Sponsored content contributed by AOC Business Partner: Oregon Department of Environmental Quality
The Climate Pollution Reduction Grant Program is one of many federal funding opportunities created under the Inflation Reduction Act and run through the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. As one of the outputs of this grant program, the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality and Oregon Department of Energy is developing a Comprehensive Climate Action Plan for the state. A central pillar of the CCAP is forecasting the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reductions projected to occur under Oregon’s existing policies and incentive programs—including the impact of Inflation Reduction Act funds.
This effort will also evaluate new actions that could be implemented across Oregon’s economy to meet the state’s GHG reduction goals, while continuing to grow Oregon’s workforce and improve the quality of life for those who live work and play in Oregon. To inform this work, we are requesting feedback on what your local jurisdiction is already doing or intends to do to implement climate-related policies, programs and investing federal funds to reduce GHG emissions.
This information will enable the state to better understand Oregon’s climate progress and identify policy and funding gaps across all economic sectors. We understand similar requests may have been made and that there are many ongoing efforts in Oregon to address climate action. The intent with this plan to acknowledge and consolidate these efforts, opportunities, and gaps. This report may be used to prioritize climate efforts and seek funding sources. Feedback Surveys are due by February 20th, 2025. The survey is intended to be filled out once per local jurisdiction in collaboration across programs.
Sponsored content contributed by AOC Business Partner: Avangrid
Avangrid, a leading sustainability company and member of the Iberdrola Group, recently became a new partner of the Association of Oregon Counties (AOC). The company and its staff are thrilled to engage with AOC members on a variety of topics, especially those related to renewable energy and climate change.
Avangrid operates in 24 states, and its Renewables business is headquartered in Portland, Oregon. Oregon is vital to Avangrid’s success and future growth as a company.
In the Columbia River Gorge, Avangrid was one of the first clean energy developers to build utility-scale wind power. The Company’s oldest project in Oregon, Klondike I, reached commercial operations in 2001. Its newest project in Oregon, Pachwáywit Fields, a solar project in Sherman County, finished construction in 2023. Avangrid maintains a build, own, operate philosophy and now operates wind, solar, and gas facilities in Sherman, Gillam, Crook, and Klamath Counties totaling over 2.2 GW of installed capacity, with a pipeline of projects that will continue to support Oregon in meeting its climate goals.
In addition to maintaining a world class fleet of operating energy projects, Avangrid is actively developing a 1.3 GW pipeline of new renewable energy projects in Oregon that will support the state’s climate goals. Most proposed new assets are in Morrow, Sherman, and Gilliam Counties near existing assets already in operation. Avangrid values the strong relationships it built within these communities and looks forward to maintaining them for years to come.
The Company’s Portland office and clean energy projects support nearly 400 jobs in Oregon. Additionally, Avangrid’s Oregon projects have paid over $140 million in property taxes, which mostly support local school districts. These tax revenues are on top of the lease payments Avangrid makes to participating landowners, representing additional investment in the communities in which it operates.
“Avangrid is one of the reasons my job is a whole lot easier,” said Sherman County Judge Joe Dabulskis, during a grand opening celebration for Avangrid’s National Training Center this summer. “Prior to the renewable energy industry coming to Sherman County, Sherman County was the second poorest county in the state. I hear nightmare stories of what happened back in those days around budget time. I don’t have that problem.”
Because Avangrid has long-term plans in the region, it strives to be a good community partner in the counties it is located in and continues to find ways to support Oregon.
For example, this year the Company launched the largest solar grazing operation in the Pacific Northwest. In recognizing community concerns related to fire risk, it partnered with local rancher, Cameron Krebs, to graze thousands of sheep underneath and around solar panels at its Pachwáywit Fields solar farm, the largest operating solar farm in the state. The sheep help manage the grass and weeds to reduce the summertime fire risks at the site, while replacing gas-powered mowers and contributing to a more natural use of the land.
In partnering with local ranchers, like Krebs, Avangrid is deepening its ties with the community and supporting a circular economy within Oregon. The solar grazing operation helps to generate electricity while supporting the production of food and wool fiber. Krebs is a wool supplier to Pendleton Woolen Mills, a beloved Oregon-based company with over 100 years of history.
