Dec 5, 2024 | AOC News, Events, News
Over 600 county officials, agency leaders, partners, and exhibitors converged at the 2024 AOC Annual Conference held Nov. 19-22, in Eugene, Oregon. This three-day event focused on networking, learning, and building relationships to better serve Oregon’s communities.
Marion County Commissioner Danielle Bethell, the outgoing AOC president, emphasized the importance of collaboration and engagement. “The conference reflected the work of the association this year,” said Bethell, “where we showed up, worked out our differences, and came together to advocate for all counties.”
Bethell passed the torch to Umatilla County Commissioner John Shafer, who will lead the organization in 2025. Other newly elected officers include First Vice President Erin Skaar (Tillamook), Second Vice President Joe Dabulskis (Sherman), and Treasurer James Williams (Lake). Bethell was installed as Immediate Past President.
Both general sessions focused on navigating our differences. Keynote speaker Tareq Azim challenged the audience to embrace fear and shared tools to encourage them to create spaces to address uncomfortable topics. Kit Chalberg, Senior Director, Programs for Convergence, led an interactive session on how to bridge divides in our organizations and communities.
A special orientation was held for newly elected commissioners, judges, and chairs. This half-day session provided an opportunity for commissioners-elect to hear tips for a successful first year in office from the AOC Executive Committee and the Oregon Government Ethics Commission. All newly elected commissioners are invited to attend AOC’s County College, which begins in January.
Educational sessions addressed critical issues facing Oregon’s counties, including transportation funding, rural housing, wildfire mitigation, and land use policy. Key themes included the need for sustainable funding, innovative partnerships, and data-driven approaches to address these challenges.
Governor Tina Kotek joined the conference to express her gratitude to county leaders for working tirelessly to lift up their communities. She emphasized the importance of a strong partnership between the state and counties, highlighting shared values and a commitment to collaborative problem-solving.
The conference also featured a lunch session with Western Interstate Region (WIR) President Wes McCart, an update from the Oregon Public Utility Commission, and numerous networking opportunities, including an agency partner meet and greet and meetings with federal delegation staff.
The conference concluded with “Wander Oregon,” a product tasting that showcased the diverse offerings of Oregon’s counties. Attendees sampled an array of local delights, including cheese and charcuterie, pastries and pies, handcrafted chocolates, local honey and lavender, craft beers and wine, and authentic fry bread.
Executive Director Gina Nikkel reflected on the conference, stating, “This invaluable time together allowed us to strengthen connections, identify shared goals, and collaboratively work toward solutions that benefit our communities. We look forward to working with President Shafer and all our members next year to continue supporting counties and their communities.”
Contributed by: Erin Good | Communications Coordinator
Oct 29, 2024 | AOC News
The Association of Oregon Counties (AOC) wrapped up its 2024 district meetings in Curry County on Friday, Oct. 11, following a month-long tour across Oregon that began in Washington County in September.
These in-person meetings are held every fall in AOC’s eight regional districts and are hosted by a member county within each district. District leaders, who serve on AOC’s Board of Directors and legislative committees, play a key role in ensuring regional representation in the major organizational decisions and policy positions for the association.
“AOC extends its gratitude to the member counties that hosted us this year, as well as to all the members, affiliate organizations, and partners who joined us,” said Executive Director Gina Nikkel. “Our organization is stronger when everyone participates, enabling us to achieve even better outcomes for our counties and communities.”
At the 2024 district meetings, Nikkel presented an in-depth overview of the proposed budget for the upcoming year and reviewed proposed AOC bylaws amendments. Both items will be considered for adoption by the full membership at the AOC Annual Business Meeting during the 2024 Annual Conference in November. These meetings also provide an opportunity for AOC staff and district chairs to gather feedback, which is shared with the AOC Board of Directors. The Board then makes recommendations on both the budget and bylaw amendments to the full membership.
AOC department directors also joined district meetings this year, providing updates on key accomplishments and outcomes for AOC member counties.
