Mar 17, 2023 | AOC News
The Association of Oregon Counties (AOC) is a 23-member staff of professional employees with broad duties and skill-sets. Each team member helps make AOC the success it is today. Here is an opportunity to meet a member of your AOC team.
Meet AOC County Road Program IT Trainer & Communications Specialist, Robert Yde
Robert Yde joined the AOC team in February of 2023 as IT Trainer & Communications Specialist. In his role, Robert primarily supports the public affairs and communication needs of the County Road Program (CRP). He also serves as the first point of contact and trainer for CRP’s Integrated Road Information System (IRIS).
After graduating from college, Robert spent five years in the U.S. Army as a public affairs specialist, including a 15-month deployment to Baghdad, Iraq. Following his time in the army, he relocated to Oregon and continued to work in public affairs, first at the Oregon State Hospital, then at Samaritan Health Plans in Corvallis. In 2018, Robert changed careers and began his first year of teaching middle school language arts and social studies courses in Albany, which he continued to do until joining AOC in early 2023.
Robert holds a Bachelor’s degree in sociology from North Carolina State University, as well as a bachelor’s degree in education from Oregon State University.
AOC County Road Program
Robert’s position is housed in the CRP department of AOC.
The AOC CRP was established in 1990 as a cooperative with the OACES to provide advocacy, education, and cost-effective solutions as a trusted central resource for information and technical assistance for Oregon’s county road departments. The purpose of the CRP is to enhance county road management capabilities with programs of shared technical assistance. The core functions of CRP include: advocating for the county road system; providing education and information to road officials; providing cost accounting software – IRIS – for county road departments; and staffing OACES.
Why Robert Loves AOC
“County government is often overshadowed by federal and state government, however, county governments provide essential services to their citizens and the communities within them. Something that I love about AOC is how the organization works hand-in-hand with our county partners to offer tools, resources, and information to further empower our local governments to best meet the needs of their citizens.”
What Interests Robert in His Work
“Although I’ve always been interested in journalism and an avid follower of the news, I found my way into the public affairs world by chance when I joined the Army. My first choice of jobs was not available at the time, and public affairs was offered to me instead. As I learned the job, the part that really resonated with me was being able to tell the story of individual soldiers and the work they were doing. The opportunity to meet a wide-range of people, hear their stories, and be able to share these stories with a wider audience is still my favorite aspect of public affairs.”
What Robert Wants to See in the Future for AOC
“I truly believe that being able to address issues and find solutions at the local level is more important than ever. The decisions and actions of local governments often have the greatest impact on peoples’ daily lives, and I’d like to see AOC continue to work closely with counties to find efficient and effective solutions that improve the quality of lives for Oregonians across the state.”
Outside of AOC
Outside of AOC, Robert enjoys playing guitar and listening to music (preferably live), watching sports, and playing video games with his 14-year-old son. Additionally, when it is not raining, Robert likes to spend time outdoors with his wife and their two dogs.
Contributed by: Megan Chuinard | Public Affairs Associate
Feb 24, 2023 | AOC News
The March Economic and Revenue Forecast was presented during a joint meeting of the Senate Committee on Finance and Revenue and the House Committee on Revenue and House Revenue Committees on Feb. 22. The committees heard from state economists at the Office of Economic Analysis that there will be “additional resources available for policymakers” as they develop the 23-25 biennium budget. Compared to the December Economic and Revenue Forecast the projected ending balance is up $487.1 million. That said, analysts also noted there is still an amount of uncertainty, including a full tax cycle broaching in April and noted the office will be in a better position in the middle of May when they present the close-of-session forecast to understand actual receipts and available funds. The May Economic and Revenue Forecast will be used by lawmakers to develop the 23-25 biennial budget. The latest projections could help eliminate the projected $560 million shortfall predicted by analysts in December.
Corporate and personal income taxes remain strong, showing 25 percent annual growth over the past five years, far more rapid than underlying measures of profits would suggest. Analysts commented that with the improved baseline economic outlook, additional gains in most taxes are expected through the 23-25 biennium, with a notable exception in the marijuana tax, which is expected to fall by 11 percent due to low prices, reducing drug treatment funds.
New Facts
- Fourth quarter personal income tax collections came in $261.6 million (9.4 percent) above the December 2022 forecast.
- Fourth quarter corporate income tax collections came in $131.1 million (54.6 percent) above the December 2022 forecast.
- Fourth quarter state personal income was $1.1 billion (-0.4 percent) below the December 2022 forecast.
- Fourth quarter state employment was 6,655 jobs (0.3 percent) above the December 2022 forecast.
Change Since Close of Session
- Personal income tax revenue is up $3,557.4 million (17.2 percent) from the 2021 close-of-session estimate.
- Corporate tax revenue is up $1,545.5 million (115.0 percent) from the 2021 close-of-session estimate.