Also, Avangrid recently welcomed the first cohort of newly hired wind technicians to its National Training Center. The center was built in the heart of Sherman County, near several of the Company’s operating wind farms, showing the region that Avangrid is committed to it long-term. Hundreds of wind and solar technicians from all over the country will come through Sherman County, spending money on food and services along the way.
Avangrid is happy to be a part of the AOC community and looks forward to working with fellow members going forward.
Sponsored content contributed by AOC Business Partner: Aetna
Employers are striving to make health coverage affordable and accessible while keeping costs under control. That’s why many are focusing on enhancing primary care benefits. By offering preventive services like cancer and heart disease screenings, and treating common illnesses early, businesses can help their staff avoid costly, more complex medical needs down the line. Regular visits with primary care physicians (PCPs) also ensure better care coordination, keeping everyone involved in patient care on the same page. This proactive approach supports efficient health care delivery and lowers expenses.
In Oregon, Aetna®, a CVS Health® Company, offers flexible health plans designed to make primary care easily accessible. Convenient, high-quality care is the foundation for healthier employees and smarter cost management.
Employers can champion primary care adoption, health improvement
Employer-sponsored health insurance is the largest source of coverage for working-age Americans. This puts workplaces in a unique position to promote and encourage primary care because despite its importance, people don’t use it often enough. So, by investing in easier, higher-quality primary care for their teams—like plans that include virtual visits and simple-to-access preventive and routine services — everyone wins.
Employees stay healthier and more productive. Businesses experience less absenteeism and better workplace well-being. And all of this impacts an organization’s bottom line, particularly by lowering health care expenses.
Innovative primary care from Aetna
From industry-wide challenges with primary care to the everyday pressures on your business, Aetna is delivering simplicity. Our flexible plan designs put affordable primary care and high-touch engagement within reach while offering your business better cost management.
What’s more is that with an Aetna plan, you get access to an extensive suite of resources and solutions from our parent company, CVS Health, too.
For instance, “anytime” and “any place” care isn’t just in demand. It also saves employees time and money. And through CVS Health Virtual Primary Care™,employees can select a PCP and see the same provider each time they need care. It’s cost effective and much more than just telemedicine because it creates trusting relationships between our members and their providers. Similarly, CVS Health Virtual Care®gives your team 24/7 treatment for episodic illnesses and injuries from the comfort of their own home (or anywhere else) with no drive time or waiting room.
Together, we’re improving health and controlling costs
At Aetna, our commitment to enhancing health doesn’t end with virtual care solutions. Our robust statewide and national network of high-quality PCPs and flexible plan options work together with other innovative products and services to help your employees bring their best selves to work. All the while, you can rest assured their care is affordable with one of many plan options that include $0 out-of-pocket primary care services.
Our consultative support and innovative strategies for Oregon businesses and their teams go beyond benefit plan design because it takes more than just insurance coverage to achieve better health. We’re working with you toward it all—employee well-being, access to care and cost management. It’s how healthier happens together®.
To take your health plan to the next level, contact your Aetna® representative or visit Aetna.com.
Aetna is the brand name used for products and services provided by one or more of the Aetna group of companies, including Aetna Life Insurance Company and its affiliates (Aetna). Aetna is part of the CVS Health® family of companies.
CVS Health Virtual Primary Care™ and CVS Health Virtual Care™ services are only available in the U.S. Limitations may apply based on service, location or health plan. Members enrolled in qualified high-deductible health plans must meet their deductible before receiving covered non-preventive services at no cost-share.
This material is for informational purposes only. Information is believed to be accurate as of the production date; however, it is subject to change. Refer to Aetna.com for more information about Aetna plans. Health benefits and health insurance plans contain exclusions and limitations.
Sponsored content contributed by AOC Business Partner: Nine Peaks Solutions
Nine Peaks Solutions has been making waves by helping organizations streamline their operations and embrace the digital age. The firm’s expertise in implementing Laserfiche’s cutting-edge solutions has enabled numerous government organizations to automate workflows, improve efficiency, and enhance data security.
In Oregon and across the country, Nine Peaks assists organizations to:
Integrate cloud and on-premise electronic content and documents so they are easily searchable and reportable. We use the Laserfiche application to unlock the value of legacy systems, synchronize data, and improve operational workflows.
