The two-year policy cycle for the Association of Oregon Counties (AOC) is underway, with members coming together to shape our legislative agenda for the 2027-2028 biennium. AOC policy steering committees are meeting to workshop and review the policy priorities and guiding principles related to county governance, services, and budgets. Decisions made this spring and summer will drive our advocacy work for the coming two years. All AOC members are encouraged to actively engage in this process throughout April, May, and June to ensure broad representation and perspective.
Each committee will identify top priority issues for the next biennium based on strategic and thoughtful analysis, the urgency of the issue, and political viability. The committees will seek input on challenges and opportunities from affiliate/associate groups and subject matter experts.
To maintain a strategic and narrow focus that allows AOC to concentrate resources, capacity, and political capital, the committees are asked to select priorities that generally:
- Unite counties
- Have a direct county nexus on county budgets, county services, and county governance
- Are within the jurisdiction/control of county governments
Informational steering committee meetings this spring will inform the final recommended priorities and principles for review and approval by the Legislative Committee at the AOC Legislative Retreat, to be held June 28-29. The final priorities and principles that our members approve will be used to guide the advocacy and engagement of our Legislative Affairs Department for the next two years. Legislative priorities are a critical component of AOC’s advocacy efforts, as they represent the platform of most pressing issues that matter most to our members, and serve as a messaging and education tool.
Policy steering committee meetings that have been announced are listed below, and invitations to additional ad hoc meetings of all committees will be sent via email as they are scheduled. Several of these meetings will be hybrid and all will have a virtual option to join. The most up-to-date information is always available on AOC’s website calendar. Meeting materials and recordings will be posted on AOC’s website under the advocacy tab for each policy steering committee when available.
AOC must be prepared to thoughtfully and effectively engage with legislators before, during, and after sessions to achieve the goals agreed upon by our members. We will spend the majority of the summer carefully crafting those goals and priorities, giving us time to gather legislative and stakeholder support for our advocacy in the 2027 and 2028 legislative sessions.
2027-2028 Policy Formulation: April Steering Committee Dates
Friday, April 3
1 p.m. | AOC Natural Resources Steering Committee (virtual only)
Friday, April 10
9 a.m. | AOC Governance, Revenue, and Economic Development Steering Committee (hybrid)
11 a.m. | AOC Health and Human Services Steering Committee (hybrid)
12 p.m. | AOC Joint Health and Human Services and Public Safety and Veterans Steering Committees to discuss transportation liability for counties when conducting court ordered civil commitments (hybrid)
1 p.m. | AOC Public Safety and Veterans Steering Committee (hybrid)
Contributed by: Mallorie Roberts | Legislative Affairs Director