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, and critical information. Below are key areas AOC has been focused on.
Advocacy
AOC has been working with the State to ensure critical funding reaches the state’s front-line service providers, 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’s support to continue to uplift our most vulnerable populations and continue to deliver crucial services to meet the needs of our unique communities.
While most federal funding has been allocated or its use is planned, AOC is working with partners to ensure counties have the resources necessary to continue to deliver critical services to Oregonians, specifically, AOC working to support public health, housing, and community economic needs
Communications
Over the course of the pandemic, AOC has communicated on a number of issues related to the pandemic, including 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 87 special COVID-19 briefings and news alerts to county commissioners, judges, chairs, and administrators. AOC has additionally created a combined briefing for members that encompasses information on COVID-19 and other emergent situations, such as the recent wildfires distributing 12 special briefings to cover essential information.
Information Sharing
AOC has and continues to work with State and federal partners, including the National Association of Counties (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 (29 have been held since March).
- District listening posts for regional information sharing.
- District meetings.
- Regular calls with the governor’s office.
Contributed by: Megan Chuinard | Public Affairs Associate