Automate forms and workflow processes, support compliance, document approval processes, streamline invoice processes, track and disseminate information requests; and
Create an office environment where Finance, Human Resources, Legal, Information Technology, Social Services, and Vendors/Suppliers speak the same language.
Revolutionary Tools & The Skill to Use Them
Clearly, scanning your paper documents is not enough. By tracing those files back to their source, identifying those that are most current and relevant, and making them available instantly and seamlessly, you’ve improved your organization’s efficiency. Being able to have a working backup copy of the current paper-based documents is also an invaluable asset for disaster recovery and operational continuity.
Here are a few of the benefits of using Laserfiche:
Streamlining Processes
Reducing Manual Tasks
Data Protection
Improving Collaboration
Eliminating Paper Filing
Sole Focus
At Nine Peaks Solutions our sole focus is helping organizations achieve peak performance through technology integration and optimization. If you’re ready to have all your departments, and the software they use, communicate seamlessly using an affordable, scalable single-source document management system, we’re here to help. We’ll start by taking a complete look at your organization’s processes, digital and paper assets, then present you with a clear plan, a firm budget, and an achievable schedule to swiftly boost productivity, efficiency, regulatory compliance with vastly improved employee, vendor and customer experiences.
We hope you stopped by the Nine Peaks’ booth at the recent AOC conference, and we had an opportunity to talk. If not, please contact us to learn more by visiting our website: NinePeaksSolutions.com/AOC
Sponsored content contributed by AOC Business Partner: Oregon Corrections Enterprises
Oregon Corrections Enterprises (OCE) goes beyond production—it’s about creating pathways for transformation. Through various industries, OCE provides incarcerated individuals with skills training and experience that prepare them for life beyond incarceration. Among its key offerings, OCE’s furniture division stands out, blending craftsmanship with social impact to deliver high-quality products to government agencies, schools, businesses, and more throughout Oregon.
From ergonomic office furniture to custom seating and durable multipurpose tables, OCE’s furniture is known for its meticulous attention to detail. Each piece reflects the skills of trained artisans and carries a deeper significance — lives being transformed. Adults in custody (AICs) work alongside industry professionals, learning trades such as woodworking, upholstery, and design. Recently, OCE expanded its capabilities to include the design, manufacturing, and installation of casework, further enhancing the scope of its offerings. These skills, backed by certifications, empower AICs to find employment after release, lowering recidivism rates and providing a renewed sense of purpose.
While furniture production is a hallmark of OCE, it is just one of many industries offered. OCE’s diverse operations include signage manufacturing, call centers, laundry services, garment production, multimedia design, and the iconic Prison Blues™ denim apparel line. Every industry presents AICs with skill-building opportunities that prepare them for diverse career fields, from textiles to customer service and digital media.
OCE offers a distinct range of products and services that cater to the needs of county governments, public agencies, and local businesses. By partnering with OCE, county agencies can benefit from competitive pricing, quick turnarounds, and exceptional customer service—all while supporting a mission that positively impacts the lives of AICs.
One significant advantage for Oregon Counties is the ability to procure OCE products through the use of interagency agreements or the OregonBuys platform, where OCE is part of the punchout e-commerce process. This system allows counties and state agencies to streamline their purchasing processes. Under Oregon’s procurement rules, products and services provided by OCE are exempt from competitive bidding requirements. This means that government agencies can bypass the often time-consuming bidding process, saving both time and resources. By choosing OCE, clients not only support a social good but also benefit from faster, more efficient procurement.
Supporting OCE isn’t just about obtaining quality furniture or signage—it’s a direct investment in people and the community. By working with OCE, counties help support transformative programs that reduce recidivism rates and contribute to safer, stronger communities. Together, we’re not just providing products—we’re making an investment in Oregon’s future.
Whether you’re seeking custom-designed office setups or durable outdoor signage, OCE’s offerings reflect the organization’s core belief: with the right opportunities, people can change their lives. Every project helps ensure a lasting positive impact on both individuals and the community.
(Pictured above: Acty Mountain camera in Harney County. Each camera can rotate 360 degrees, tilt 220 degrees, and zoom up to 40 times. With near-infrared capabilities, they have a range of up to 30 miles in the day and 40 miles at night.)
