Aug 28, 2023 | AOC News
Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) unveils the County Profiles data dashboard, a tool that provides key data about housing dynamics in the state. The County Profiles aims to tell a comprehensive story about housing in Oregon while addressing questions frequently posed to the agency regarding affordable housing, home purchasing costs, and homelessness.
OHCS uses data to inform policy solutions. The agency created these profiles to provide information about various topics connected to housing, such as the race and gender of people living in poverty or the population of a specific county.
Each County Profile has five data sections:
- Population
- Poverty
- Homeownership
- Rental Housing
- Homelessness
The data is primarily sourced from the US Census Bureau’s annual surveys. The dashboard presents many of these statistics by race, ethnicity, and gender when the data is available.
The dashboard will be updated annually and continue to evolve to improve transparency. Individuals, organizations, and policymakers are urged to explore the County Profiles and email feedback, questions, or recommendations to hcs_research@hcs.oregon.gov.
Contributed by: Jessica Pratt | Legislative Affairs Manager
Aug 21, 2023 | AOC News
The Association of Oregon Counties (AOC) has hired Jennifer Lewis-Goff as a legislative affairs manager. Her portfolio will cover issues related to public safety, veterans services, and community development.
Lewis-Goff comes to AOC with nearly 15 years of diverse experience in policy analysis, advocacy, and member association management. She brings established relationships and demonstrated success in coalition building in the Oregon State Legislature and will be an asset to the association.
“AOC is excited to have Jen on the county team. I know she will be a great fit for our organization and will effectively elevate the county voice with our partner agencies and organizations,” said Gina Firman Nikkel, AOC executive director, of the hire.
Lewis-Goff will complete AOC’s Legislative Affairs team, joining Mallorie Roberts, who serves as the association’s legislative director (covering transportation policy); and legislative affairs managers: Michael Burdick (governance, revenue, and economic development), Branden Pursinger (natural resources and land use), and Jessica Pratt (health and human services).
Lewis-Goff’s first day is September 1, 2023.
Contributed by: Mallorie Roberts | Legislative Affairs Director
Aug 17, 2023 | AOC Advocacy, AOC News
The 2023 AOC Legislative Summary is a comprehensive report that describes the outcomes of the Association of Oregon Counties’ top legislative priorities and provides a detailed overview of each piece of legislation on which the AOC Legislative Committee took a position during Oregon’s 82nd Legislative Assembly.
Over 2000 bills were introduced this session and 697 were passed into law. The AOC Legislative Affairs Team lobbied for/against 189 concepts and submitted fiscal impact statements on over 500 proposals with potential impact to county budgets.
The strategic input, lobbying efforts, and technical expertise from commissioners, chairs, judges, and county staff this session was critical to AOC’s ability to advocate successfully on behalf of all of Oregon’s counties in the State Capitol. Together we secured significant policy and budgetary wins, built meaningful relationships with key state leaders, and advanced the state-county partnership.
The AOC Legislative Summary was emailed to the membership in PDF form, a hard copy was mailed to each county, and it can be found at www.orgeoncounties.org.
Click here to view the 2023 AOC Legislative Summary.
Contributed by: Mallorie Roberts | Legislative Affairs Director
Aug 15, 2023 | AOC News
Each year, the Association of Oregon Counties (AOC) holds eight district meetings where AOC’s member counties gather with regional partners for collaboration and knowledge sharing on the most important issues facing their communities. These meetings are typically held in-person, and hosted by a member county within the district.
District counties and meeting details are as follows:
District 1
- Baker, Grant, Malheur, Umatilla, Union, Wallowa
- Date: September 29; Time: 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
District 2
- Crook, Deschutes, Harney, Jefferson, Klamath, Lake
- Date: September 21; Time: 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
District 3
- Gilliam, Hood River, Morrow, Sherman, Wasco, Wheeler
- Date: September 28; Time: 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
District 4
- Coos, Curry, Douglas, Josephine
- Date: September 18; Time: 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
District 5
- Benton, Lane, Linn
- Date: September 8; Time: 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
District 6
- Marion, Polk, Yamhill
- Date: October 6; Time: 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
District 7
- Clatsop, Columbia, Lincoln, Tillamook
- Date: September 15; Time: 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
District 8
- Clackamas, Multnomah, Washington
- Date: October 4; Time: 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Additional meeting information can be found here.
Contributed by: Mckenzie Farrell | Operations Director
Aug 10, 2023 | AOC Business Partner
A new messaging campaign is raising awareness and encouraging applicants to join Eastern Oregon’s behavioral health workforce.
Since May 15, Greater Oregon Behavioral Health, Inc. (GOBHI) and a network of its providers have launched this campaign. The message is: “Come Care With Us.”
The campaign was funded by GOBHI and developed in partnership with providers and community stakeholders. This partnership is called the GOBHI Network. Staff collaborated with the firm CFM Advocates and subcontractors ZPP Productions and Birdee Media to create these high quality products. The launch of the campaign also coincides with Mental Health Awareness Month, which is recognized in May each year.
The GOBHI Network encourages all partners and community members to spread the word that Eastern Oregon is a great place to live and work.
The campaign includes:
- A website with job listings from Community Mental Health Providers and other network providers in the region, information about Eastern Oregon attractions, and details about the GOBHI network.
- Five short videos featuring powerful interviews with behavioral health professionals in Eastern Oregon.
- Social media messaging across multiple platforms. Partners are encouraged to share these posts and tag the campaign on social media.
Radio spots
- In-person recruitment events and outreach to community colleges, universities and high schools serving the region.
- Open letter to all high school students in Eastern Oregon.
The GOBHI Network is thankful for these partnerships and help in disseminating this messaging throughout the community. If you would like more information about the campaign, please contact info@bhcareers.org.
Contributed by: Kristen Paul | Public Affairs Associate
*Sponsored content provided by AOC Business Partner.
