Sep 29, 2025 | AOC Business Partner
Sponsored content contributed by AOC Business Partner: Pence
Public facilities, like courthouses and law enforcement buildings, are among the most complex projects a county can undertake. They must balance safety, accessibility, and functionality, reflect community needs and remain poised for growth. Just as critical, these projects bring together many important voices — commissioners, judges, court staff, law enforcement, architects, engineers, and the public.
To be a true partner, we believe the role of a general contractor extends beyond construction. Our value lies in helping these diverse groups align around a shared vision. This requires not only coordination, but also listening, building trust, and ensuring every partner feels heard and respected.
The expansion and renovation of the Deschutes County Courthouse illustrate this approach. With hard construction costs of $38 million, this 50,933-square-foot project nearly doubles the courthouse’s footprint by adding new courtrooms, jury assembly space, staff offices, sheriff’s offices, and updated security screening and holding facilities. A new entrance and lobby will seamlessly integrate the two buildings while keeping the courthouse fully operational throughout the construction process.
Managing the diverse interests of multiple stakeholders under such conditions is no small task. Pence Project Executive John Williamson explains, “Building courthouses requires consideration of many different voices. Our role is to listen to all parties and ensure every perspective is heard, while keeping the project moving forward.”
That balance begins by setting aligned goals at the outset of the project— a process we call our Project Charter. This combined vision of key project goals helps guide daily decisions, resolve differences, and ensure the project’s success.
During the preconstruction phase, we engage stakeholders in meaningful discussions about cost, schedules, logistics, and design. Throughout construction, we maintain alignment through clear communication channels, from regular OAC meetings to live project dashboards and regular site walks with key stakeholders. By ensuring information is transparent and accessible, we transform potential challenges into opportunities for collaboration. On site at the courthouse, Senior Superintendent Kurt Schwabauer has seen how this approach plays out daily.
“We’re building right alongside active court proceedings. It only works because of the open communication and trust we’ve built with courthouse staff and county leadership. We recognize that those proceedings are critical, and the first priority on site.” says Kurt.
For Deschutes County, this collaborative approach helps ensure the courthouse project — set for completion in 2026 — delivers secure, functional, and future-ready space for the Central Oregon community. For Pence, it reflects what we do best: transforming complexity into clarity, and many voices into one shared vision that leads to successful outcomes.
Sep 25, 2025 | AOC Business Partner
Sponsored content contributed by AOC Business Partner: Covenant Global
Counties are under constant pressure to keep sensitive data secure, yet the question many leaders ask is: “Where do we start?” The good news is there are simple, proven steps to get a clear picture of your current security posture and reduce your risk.
- Email Domain Health
Your email system is one of the most common entry points for attackers. Ensuring that SPF (Sender Policy Framework), DKIM (DomainKeys Identified Mail), and DMARC (Domain-based Message Authentication Reporting & Conformance) are properly configured protects your organization from email spoofing and phishing attacks. These checks are quick and can reveal whether your email is fully protected—or leaving the door open.
- Dark Web Credential Scan
Compromised logins and passwords are regularly traded on the dark web. A periodic scan can identify if your staff credentials have been exposed. If so, the solution is straightforward: change the password on the compromised site and enable multifactor authentication (MFA) for added protection.
- Security Score Assessment: https://covenant.global/services/whats-your-security-score/
Microsoft’s Secure Score tool benchmarks your security posture against regulatory frameworks such as CJIS, HIPAA, and NIST. This gives you a baseline measurement and a prioritized list of improvements to harden your environment:
Recommended Next Steps
- Request an Email Health Check
- Run a Dark Web Credential Scan
- Get your Secure Score and Action Plan
- Remediate vulnerabilities with qualified support
This proactive approach offers peace of mind and a roadmap for continuous improvement. With high-profile cyber incidents regularly in the news, now is the time to act so your county stays protected—and out of the headlines.
For more information, call (503) 496-4431 or email tellmemore@covenant.global
Aug 26, 2025 | AOC Business Partner
Sponsored content contributed by AOC Business Partner: Energy Trust of Oregon
With support from independent non-profit Energy Trust of Oregon, Clackamas County has opened a modernized, energy-efficient courthouse designed to meet the needs of a growing community while reducing environmental impact and long-term costs.