- AOC Member Services Director Kristen Paul celebrated the hard work and dedication of the AOC membership committee, highlighting their significant contributions in the growth of the partner program and in charting a long-term path and opportunities for the program to continue to support AOC’s membership.
- AOC County Road Program Director Brian Worley previewed the 2024 County Road Needs Study and discussed advocacy efforts in preparation for the upcoming negotiations on the transportation package during the 2025 legislative session.
- AOC Legislative Affairs Director Mallorie Roberts reviewed the department’s successful advancement of AOC policy priorities during the 2024 legislative session and presented the AOC’s 2025 Policy Priority Platform.
In addition to AOC business and information, district meetings hold time for a “hot-topics” discussion on key issues facing the region’s counties. This year the major themes discussed at district meetings included public safety and health (particularly opioid and deflection programs); infrastructure and energy development; property tax issues; and workforce challenges. These topics reflect common priorities across multiple regions, with local variations based on regional needs.
Meeting information, recordings, and materials can be found here.
Contributed by: Erin Good | Communications Coordinator
Sep 30, 2024 | AOC News, Events
AOC’s Annual Conference, held in Lane County, Nov. 19-21, draws together a cross section of elected officials, county staff, partners, and other participants for educational opportunities, leadership development, and networking.
AOC President and Marion County Commissioner Danielle Bethell was instrumental in shaping the programming for this year’s conference. Her focus as president — fostering engagement and collaboration — will be evident through numerous opportunities, including an expanded attendee lounge to enhance connections.
“This year’s conference will embody our motto — United Counties, United Oregon,” said Bethell, “and serve as a powerful reflection of the critical work counties do for Oregon and the collective impact that comes from collaboration.”
The opening general session keynote speaker will present on conquering fear. In addition, a dynamic lineup of educational workshops will provide an in-depth exploration of critical issues impacting the future of our communities:
- 2025 transportation package
- Oregon’s land use system
- County deflection programs
- Wildfires
- County assessment and taxation
- Communicable diseases
- Homelessness
- Community corrections
Attendees from rural and urban counties, large and small, participate in the three-day event aimed at improving residents’ lives and the efficiency of county government.
“AOC’s Annual Conference is an opportunity to celebrate the progress we’ve made and strengthen the partnerships that allow us to deliver even better outcomes for the people of Oregon,” said Executive Director Gina Nikkel. “I look forward to connecting with our members, partners, and county staff from across the state.”
Online registration closes Friday, Nov. 1. Find more information and view the agenda on AOC’s conference webpage.
Contributed by: Erin Good | Communications Coordinator
Sep 30, 2024 | AOC News
The Association of Oregon Counties (AOC) has hired Tim Dooley as its new legislative affairs manager, covering issues related to public safety and veterans.
Dooley brings a wealth of experience in public records management, public safety, and law enforcement administration. Before joining AOC, he oversaw records departments in both a city police department and a sheriff’s office in Oregon, serving as a subject matter expert on public records law and crime data. Dooley led initiatives to modernize public records processes and played a key role in legislative efforts for local government.
“Tim’s dedication to public service paired with his leadership in local government make him an excellent addition to AOC, and we look forward to the positive impact he will make,” said Gina Nikkel, AOC executive director.
Dooley’s first day was Sept. 16.
Contributed by: Erin Good | Communications Coordinator
Sep 25, 2024 | AOC Advocacy, AOC News, Transportation
2024 County Road Needs Study Forecasts $834 Million Annual Revenue Shortfall Statewide for County Roads
Salem, Ore. — Today, the Association of Oregon Counties (AOC) presented its 2024 County Road Needs Study to the Legislative Joint Committee on Transportation, forecasting a statewide annual revenue shortfall of 59 percent over the next five years, resulting in an additional $834 million per year needed to maintain and manage the county road system in a safe and adequate condition.
“The objective of our 2024 study was to determine and demonstrate the funding required to support the county road system to meet the needs of the traveling public over the next five years,” stated AOC County Road Program Director Brian Worley, who presented the report to the lawmakers. “The report concludes that anticipated revenue will not meet even the basic road maintenance and safety needs for most counties. Over the next five years, counties anticipate a 60 percent shortfall for pavement preservation projects and a 70 percent shortfall for capital construction.”
