For more information on the 2020 AOC Annual Conference, click here.

Contributed by: Kristen Paul | Public Affairs Associate