Jun 25, 2026 | AOC Business Partner
Sponsored content contributed by AOC Business Partner: iSector
The Oregon iSector is pleased to announce that Keith Leavitt will join the organization as Executive Director effective July 6.
Leavitt brings more than 30 years of leadership experience in economic development, public policy, transportation, trade and community development. His career includes leadership roles with the Oregon Legislature, the Oregon Economic Development Department, the Governor’s Office and more than 25 years at the Port of Portland, where he advanced major infrastructure and economic development initiatives through partnerships across the public, private and civic sectors.
Leavitt succeeds founder Greg Wolf, who will continue serving as Director of Program Development.
The leadership transition comes as Oregon iSector continues expanding its work to help communities tackle complex challenges through cross-sector partnerships and innovative approaches.
In recent years, the organization has sponsored the Housing Innovation Partnership, a statewide initiative that has helped advance more than $140 million in workforce housing investments through financing and policy recommendations. Oregon iSector also provides technical assistance to rural communities, helping local leaders navigate infrastructure planning, housing development, funding opportunities and project implementation while building local capacity for long-term success.
“The iSector board and staff is composed of people with vast experience in public, private and civic partnerships in many different sectors,” said Board Chair Kate Sinner. “Keith brings long experience in major infrastructure projects and the multi-sector systemic changes that make them possible. We look forward to having him join our team.”
As Executive Director, Leavitt will focus on strengthening partnerships and expanding the organization’s support for communities across Oregon as they address housing shortages, infrastructure needs and other complex public challenges that require coordinated action.
Learn more about Oregon iSector and its work at iSector.org.
Jun 25, 2026 | AOC Business Partner
Sponsored content contributed by AOC Business Partner: Energy Trust of Oregon
As temperatures rise, counties can help residents stay comfortable and manage energy costs by sharing practical, low- or no-cost cooling tips.
- Keep hot air out during the day
Close windows, blinds and shades when it’s hot outside to block heat from entering your home. Light-colored window coverings can help reflect heat away. When temperatures drop at night, open windows and doors to bring in cooler air.
- Use fans to stay comfortable
A ceiling fan can help circulate cool air from your air conditioning. Make sure to set ceiling fans to spin counterclockwise, which pushes air down and creates a cool breeze.
- Limit heat from appliances
Appliances and electronics give off heat. Try running dishwashers and laundry in the evening and switch to LED bulbs to keep your home cooler.
- Keep hot air out and cool air in
Seal gaps around doors and windows with caulk or weatherstripping. You can also seal cracks in attics, basements and crawl spaces to prevent unwanted heat from getting in.
- Make the most of your cooling system
Set your thermostat a few degrees higher when possible and keep filters clean so your system runs efficiently and doesn’t work harder than it needs to.
Get more tips and ways to save here.
May 27, 2026 | AOC Business Partner
Sponsored content contributed by AOC Business Partner: Oregon Corrections Enterprises
As Oregon heads into another busy season of park use, counties are preparing to refresh public spaces, upgrade park amenities, and install new outdoor furnishings that can withstand heavy use and Oregon’s unique weather conditions. Oregon Corrections Enterprises (OCE) is proud to support counties statewide with high-quality, long-lasting outdoor products designed specifically for the needs of Parks & Recreation teams.
Built for Oregon’s Climate, Built to Last
OCE’s outdoor furniture is engineered to provide years of reliable performance in high-traffic community spaces. From benches and picnic tables to trash receptacles, fire rings, trailhead kiosks, bus shelters, and custom site furnishings, each product is constructed using durable materials with material quality that meets or exceeds most manufacturers. Designed to withstand Oregon’s rain, sun, and daily wear, these solutions help counties reduce long-term maintenance costs and ensure that parks remain welcoming, safe, and functional for residents and visitors alike.
Every piece is produced locally in Oregon, allowing counties to source high-quality outdoor furniture without long lead times or high transportation costs. And because OCE works directly with counties, products can be customized to fit the exact needs of each location—whether it’s accessibility requirements, park branding, or unique site specifications.
Supporting Community Spaces and Community Members
Alongside the practical benefits, OCE’s outdoor furniture program plays a meaningful role in Oregon’s broader workforce development ecosystem. AICs involved in manufacturing these products receive hands-on training and develop skills in areas such as fabrication, welding, carpentry, finishing, equipment operation, quality control, and project planning.
These real-world skills help AICs build confidence, earn industry-recognized certifications, and prepare for stable employment after release. By choosing OCE, counties support a model that promotes rehabilitation, workforce readiness, and safer communities statewide.