Oregon counties are facing structural funding challenges that impact core services, including maintenance of roads and bridges.
Counties are responsible for the largest share of Oregon’s road system, with 26,744 miles under county jurisdiction, including 3,448 bridges over 20 feet in length.
“Most of the county system was constructed over a half of a century ago, and for the last four decades, county road departments have been prioritizing the maintenance, preservation, and safety of those roads,” said Worley. “However, all counties are seeing dramatic decreases in funding, and the consequences of inadequate funding are unsafe and unreliable bridges and roads.”
As noted in the study, the majority of revenue for county roads come from the State Highway Fund, which comprises 47 percent of incoming revenues on average. For some counties, especially rural areas, operations and maintenance budgets are comprised solely from state support.
“We urge legislators to consider this study in developing a transportation funding package in the 2025 session, and to uphold the 50-30-20 funding formula that supports the full transportation system through shared State Highway Fund revenues,” said Mallorie Roberts, AOC legislative affairs director, “AOC and counties will continue to partner with the state in 2025 to ensure growth and stabilization of the State Highway Fund with diverse and modernized funding mechanisms.”
The current study is an update of AOC’s 2014 study that reported the anticipated needs of road departments from 2014 to 2018. The 2024 study looks at the same road construction and maintenance activities anticipated by individual county road departments.
To read the full 2024 study, and learn more about county road, bridge, and transportation priorities and funding visit oregoncounties.org.
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About AOC
The Association of Oregon Counties (AOC) unites Oregon’s county governments. Founded in 1906, AOC brings county officials together to advocate with a collective voice on statewide and national policy, exchange ideas, build new leadership skills, and exercise exemplary leadership in public service, while enriching the public’s understanding of county government.
Sep 3, 2024 | AOC News
Staff members from the Association of Oregon Counties (AOC) participated in the annual Western States Staff Meet-Up, held in Boise from Aug. 26-28. The event was attended by Legislative Affairs Director Mallorie Roberts, Legislative Affairs Managers Jessica Pratt and Miles Palacios, Communications Coordinator Erin Good, and Fiscal Services Clerk Ivania Revuelta.
“Networking with our counterparts, sharing best practices, and comparing policy notes is one of the most productive professional development activities available to AOC staff,” said Mallorie Roberts. “I left Ada County, Idaho with valuable new relationships and fresh ideas for AOC.”
The Idaho Association of Counties (IAC) hosted the event, welcoming association staff from the Nevada Association of Counties, New Mexico Association of Counties, Utah Association of Counties, and the Washington State Association of Counties.
IAC Executive Director Seth Grigg opened the event, which featured breakout sessions tailored to the interests and roles of association staff. Topics covered included communications and marketing, intergovernmental affairs, event planning, health and human services, public lands, transportation and infrastructure, public safety, corporate partnerships, office culture, continuing education, and more.
Miles Palacios found the event extremely useful as the newest member of the AOC legislative affairs team. “Attending for the first time, I was thrilled to connect and share ideas with peers from neighboring state associations. The exchange of experiences and insights was incredibly valuable, and I left feeling inspired and more connected to our broader community.”
Sara Westbrook, IAC Director of Government Affairs, led a tour of Idaho’s Capitol Building, known as the Capitol of Light for its abundant natural light. Attendees learned about the history of Idaho’s state seal, visited the governor’s office, and met with Phil McGrane, Idaho’s Secretary of State.
Attendees also benefited from a curated panel discussion featuring local government leaders from the Association of Idaho Cities, Idaho Sheriffs’ Association, Idaho Association of Highway Districts, Local Highway Technical Assistance Council, and Idaho School Boards Association.
AOC staff’s participation in the Western States Staff Meet-Up in Boise was a valuable opportunity for professional growth and collaboration, and we are excited to host the next meet-up in Oregon in 2025.
Contributed by: Erin Good | Communications Coordinator