- General Fund gross revenue is up $5,483.6 million (23.4 percent) from the 2021 close-of-session estimate.
- Net General Fund and Lottery fund resources are up $6,653.6 million (24 percent) from the 2021 close-of-session estimate.
Kicker Funds Implied by Forecast
- Personal – A personal kicker of $3,938.2 million is projected for 2023.
- Corporate – A corporate tax revenue of $1,545.5 million is projected to be dedicated to K-12 education spending in the 23-25 biennium.
Revenue Changes
- Projected 21-23 biennium net General Fund resources are up $487.1 million (1.7 percent) from the December 2022 forecast.
- Projected 2021-23 Lottery Fund resources are up $16.4 million (0.9 percent) from the December 2022 forecast.
- Projected combined net General Fund and Lottery Fund resources are up $503.5 million (1.5 percent) from the December 2022 forecast.
Ending Balance
- The projected ending balance is up $4,065.2 million from the 2021 close-of-session estimate.
- The projected ending balance is up $487.1 million from the December 2022 forecast.
- The Rainy Day Fund is projected to receive $278.6 million following the 2021-23 biennium.
Contributed by: Anna Braun | AOC Contract Lobbyist, Government, Revenue, and Veterans
Feb 24, 2023 | AOC News
Counties currently included in the Governor’s Emergency Order 23-02 and counties that wish to be included are recommended to read through the entire webpage that has been established as the single point of information and contact for the homelessness state of emergency. The webpage was updated early Feb. with more specific directions for those intending to request inclusion.
The rollout of the executive order will be a collaboration between state and local emergency management offices and state and local housing authorities.
‘Local jurisdictions’ requesting inclusion will need to follow the steps below (sourced from the state webpage) and assemble a “Multi-Agency Coordination (MAC) group”
Instructions for requesting inclusion in the homelessness state of emergency
The governor will complete her first scheduled review of the emergency order on March 10, 2023. Local jurisdictions that would like to be included in the state of emergency must meet the qualifications listed below and are then encouraged to submit their request to The Oregon Department of Emergency Management (ODEM) at the email address below before March 10, 2023. To qualify for a review, a local jurisdiction must meet the following requirements:
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- The unsheltered population in 2022 must be greater than 30 households, and
- The community has declared a local state of emergency related to homelessness, and
- At least one of the following is true:
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- Unsheltered homelessness increased by 50 percent or more between 2017-2022, and/or
- The rate of unsheltered homelessness in 2022 was 80 percent or greater.
Once the jurisdiction confirms they meet the qualifications above, a request containing information will need to be submitted through ODEM at oem.recovery@oem.oregon.gov and approved by the governor.
What is a Multi-Agency Coordination (MAC) Group?
A Multi-Agency Coordination (MAC) group is a group for interagency management planning, coordination, and operational leadership to provide strategic coordination, identify resources, and manage goals.
The MAC group will lead in the development, completion, and deployment of the community plan. Local communities will work to identify interventions based on the needs of people experiencing unsheltered homelessness within the service region. The MAC groups will work continuously with Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) and ODEM throughout the year to review data and amend plans as needed to ensure goals are met.
The local MAC group will include:
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- Local jurisdictions (homelessness and emergency management staff);
- Public housing authority;
- Local homelessness agencies;
- Rapid rehousing service providers;
- Shelter developer/operator;
- Landlord associations; and
- Behavioral Health providers.
Contributed by: Jessica Pratt | Legislative Affairs Manager
Feb 14, 2023 | AOC News
The National Association of Counties (NACo) announced the appointment of AOC Executive Director Gina Firman Nikkel, Ph.D. to the newly created NACo Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission, during its annual legislative conference held in Washington D.C.
The 14-member commission, created to drive change in the nation’s mental health system and policies, is composed of county leaders with mental health-centered expertise.
Nikkel, who has served as AOC’s Executive Director since 2020, brings to the commission many years experience as a therapist and program manager in rural county mental health and crisis work; 11 years as the Association of Oregon County Mental Health Program Director, eight years as a county commissioner, and nine years as the President and CEO of the international Foundation for Excellence in Mental Care (FEMHC) which she helped create. Dr. Nikkel holds a master’s degree in counseling and a Ph.D. in Social Public Policy and Leadership.
“I’m honored to have been appointed to this commission,” commented Dr. Nikkel. “The work of this body is critical in meeting the urgent needs of Americans in the mental health crisis we are currently facing.”
The commission’s charter is:
- Stimulate national sense of urgency, through an intergovernmental partnership framework, for addressing our nation’s crisis with mental health and wellbeing of residents, especially our most vulnerable.
- Elevate the national awareness of the roles, innovations, and pain-points facing county governments in addressing this escalating crisis.
