Association of Oregon Counties (AOC) has been dedicated to providing critical member services during the pandemic to help Oregon’s 36 counties navigate the complexities involved with health, testing, regulatory changes, economic impact, resource management, advocacy, vaccines, and other critical information. Below are key areas AOC has been focused on.
Advocacy
AOC has been working with the State and federal government to ensure critical funding and resources reach Oregon’s counties.
As the local public health authority and the broad safety net providers in Oregon’s communities small and large, counties need the State and federal government’s support to uplift our most vulnerable populations and continue to deliver crucial services to meet the needs of our unique communities.
AOC is working with partners to support public health, housing, vaccine distribution and information, and community economic needs during the 2021 Legislative Session.
With the conversation on the next federal COVID-19 relief package underway, AOC, its members, and federal partner, the National Association of Counties (NACo), have been advocating at the congressional level for direct aid to counties. The next federal package currently contains $350 billion in dedicated funds for county government, but the package is still moving through the legislative process and is not finalized. AOC will continue to engage with members of the federal delegation on the importance of flexible and direct funding for counties and support for key program needs related to general services impacted by the pandemic.
Communications
Over the course of the pandemic, AOC has communicated on a number of issues related to the pandemic, including by providing regular updates to county officials on federal, State, and regulatory action, as well as funding opportunities that impact Oregonians. Since March, AOC has distributed over 160 special COVID-19 related briefings and news alerts to county commissioners, judges, chairs, and administrators.
Information Sharing
AOC has and continues to work with State and federal partners, including NACo to ensure counties have been able to ask questions and provide input on regulations and mitigation efforts.
Key information sharing options AOC has coordinated:
- Weekly agency partners call (46 have been held since March).
- Monthly AOC meetings.
- Regular calls with the governor’s office.
Contributed by: Megan Chuinard | Public Affairs Associate