The Association of Oregon Counties (AOC) released its 2020 Annual Report, highlighting its successes over the last year. The report reflects on member engagement, financial health, and key programs and services of the organization that help support counties and its members.
While 2020 presented many challenges including a global pandemic and other emergent issues, such as wildfires, flooding, and windstorms, AOC was able to provide adaptive, core services to its members.
2020 AOC President and Morrow County Commissioner Jim Doherty said of the dynamic year, “We have been able to provide our members an increased level of services in a virtual setting with more communications and accessibility in meetings.” He also noted that during 2020, AOC and its members “elevated the crucial role counties play as partners to the State and federal government in delivery of services.”
AOC members were heavily engaged in the association’s work and with one another through a number of activities. Topline engagement stats include:
- Membership of 100 percent of counties in the state.
- Over 135 communications to members on emergent issues.
- Over 300 attendees at the AOC Annual Conference with all of Oregon’s 36 counties represented.
- 128 AOC member meetings.
- 17 district meetings.
- Over 20 participants at New Commissioner Orientation.
- Over 26,000 user impressions through Facebook.
AOC provides a number of services to members including advocacy and education. The organization strives to serve its members by uniting its 36-member counties to advance county issues, foster trust in county government, and develop programs and services that support the success of counties into the future.
During 2020, AOC legislative affairs staff were instrumental in advocating for county needs during the regular Legislative Session, the three special sessions, Legislative Emergency Board meetings, and in work with the governor’s office through the critical engagement and input of AOC’s members.
Tillamook County Commissioner David Yamamoto said of the organization’s value, “AOC provides a platform for county commissioners, judges, and chairs to connect and understand perspectives and needs across the state to better advocate as a collective body to the Legislature, governor, Congress, the White House, and state and federal agencies.”
One of AOC’s key networking programs held during 2020 was New Commissioner Orientation. The program, held during AOC’s Annual Conference, is a prelude to AOC’s County College and gives incoming elected officials the opportunity to connect with their peers and learn basic tools and resources for success in their new roles. “Commissioner orientation was a good opportunity to meet my peers and find out more about County College. I look forward to attending it and working with the AOC and other commissioners as we learn how to best serve our communities,” said Harney County Commissioner Kristen Shelman of the experience.
Additionally, of note during 2020, the organization took significant strides forward in financial health. In 2020, AOC implemented the first budget built using a new budget structure, a chart of accounts, financial software, current audited financial statements, and revised fiscal policies overseen by the AOC Budget and Finance Committee. “AOC’s fiscal house is in order due to the work of many engaged members that provide us the track for continued success,” said Wasco County Commissioner Steve Kramer of the organization’s progress.
Contributed by: Megan Chuinard | Public Affairs Associate