Why Counties Choose OCE for Parks & Recreation Needs
• Outdoor products designed specifically for long-term durability in Oregon’s climate
• Cost-effective solutions ideal for budget-conscious upgrades
• Local production with scalable customization options
• Positive community impact through workforce development and second-chance opportunities
• Long-term reliability that reduces maintenance demands on county staff
Investing in Parks, People, and the Future
As counties continue improving parks, trails, recreation areas, and public gathering spaces this season, OCE is honored to be a trusted partner. By choosing durable, Oregon-made outdoor furnishings, counties invest not only in strong public spaces, but also in people—strengthening community resiliency and supporting successful reentry across the state.
Learn more about OCE’s outdoor furniture and parks solutions at oce.oregon.gov.
May 27, 2026 | AOC Business Partner
Sponsored content contributed by AOC Business Partner: Covenant Technology Solutions
Compliance Without the Headache: A Plain-English Map for Counties
Counties don’t struggle with a lack of standards—they struggle with too many standards. CJIS, HIPAA, PCI, and NIST can feel like separate worlds, even though many controls overlap. The fastest path forward is to focus on the “common controls” that improve security and strengthen compliance across multiple frameworks at once.
Here’s a simple way to think about it:
1) Identity (who can access what)
Strong sign-in protections, least privilege, and regular access reviews.
2) Devices (what connects to county systems)
Secure endpoints, patching, and protecting against malware and unauthorized software.
3) Data (what must be protected and tracked)
Know where sensitive data lives, limit sharing, and apply retention and protection policies.
4) Monitoring + Response (prove you’re managing risk)
Log what matters, review alerts consistently, and document how incidents are handled.
Quick win: choose one framework you care most about (often CJIS) and map your current controls into the four categories above. You’ll quickly see which improvements help across all standards—not just one.
Want a structured way to baseline your environment and prioritize improvements? Explore Fortify or request a Security Score Assessment.
Need a simpler way to think about compliance?
We expanded this article into a practical website guide for counties, including a common-control map, quick-start checklist, and next steps for prioritizing improvements.
Read the full article here: https://covenant-tech.net/blog/compliance-map-for-counties/
May 27, 2026 | AOC Business Partner
Sponsored content contributed by AOC Business Partner: CIS
(Photo: Captain John DeVaney of the Benton County Sheriff’s Office presented the top proposal, which was to add audio recording capability in select high-risk areas of the county jail.)
High satisfaction, practical education, and a prevention-first focus make the Annual Conference a sound investment in risk reduction and long-term financial stability.
For nearly 25 years, the CIS Annual Conference has been a signature event for Oregon’s cities and counties—bringing members together around a shared purpose: protecting public assets, strengthening organizations, and reducing preventable risk. For county and city leaders and their teams who manage risk, people, and operations, the 24th Annual Conference, held Feb. 25–27 in Salem, reinforced why this event remains central to CIS’ mission as a member-owned, not-for-profit risk pool created solely to serve Oregon cities and counties.
Participation reached a new high, with 696 attendees overall—466 in person and 210 participating virtually. The turnout reflected more than interest. It reflected trust in a conference designed around stewardship, with sessions focused on reducing exposure, avoiding costly claims, and supporting the long-term financial strength of the pool.
Feedback following the conference made that value clear. Participants rated their overall experience 4.7 out of 5, with 97 percent describing the conference as excellent or good. Comments consistently emphasized that sessions were relevant, well organized, and immediately usable. One attendee summed it up plainly: “This conference is always one of the most valuable events I attend each year.” Such satisfaction matters because it reflects confidence in CIS as a long-term partner that understands public-sector risk and delivers solutions built for local government—not commercial insurance markets.
That outcome is intentional. Sessions were built around real situations counties face every day, including claims, benefits, employment law, risk management, and public safety. The emphasis was practical risk reduction. Average session ratings reached 4.62 out of 5, with 91 percent rated excellent or good. Members frequently noted that CIS-led sessions, in particular, translated complex topics into tools they could use right away—helping reduce exposure and prevent issues from becoming claims.
Keynote speakers reinforced these themes by connecting wellbeing, leadership, and workplace culture to organizational outcomes. Attendees appreciated the continuity across the program, noting how the messages built on one another rather than competing for attention. One participant observed, “The thread of wellness and connection came through from all three speakers,” highlighting how culture and risk management are closely linked in today’s public organizations.
Equally important were the conversations that happened outside the sessions. Peer-to-peer exchange remains one of the conference’s most valued features. Members consistently pointed to informal conversations—between sessions, over meals, and in shared spaces—as a source of insight and reassurance. Hearing how others approach similar challenges often leads to better decisions and helps avoid costly mistakes.
