Jan 25, 2024 | AOC Advocacy, AOC News, Transportation
The Association of Oregon Counties (AOC) and League of Oregon Cities (LOC) continued the Transportation Funding Forum meeting series in January (watch recording), featuring presentations from Governor Kotek’s transportation policy staff and transportation stakeholders in the construction industry, the environmental community, transit, and freight carriers. The discussion explored the range of interests and priorities in the future of Oregon’s shared transportation system.
The forum series will continue through 2024 to further coordination, collaboration, and shared understanding of local government interests in the future of Oregon’s transportation funding system and increase transparent, partnership-oriented communication with state agencies, stakeholders, and the legislature. Upcoming forums will take deep dives into national trends in the future of transportation funding, explore local revenue options, more specific needs related to safety, bridges, and the multimodal system.
The kickoff forum meeting in August (watch recording) provided a detailed overview of federal, state, and local funding mechanisms and how these revenue tools work together to fund the current system. The October meeting (watch recording) featured presentations from city and county road departments to demonstrate the range of local jurisdiction transportation budgets and varied regional project priorities.
Contributed by: Mallorie Roberts | AOC legislative affairs director
Jan 25, 2024 | AOC Advocacy, AOC News
The 82nd Oregon Legislative Assembly will convene on Monday, Feb. 5, for a 35-day session. Legislators will return to the Oregon State Capitol, still under major construction, with the historic wings remaining closed. Association of Oregon Counties (AOC) members are encouraged to join policy steering committee meetings on Feb. 2, and Feb. 5, to learn about and weigh in on legislative concepts impacting counties. Members can expect email communications from AOC’s legislative affairs department with timely updates and action alerts related to high priority bills.
The AOC legislative affairs department and membership will focus their advocacy during the 5-week session on the following top policy priorities identified by the AOC Legislative Committee.
Community Development
- Advocate for a fast-track process for limited urban growth boundary expansions that significantly increase affordable and workforce housing in all communities experiencing shortages of buildable land. (LC 19 – Governor Kotek’s housing bill)
Contact: Legislative Affairs Manager Branden Pursinger, Natural Resources and Land Use, bpursinger@oreogncounties.org
Governance and Revenue
- Address problems arising out of the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Tyler v. Hennepin County — limit county legal liability and create a standard process for how foreclosure surplus claims are handled. (HB 4056 – introduced by Representative Conrad)
Contact: Legislative Affairs Manager Michael Burdick, Governance and Revenue, mburdick@oregoncounties.org
Health and Human Services
- Establish a statutory process and schedule for a cost study of core behavioral health services (local services required in statute). (LC 115 – introduced by Representative Nosse)
- Mitigate liability risk shift to counties and local system providers for mandated populations (aid and assist, civil commitment, and guilty except for insanity).
Contact: Legislative Affairs Manager Jessica Pratt, Health and Human Services, jpratt@oregoncounties.org
Natural Resources
- Protect and enhance county authority, funding, and flexibility to support management policies and locally focused policy making processes across the Natural Resources portfolio.
Contact: Legislative Affairs Manager Branden Pursinger, Natural Resources and Land Use, bpursinger@oreogncounties.org
Public Safety
- Increase state investment in community corrections funding for the remainder of the 23-25 biennium.
- Elevate the county voice in Measure 110 reform, supporting policy modifications that prioritize engagement in substance abuse treatment, provide sufficient funding for county services, and strengthen tools the criminal justice system can use to fight illegal drug use and sales.
Contact: Legislative Affairs Manager Jen Lewis-Goff, Public Safety and Veterans, jlewisgoff@oregoncounties.org
Transportation
- Advocate for the statutory authority for counties to charge cost-recovery fees for permits issued to utilities for work in the county road right of way. (SB 1566 – Joint Committee on Transportation committee bill)
Contact: Legislative Affairs Director Mallorie Roberts, Transportation, mroberts@oregoncounties.org
Jan 25, 2024 | AOC Advocacy, AOC News, Governance, Revenue, & Economic Development
Among AOC’s priorities for 2024 is a bill to be known as HB 4056 that will create an orderly process to get refunds to property owners in cases where a foreclosure sale generates proceeds that exceed the property’s tax debt, penalties, and costs related to foreclosing. The bill solves logistical problems counties face in the wake of Tyler v. Hennepin County, a recent U.S. Supreme Court decision that invalidated Oregon law dictating how counties handle such cases.