- Achieve NACo’s public policy agenda, such as the full implementation of Mental Health Parity standards, modernize the unequal coverage of mental health care through the “institutions for mental disease” (IMD) prohibition, repeal the Medicaid Inmate Exclusion Policy for people held in jail pre-trial, and build the mental health workforce and continuum of care for the future.
- Align a cohesive national and intergovernmental strategy to improve and enhance the mental health and wellbeing of all Americans, with a special focus on our most vulnerable populations.
Issues that the committee will tackle are broad ranging, including the need for mental health professionals and increased need for service. Currently, one-third of the U.S. population lives in a county designated as a mental health professional shortage area.
“In 2021, nearly one in four U.S. adults and one in five adolescents experienced a mental illness,” said NACo President Denise Winfrey. “This commission understands the urgency of the moment. It’s made up of people who, in their own communities, are seeing the effects of the mental health crisis, and have an idea of where we need to start in order to address it.”
“The gap in service and continued increase in demand exacerbated by the pandemic has elevated the need for us to roll up our sleeves with coalition partners across a continuum of care, and drive real change through investments and policy,” said Nikkel. NACo is working with the White House, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the Council of State Chief Justices, and many more coalition partners on this initiative.
Counties are well-positioned to lead action on the mental health crisis because counties play an integral role in local health, justice and human services systems. Direct mental health service delivery responsibilities are falling increasingly to America’s counties, which serve as the nation’s safety net for residents in need, act as first responders, operate crisis lines, and manage public hospitals and detention centers.
Between April 2023 and February of 2024 the commission will meet and convene sub-groups to develop a final report and recommendations at the 2024 NACo Legislative Conference.
For more information about NACo’s Commission on Mental Health and Wellbeing, click here.
Contributed by: Megan Chuinard | Public Affairs Associate
Feb 10, 2023 | AOC News
The Association of Oregon Counties (AOC) is a 23-member staff of professional employees with broad duties and skill-sets. Each team member helps make AOC the success it is today. Here is an opportunity to meet a member of your AOC team.
Meet AOC Legislative Affairs Manager, Branden Pursinger
Branden Pursinger joined the AOC team in August of 2022 as legislative affairs manager. In his role, Branden advocates for Oregon counties’ priorities at the State Legislature and with state agencies, covering the natural resources policy portfolio. That work includes staffing the AOC Federal Lands Subcommittee and the Council of Forest Trust Land Counties.
Prior to joining AOC, Branden served as the Senate Republican Caucus administrator addressing key policies and priorities during several legislative sessions. He also worked with Senator Bill Hansell for many years managing policy, constituent relations, bringing to AOC a deep understanding of the political process.
Branden holds a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science (Constitutional law focus) from Lewis & Clark College.
AOC Legislative Affairs Department
Branden’s role is housed in the AOC Legislative Affairs Department. The Legislative Affairs Department is a five-member team that advocates for counties at the State Capitol, within state agencies, and with federal partners to pursue a policy agenda set by AOC members.
Why Branden Loves AOC
“AOC brings the local leaders together to discuss and find solutions to the problems facing every corner of our state. AOC provides the collaboration and cooperation to find solutions to the shared problems all counties are facing. Also, the team at AOC is hardworking and have been unbelievably helpful as I have joined the AOC family. I am very appreciative of everyone I have met and have worked with thus far.”
What Interests Branden in His Work
“I have been working in politics for the past 10 years and have loved every minute of it. Growing up on the edge of a city that boarded a wilderness area, I saw the impacts the natural resources had and continue to have on the people. I saw how the decisions in Salem impacted the farmers, the river, and the forest. I am very excited to work on these issues and provide a voice in this area. Every county has trees, animals, and water issues. Helping to solve these issues is something I am very much looking forward to.”
What Branden Wants to See in the Future for AOC
“Counties are not stakeholders, we are partners. We represent the same constituents as the legislators. I want to see AOC be the partner it should be on all aspects of government. Local governments should be the first phone call for individuals in Salem when there are conversations happening, and I would love to see AOC and counties move into that type of a relationship with the state.”
Outside of AOC
Outside of AOC, Branden enjoys fly fishing the many rivers in Oregon, spending time with his family, teaching his six-year-old daughter about the joys of nature and astronomy, listening to music, and Saturday morning cartoon time with his daughter.
Contributed by: Megan Chuinard | Public Affairs Associate
Feb 6, 2023 | AOC News
The Association of Oregon Counties (AOC) is pleased to announce the hiring of Robert Yde as IT Trainer and Communications Specialist for the County Road Program.
Yde comes to AOC having most recently served as a middle school educator where he taught social studies. Prior to this, Yde worked in the public relations field as a writer, editor, and content creator. “Robert will be a great addition to the team and I have no doubt that he will advance understanding and education initiatives surrounding the County Road Program and the Integrated Road Information System,” said Gina Nikkel, AOC executive director.
Yde’s first day is February 6, 2023.