Sponsored content contributed by AOC Business Partner: University of Oregon
The frequency and severity of wildfires are rising, driven by climate change, decades of fire suppression, and growth in the wildland-urban interface. But a lab at the University of Oregon has deployed a wildfire intelligence platform that gives counties new tools to spot and track wildfires.
The Oregon Hazards Lab at the University of Oregon (OHAZ) is now part of the world’s largest network of public wildfire cameras. OHAZ has installed dozens of cameras on telecommunications and lookout towers with long-range, 360-degree views of the surrounding landscape. Together, they enable firefighters to discover new ignitions, receive visual information to inform suppression efforts, and monitor fire behavior through containment while keeping people out of harm’s way.
OHAZ has been able to rapidly grow its wildfire camera network thanks to funding by the Oregon State Legislature, the Bureau of Land Management, the U.S. Forest Service, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, public utilities, and local partners. There are currently 57 cameras in Oregon, with plans to deploy 75 cameras by the end of 2025 and hundreds more in future years.
In addition, U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley directed funds this year to OHAZ to implement recommendations of the Oregon Wildfire Detection Camera Interoperability Committee. The committee is co-chaired by OHAZ and the Oregon Department of Forestry and aims to increase cooperation between agencies in detection camera efforts.
View Wildfire Cameras on the ALERTWest Platform
Any member of the public can view live and timelapse camera footage by visiting ALERTWest.live. This platform displays over 1,200 cameras operated by OHAZ and universities in other western states. In August 2024 alone, more than 12,000 unique users watched Oregon’s wildfire cameras, showing the impact that these tools can have on public safety and situational awareness during fire season.
Emergency managers, firefighters, and other stakeholders with public safety needs can receive login credentials to ALERTWest that allow them to rotate, tilt, and zoom the cameras to monitor specific wildfires. Credentialed users can also receive automated alerts when a new ignition is detected in their region. Over 200 officials from more than 50 different agencies in Oregon currently have camera credentials, including county governments; local utilities, police departments, and fire departments; and land management agencies.
The Cottonwood camera enabled firefighters to monitor the Cow Valley Fire in July 2024. Every two minutes, ALERTWest software takes a panoramic image from each camera and scans the images for new ignitions using wildfire detection algorithms. ALERTWest employees confirm detection validity and then deliver alerts to credentialed users.
County Partnerships Bolster Community Resilience
County partnerships are at the heart of OHAZ’s success. More than simply using login credentials to watch for fires, county governments are integral to the camera network’s expansion and operation. They are crucial partners in hosting camera sites and providing access to the power and telemetry needed to keep cameras operating 24/7. These collaborations reflect the shared commitment of OHAZ and Oregon’s counties to safeguard rural and urban communities alike from the increasing threats posed by wildfire and other hazards. To date, OHAZ has deployed cameras in 19 of Oregon’s 36 counties, which have been valuable resources for monitoring the conflagrations that burned 1.9 million acres across the state in 2024.
OHAZ’s role does not stop with wildfire monitoring. It has also been a key player in Oregon’s efforts to prepare for earthquakes for a decade. The lab continues its work to expand the Pacific Northwest Seismic Network (PNSN) and strengthen the ShakeAlert Earthquake Early Warning System, which provides precious seconds of warning before dangerous seismic shaking arrives, giving counties the opportunity to protect residents and infrastructure from catastrophic damage.
OHAZ is working to secure additional funding to continue and expand its critical work. Counties interested in supporting OHAZ’s efforts at the state and federal level are encouraged to reach out to Joe Erickson at jerickson@uoregon.edu for more information on how they can help advocate for this critical resource.
OHAZ Wants to Work with Your Community
Emergency managers, firefighters, and other individuals with a public safety mission can email wildfirehelp@uoregon.edu to receive control and alerting credentials for Oregon cameras. Local governments can also email the lab to learn more about hosting camera sites in their county and to receive outreach materials for their residents. Together, we will be ready for next fire season, with an eye in the sky from the High Desert to the Cascade Range, from the forests to your town.
The Oregon Hazards Lab is a hazard monitoring group within the University of Oregon’s Department of Earth Sciences. OHAZ is developing a regional sensor network for understanding, detecting, and mitigating multi-hazards in the Pacific Northwest. The data collected by its instruments advance knowledge of natural disasters and the environment, protect the public through real-time alerting, and contribute to community-level resilience.