Most Oregonians are unfamiliar with the foreclosure process, and it has been years since the legislature made major changes to laws governing the process. Getting a bill about such a complicated topic over the finish line in a short session will be a heavy lift. For HB 4056 to win passage, dozens of legislators will need to have a solid understanding of how foreclosure works in Oregon and counties’ responsibilities surrounding it.
AOC was happy to secure time at the joint meeting of the Interim House and Senate Judiciary Committees on Jan. 12, to boost lawmakers’ understanding of the foreclosure process. AOC arranged for county subject-matter experts to present to lawmakers about what state law requires counties to do when people fail to pay their property tax on time, who tends to get caught up in foreclosure proceedings and why, what sorts of property tends to be involved, and the many ways counties work toward positive outcomes under sometimes very difficult circumstances. Marion County Assistant Legal Counsel Scott Norris, Josephine County Assistant Legal Counsel Stephanie Nuttall, Lane County Assistant County Counsel Emily Vario, Lane County Property Manager Kellie Hancock, and Deschutes County Property Manager Kristie Bollinger presented at the meeting and answered questions from lawmakers.
Their presentation is available for download here, and a video of the meeting can be viewed here (the presentation begins at the 48 minute mark).
January “Legislative Days” (Jan. 10-12) was the last opportunity to communicate with lawmakers on-the-record before Oregon’s “short” legislative session begins on Feb. 5, setting off a mad dash to move legislation before the final gavel falls a few short weeks later (March 10, at the latest).
While many of the bills to be introduced are still under wraps, some are starting to trickle out. AOC legislative staff have been furiously preparing for the sprint ahead, working to pin down details of lawmakers’ plans, and doing our best to ensure AOC priority legislation is in the best possible position to find favor with lawmakers.
Contributed by: Michael Burdick | AOC legislative affairs manager
Dec 28, 2023 | AOC News
Integrity. Grace. Humor. These are the traits described by current and former staff about their long-time coworker, Joann Hendrix.
After 30 years of dedicated service to AOC, Joann is retiring at the end of the year. Joann joined AOC in 1994 as a management assistant, supporting the County Road Program and the Oregon Association of County Engineers and Surveyors (OACES), in addition to daily office activities and special projects at AOC.
Former County Road Program Manager Pat Ehrlich was on the hiring team when she joined AOC. According to Ehrlich, she learned fast and routinely anticipated the department’s needs. “She truly helped me do my work more efficiently as she could proceed without lots of direction. She was well respected by those in the counties our program worked with.”
During her tenure at AOC, Joann worked in different capacities at AOC, serving as management assistant for several years, before settling into her most recent position as senior administrative manager focusing on event planning and travel for the organization. In this role, Joann supported a broad array of association activities and events — planning conferences, meetings, special events, and travel for AOC staff, the AOC Board of Directors, and affiliate and associate member organizations. She also worked as the OACES administrative manager overseeing the OACES membership, bookkeeping, budget, and facilitation of all meetings and conferences.
Executive Director Gina Nikkel has had the privilege of working with Joann for the last thirty years as a county commissioner, AOC staff, and now the executive director. “When I came back to AOC as the executive director, I was thrilled that Joann was still here serving our members with professionalism, grace, and dedication,” Nikkel said. “It’s hard to lose a long-term employee that has served AOC so well, and I wish her well in her retirement.”
In all her positions and throughout her career at AOC, she was widely known to be attentive, reliable, and conscientious. Whether it was remembering a guest who preferred hot chocolate over coffee in the morning, or which restaurant in Washington D.C. had the best steak, to leaving small treats for members and staff in their rooms, Joann always made sure everyone was taken care of at events.
“There wasn’t a problem she couldn’t solve. Her vast knowledge of the state, where to stay, where to eat, and renting cars was invaluable,” said former AOC staff member Eric Schmidt. “Getting us back and forth from Washington, D.C. during the forest payment days and getting us to NACo conferences was quite the task and Joann always came through.”
Joann’s favorite aspect of her job was planning meetings and the annual conference. She liked ensuring members were taken care of and having a good time. Staff will miss Joann’s stories from her time with AOC over the years. From the beginning days of product tasting held in various hotel rooms down a hallway at the Red Lion Hotel Pendleton, to the AOC “band” — consisting of county elected officials, county staff, and even some AOC staff – performing once a year during the annual conference, Joann has seen it all.
