Mar 2, 2026 | AOC News
Senate Concurrent Resolution 204, a measure honoring the role of counties and the 120th anniversary of the Association of Oregon Counties (AOC), has successfully passed both chambers unanimously and now awaits the governor’s signature.
Introduced at the request of AOC by Senate President Rob Wagner, SCR 204 was chief-sponsored by House Speaker Julie Fahey, Sens. Janeen Sollman, Todd Nash, David Brock Smith, and Jeff Golden, and Rep. Court Boice. The resolution’s regular sponsors included twenty-two bipartisan and bicameral legislators.
AOC’s vital role and the essential services provided by counties were highlighted for legislators through public hearings in the Senate and House Committees on Rules. AOC President Erin Skaar and Executive Director Gina Nikkel spoke to the unique perspective and process that AOC brings to our advocacy and the importance of a strong, collaborative state-county partnership.
“We believe that when commissioners from the metro area and the farthest corners of Eastern Oregon advocate on issues of importance to county governments with a shared voice – when we sit together before you in this building with a shared message – the Legislature ought to take notice,” said Skaar in her public hearing testimony. “In fact we believe it is critical to well-functioning government in our state and critical to the efficient and effective delivery of county services to our shared constituents, that you do.”
During public hearings and a special event on County Day in the Capitol, where 30 AOC members were present in the Senate gallery, several legislators offered testimony in support of SCR 204. Sollman, Brock Smith, Golden, and Nash testified about the value and importance of AOC before the resolution passed through the chamber.
Nash spoke about AOC’s role of unifying counties from urban, rural, and remote areas to create a stronger voice. “It was so inspiring; we were non-partisan,” Nash said. “We worked on issues together [to] have a voice here in this state building. From Wallowa County, 7,400 people but a large land mass, and Harney County — we all had a voice.”
Sollman’s testimony focused on the range of county services. “From public works and land use to behavioral health and public safety, our partners at the county level deliver essential infrastructure and services that keep our state thriving,” testified Sollman.
Brock Smith emphasized that while counties share responsibility with the state for many services — as illustrated by AOC’s Shared Services Chart — counties remain the sole providers of numerous other services such as elections, building codes, and solid waste management. A recording of the Senate floor session is available for viewing.
AOC was founded 120 years ago, in 1906, with the same purpose and mission that we still carry today – to bring county officials together to advocate with a collective voice, to exchange ideas and build relationships with peers statewide, to support county elected officials in exercising exemplary leadership in public service, and to enrich the public’s understanding of county government.
“I know I can speak for our entire staff at AOC when I say that we are honored to serve county governments, and through them, all Oregonians, in our work at AOC,” said Nikkel. “We look forward to many more years of working together, uplifting our mission – uniting counties to advocate, communicate, and educate.”
Contributed by: Erin Good | Communications Coordinator
Mar 2, 2026 | AOC News, NACo
Over 40 county leaders from Oregon, accompanied by Association of Oregon Counties (AOC) staff, joined nearly 2,000 county officials from across the nation for the National Association of Counties (NACo) Legislative Conference, held Feb. 21-24, in Washington, D.C.
Attendees actively participated in shaping NACo’s legislative agenda, received updates on key federal policies, and advocated for county priorities on Capitol Hill. Conference sessions addressed critical issues impacting counties nationwide, including surface transportation, federal disaster policy, housing and permitting reform, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence (AI), energy and data centers, and workforce development. Many members also attended a Federal Agency Expo, where nearly 50 federal program offices sent representatives to meet with attendees and foster intergovernmental partnerships.
Conference general sessions featured speakers from senior administration officials along with members of Congress from the U.S. House of Representatives, including Rep. Andrea Salinas, who is co-chair of the Bipartisan Mental Health Caucus. Salinas discussed the Building Capacity for Care Act, legislation she introduced last year that could help alleviate unmet mental health needs often shouldered by counties.
A key highlight for the Oregon delegation was advocating for AOC’s federal policy priorities directly on Capitol Hill. Members held meetings with all of Oregon’s federal delegation, including Sens. Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley, as well as Reps. Janelle Bynum, Suzanne Bonamici, Andrea Salinas, Val Hoyle, Cliff Bentz, and Maxine Dexter. Key issues discussed included surface transportation, Medicaid funding, timber revenue, and permitting reform.
“Federal policies have direct and long-lasting impacts on county governments and our residents,” said NACo President J.D. Clark. “NACo’s Legislative Conference is an important opportunity for county leaders to strengthen relationships with our intergovernmental partners, tell our county story and advocate for county priorities that help our communities and residents thrive.”
Read more about the conference on NACo’s website.
View AOC’s NACo Legislative Conference photo album.
Contributed by: Erin Good | Communications Coordinator
Feb 27, 2026 | AOC News
Join the League of Oregon Counties (LOC), the Association of Oregon Counties (AOC), and the Oregon Department of Land Conservation and Development (DLCD) on Tuesday, March 17, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. for a webinar on the DLCD’s draft Offshore Wind Energy Roadmap. The purpose of this webinar is to provide Oregon’s cities and counties with an opportunity to ask questions and provide informal feedback on the draft roadmap.
