The Association of Oregon Counties (AOC) and League of Oregon Cities (LOC) continued the virtual forum series to coordinate, collaborate, and cultivate a shared understanding of local government interests in Oregon’s transportation funding system.
In August, the first forum meeting provided a detailed overview of federal, state, and local funding mechanisms and how these revenue tools work together to fund the current system. Presentations from the Oregon Department of Transportation, AOC County Road Program, and LOC reviewed the current system, with an emphasis on structural deficits and declining fuel tax revenues. A recording is available here.
The second forum meeting, held on Monday, Oct. 2, featured presentations from two city and two county road departments that demonstrated the range of local jurisdiction transportation budgets and varied regional project priorities. A productive brainstorm and strategy discussion followed the presentations. Slides are available here and a recording of the meeting can be found on the League of Oregon Cities YouTube page.
Forum meetings will continue next year to identify priorities and develop guiding principles to inform AOC and LOC engagement in an expected transportation funding package during the 2025 legislative session. Forum conversations will seek to increase transparent, partnership-oriented communication with state agencies, commissions, and the legislature related to transportation funding policy.
Future forum meetings will feature insight from national experts, and an exploration of mechanisms such as congestion pricing and tolling, road usage or vehicle miles traveled fees, and local options.
Contributed by: Mallorie Roberts | AOC Legislative Affairs Director