“AOC has been like a family,” Joann said. “I will miss the camaraderie, teamwork, and the friendships I’ve made over the years.”
In true Joann fashion, she said her retirement plans include “learning how to be retired.” Judging from her past work, she will excel at it just like everything else.
Contributed by: Erin Good | AOC communications coordinator
Dec 7, 2023 | AOC News
“Get work done,” was Klamath County Commissioner DeGroot’s objective as AOC president this year.
AOC’s commitment to achieving results and addressing county issues was apparent at the 118th AOC Annual Conference as commissioners, judges, county staff, and agency leaders from around the state came to Lane County for three days of networking, learning, and building relationships to solve county issues.
“The conference reflected the work of the association this year,” said DeGroot, “where we refined processes that put us on a path to find common ground and work out our differences to move the association together.”
Over 500 attendees registered for some part of the conference, held Nov. 11-14, at the Graduate Eugene. Presenters discussed finding solutions to problems affecting Oregon counties, rural and urban, large and small. Session topics ranged from preventing wildfires and cyberattacks to addressing the opioid crisis and homelessness.
The event included a preconference for first-year commissioners, judges, and chairs who participated in the 2023 County College program. The half-day session provided an opportunity for reflection on their first year in office and to hear from educational speakers on public meeting laws, partner engagement, and RFP best practices.
Acknowledging differences and how they can strengthen relationships was also the focus of both general sessions. Oregon State Representatives Mark Owens (R-Crane) and Ken Helm (D-Beaverton) discussed how they have found success working across the aisle and together with local governments to craft and pass complex, meaningful legislation on issues that impact all of Oregon.
Brian Miller, a magician turned motivational speaker, provided a unique and engaging experience for attendees during the general session. By incorporating magic tricks, Miller emphasized the importance of perspective-taking and making connections.
Lincoln County Commissioner Casey Miller thought the conference was a great opportunity to challenge his assumptions and learn from others. “I feel like AOC is really nailing it with articulate legislative and steering policy principles,” he said. “Finding our unity amidst our diversity with a collaborative mindset is how I also want to approach governance at home.”
A new addition to the conference was a celebration of AOC’s partner program. The program has grown exponentially in the last few years, with over 60 partners joining the partner program this year. To recognize the program’s success, a membership committee and partner appreciation dinner was held during the conference as a celebration of counties and the partners that support local government in successfully serving their communities.
The last full day of conference concluded with officer elections and the county product tasting. The 2024 AOC Executive Officers who were installed during the annual business meeting are President Danielle Bethell (Marion), First Vice President John Shafer (Umatilla), Second Vice President Erin Skaar (Tillamook), Treasurer James Williams (Lake), and Immediate Past President Derrick DeGroot (Klamath).
The must-attend event was again the county product tasting, where twenty-three counties showcased unique products representative of local agriculture and businesses. Attendees enjoyed sampling seafood from Lincoln County, fry bread and salmon from Jefferson County, ice cream from Wasco County, and much more.
The annual conference also included remarks from Governor Tina Kotek, a virtual Q&A with Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden, and ample networking opportunities, including an agency partner meet and greet and meetings with federal delegation staff.
“This time together provided us with an opportunity to connect with each other, talk through potential disagreements, find out where we are aligned, and really try to problem solve on behalf of our communities,” said Executive Director Gina Nikkel. “We look forward to working with President Bethell and all our members next year to support counties and their communities.”
Contributed by: Erin Good | Communications Coordinator
Dec 5, 2023 | AOC News
The Association of Oregon Counties (AOC) has hired Malea Stockton as Member Services and Education Coordinator.
Stockton joins AOC with a strong background in nonprofit administrative management and will be a valuable member of the organization. She brings extensive experience in event planning, accounting, and donor relations, most recently serving as chief administrative officer for a mental health nonprofit organization.
Stockton will support the member services and education department, planning events and supporting education programming and the partner program.
“I am pleased to welcome Malea to the AOC team and am confident her unique skills and experience will elevate our member services and contribute to the continued success of the partner program,” said AOC Executive Director Gina Nikkel.
Stockton’s first day was Dec. 1, 2023.
Contributed by: Erin Good | Communications Coordinator