The draft roadmap was developed utilizing more than one year of input and advice from a roundtable group representing a broad array of interests about the future of offshore wind energy in Oregon. The draft is also a product of consultation with federally recognized Tribes in Oregon, feedback provided during public meetings, and meetings with existing ocean users and wind energy businesses.
The roadmap presents a suite of recommendations for legislative, rulemaking, or other formal policy-making settings, and considers four alternative futures for Oregon and its coast. Two of these alternative futures include offshore wind turbines, and two do not.
In addition to this joint AOC/LOC webinar, the DLCD is accepting formal, written feedback on the draft roadmap until April 3, 2026. The agency will incorporate public feedback, review a revised draft with the roundtable group and Tribes, and finalize a roadmap document this summer for submittal to the Legislature consistent with the requirements of HB 4080 (2024) and House Bill 3963 (2025). More information about the roadmap, including the public review draft, can be found on the DLCD website here: https://www.oregon.gov/lcd/OCMP/Pages/Offshore-Wind-Roadmap.aspx
To attend the webinar, please register via Zoom.
Feb 24, 2026 | AOC News, NACo
The Association of Oregon Counties (AOC) invites Oregon counties to join us as we celebrate National County Government Month (NCGM) during the month of April. Since 1991, the National Association of Counties (NACo) has encouraged counties to use this month of recognition to actively promote your roles and responsibilities in serving residents. Tell your county’s story, champion your county workforce, and boost civic engagement through news stories, outreach events, and on your social media. Remember to use the hashtag #NCGM and tag us in your social posts. We will share as many as we can on our social media.
NACo offers many resources to help counties celebrate and plan activities to highlight the essential role counties play across every part of community life, including featured celebrations from counties in past years, a toolkit with templates, educational resources, and more.
Media Relations and Social Media Tools
Storytelling and Civic Engagement Resources
Contributed by: Erin Good | Communication Coordinator
Jan 29, 2026 | AOC News
The Association of Oregon Counties (AOC) is excited to announce the launch of its 120th Anniversary Campaign, “Over a Century of Commitment.” This significant milestone aims to celebrate the invaluable role of Oregon counties and showcase the impactful work AOC has accomplished over the past 120 years.
“This anniversary is a chance to honor our past while highlighting the essential contributions Oregon’s counties make to the state,” said Executive Director Gina Nikkel.
The year-long celebration will feature several key highlights:
Fresh Look: Our new logo was unveiled in January. It was redesigned to recognize our 1906 founding and signify our role as a statewide association advocating for all counties.
AOC Store: You can now order AOC swag and show your county spirit! The AOC store is live and features raincoats, fleece jackets, lapel pins, and more. Stay tuned for more items to be available for purchase throughout the year.
Historical Publication: A comprehensive print and digital publication is being created to document AOC’s significant milestones, achievements, and key historical moments.
County Spotlight Series: Throughout the year, we are featuring historical tidbits and unique qualities of all of Oregon’s counties on social media channels and in the Oregon Trails Newsletter. Help us spread the word by liking and sharing our posts!
Annual Conference: The 2026 Annual Conference will be the centerpiece of the celebration, featuring special decor, catering, and educational sessions. Attendees can look forward to special guests, an enhanced reception, and a dedicated merchandise table.
Contributed by: Erin Good | Communications Coordinator
Jan 28, 2026 | AOC News
As many county commissioners, chairs, and judges are acutely aware, counties have experienced a decades-long trend of increasing budget challenges and more frequent budget shortfalls at the county level. Today, 60% of Oregon counties have a deficit in their general fund and face difficulties providing all mandated services to their communities.
As a solutions-oriented organization representing Oregon counties, the Association of Oregon Counties (AOC) is ready to serve as a catalyst for confronting county revenue challenges. Recognizing the urgency of this challenge, AOC President and Tillamook County Commissioner Erin Skaar will focus her 2026 Presidential Initiative on ways that counties can generate revenue outside of advocacy with state and federal government and under their own authority.
“An alarming number of counties are facing significant, structural challenges in delivering the services our communities count on to be safe and to thrive,” Skaar said. “My presidential initiative this year will highlight this growing revenue crisis and build a foundation on which the AOC membership can unite, learn from each other, and lead toward solutions.”
Throughout the year, AOC will create opportunities for information sharing on topics related to revenue generation and optimization, cost cutting, and other best practices. Through a series of webinars, AOC members will have the opportunity to learn from their peers and from thought leaders at the national level.
Oregon county commissioners, chairs, judges, and other county leaders who have tested new approaches to generating revenue and managing expenses will be invited to share their experiences in these webinars.
Stay tuned for webinar details and how members can be involved in developing budget solutions within their counties.
Contributed by: Jill Rees | Member Services Director