Accessibility continued to be a strength. The hybrid format expanded participation while preserving a strong in-person experience. Virtual attendees praised the ease of access to materials and recordings, while in-person participants valued the opportunity to build relationships that strengthen collaboration across the membership.
Conference grants also remained essential. More than 70 percent of respondents indicated that reducing or eliminating grants would affect their ability to attend, particularly for smaller and rural members. Grants help ensure the conference remains accessible across the membership and support broad participation.
Taken together, the results affirm the role of the Annual Conference as a signature CIS event—one that supports practical learning, strong relationships, and long-term financial stewardship. Planning is already underway for next year’s conference, guided by member feedback and anchored in CIS’ shared commitment to helping Oregon’s cities and counties be safer, stronger, and healthier. Save the date: Feb. 24–26, 2027.
Sidebar: Shark Tank—Investing Early to Reduce Loss
Winning projects highlight how early, member-driven investments can prevent future claims and protect public assets across Oregon.
Few sessions illustrate the CIS model more clearly than Shark Tank.
Now in its sixth year, Shark Tank reflects the purpose of a member-owned and governed risk pool. Members bring forward practical ideas, ask tough questions, and invest collectively in solutions that reduce loss before claims occur.
At the 2026 conference, three finalist projects were selected in advance, with final placement determined through live audience voting following presentations and a moderated Q&A.
First place—Benton County ($7,500): Captain John DeVaney of the Benton County Sheriff’s Office presented a proposal to add audio recording capability to select high-risk areas of the county jail. Paired with existing video, audio provides important context during incidents, supports earlier intervention, and strengthens documentation—without the cost or complexity of a systemwide expansion.
Second place—City of Hillsboro Fire & Rescue ($5,000): Lieutenant Luis Mota, with support during discussion from the City of Hillsboro’s risk management team, presented the implementation of HAAS Alert’s Safety Cloud, which delivers real-time digital warnings to nearby drivers during emergency responses. The goal is straightforward: fewer collisions and safer conditions for responders and the public.
Third place—Lake Oswego Fire Department ($2,500): Firefighter Driver Engineer Ben Fox presented a similar digital alerting initiative aimed at improving driver awareness around emergency vehicles. Lake Oswego plans to expand the system and share lessons learned with other members considering the technology.
Together, the projects reflect what distinguishes CIS from commercial insurers: collaboration, early investment in prevention, and a collective focus on strengthening the pool over time.
May 26, 2026 | AOC Business Partner
Sponsored content contributed by AOC Business Partner: Oregon Transportation & Growth Management, a joint ODOT and DLCD program
Transportation and Growth Management grants offer Oregon communities a powerful way to advance local priorities and unlock additional funding. Counties, cities, and special districts can use these grants to strengthen their transportation and land use planning—and to position themselves for resources such as energy tax credits, the Oregon Main Street Program, and housing-supply programs. TGM encourages governments to take advantage of assets they have, such as existing urban infrastructure, and improve walkable downtowns and main streets. These planning grants can be an important step to achieve broader TGM goals.
Two Grant Categories to Support Your Local Needs
- Category 1 – Transportation System Planning
For this category, funds can be used by counties to complete or update a Transportation System Plan (TSP), plan for unincorporated areas, address multimodal needs, meet new regulatory requirements, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, or build resilience to natural hazards. Communities can also pursue bike and pedestrian plans, transit plans, and Safe Routes to School plans.
- Category 2 – Integrated Land Use and Transportation Planning
The second category of grants can fund area plans, downtown plans, main street plans, corridor plans, UGB concept planning, and code updates that improve housing or employment efficiency. Cities and counties may find this category of grants especially valuable for planning in urban unincorporated areas.
Key Dates
- Applications due: August 21, 2026
- Application period opens: May 26, 2026
- Webinar: July 8th 10:30 am –12pm
- Office Hours: July 22, July 29, Aug. 5, Aug. 19, 10-11am
Why This Matters
Strong planning lays the foundation for successful transportation and land use decisions—whether you’re managing growth, improving safety, or preparing for future infrastructure investments. TGM grants help communities plan with intention and be ready for grants or other funding opportunities.
Join our application webinar in July
We will host a webinar July 8 to answer your questions about the application, how to fill out the online form, and common mistakes. Registration is required to attend.
Upcoming office hours
We will host a series of drop-in office hours in July and August to answer questions.
More information and the application packet are available on the TGM grant program webpage. You can also watch a short informative video about the application process this year. For questions about the overall grant program, contact Virginia Elandt, TGM Grant Program Coordinator. Contact the lead TGM planner for your region if you would like to discuss the specifics of your project.