Located in Oregon City, Clackamas County’s new courthouse was developed through a Public-Private Partnership (P3), an innovative model for a project of this scale. Once the final project design was selected, the county enrolled with Energy Trust to help bring its energy goals to life.
From there, Energy Trust played a key role in helping the county take a holistic approach to energy efficiency. Energy Trust experts looked at the building’s design and identified all potential energy-saving opportunities for the building, both inside and out.
“Energy efficiency was a priority from the start, and we worked closely with the county to make sure smart, cost-effective systems were part of the plan,” said Shelly Carlton, senior program manager at Energy Trust. “The result is a building that’s more affordable to operate, comfortable for staff and visitors, and sustainable for the community.”
Key energy efficiency features in the new courthouse include high-efficiency heating and cooling systems that recover and reuse waste heat, high-performance windows and insulation that minimize energy loss, and long-lasting LED lighting that reduces maintenance needs and energy use. Cash incentives from Energy Trust helped offset the cost of these upgrades.
These features are estimated to reduce energy use by as much as 140,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity each year – enough to power at least 10 Oregon homes – and cut natural gas use by up to 25,000 therms, the equivalent of what dozens of homes might use in a year. In addition, a large solar array on the roof and carport structures will generate clean energy and further minimize energy bills for the county.
“Energy efficiency is a smart way to manage public dollars,” said Scott Anderson, Clackamas County Public Information Officer. “With support from Energy Trust, we’ve built a modern facility that’s not only efficient and cost-effective but also designed to provide significantly more room and security for courthouse staff and visitors, and to serve the community for decades to come.”
Energy Trust works with communities across Oregon to improve public buildings and invest in infrastructure that works better now and in the future. Support is available at every stage of a project – from early design through construction – and includes expert technical guidance, help identifying funding opportunities and cash incentives that reduce up-front costs.
Have a public building in need of upgrades? Energy Trust can help. Learn more at www.energytrust.org/newbuildings or visit Energy Trust’s booth at the upcoming AOC Annual Conference in November.
(Photo courtesy of Clackamas County.)
Aug 26, 2025 | AOC Business Partner
Sponsored content contributed by AOC Business Partner: Covenant Global
As we discussed in Part 1 of this series, there are quick, high-impact actions counties can take to boost their cybersecurity. In this edition, we want to highlight why cybersecurity should be a top priority for local governments in 2025—and the risks that come from delaying action.
Cities and counties are collecting more citizen data than ever—information that’s extremely valuable on the dark web. And hackers have taken notice.
Just recently, Oregon’s own Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) experienced a ransomware attack, exposing data and systems in a way that reverberated across state and local infrastructure. Read the full article here.
Cybercriminals aren’t just targeting large corporations or federal agencies anymore. Local agencies have become ideal targets due to several key vulnerabilities:
- Limited cybersecurity budgets – especially with recent reductions of FEMA budgets, limited grant availability, and general budget reduction.
- Aging or unpatched infrastructure – One of the last big infrastructure updates happened in 2015. Most of that equipment has reached the end of life and needs to be replaced with upgrade security features.
- Lack of trained cybersecurity personnel – Cyber-attacks have become much more sophisticated, but training about those attacks has not kept pace.
- Valuable personal and financial data of citizens – the type of personal information that is being captured now for the convenience of the controlling organizations has become very valuable to the bad actors.
- Essential services like emergency response, water, and utilities are dependent on IT systems – technology has enabled and enhanced emergency response.
It’s been said, “smaller entities may be easier to breach, but just as damaging to exploit.” This is a very true statement as it applies to cities and counties.
So, what can be done? Here is a simple checklist of steps that can be taken:
- Designate a cybersecurity lead or hire consultants
- Train all staff on basic cyber hygiene and threat response
- Patch and update legacy systems
- Implement and enforce multi-factor authentication
- Perform regular backups and test restorations
- Conduct a complete risk assessment
- Establish or update an incident response plan
- Apply for federal/state cybersecurity grants
These steps are a good start towards cybersecurity. Covenant Global can assist. For more information about cybersecurity and our services, please contact us by emailing Tellmemore@covenant.global or go to our website at https://connect.covenant.global/local-oregon-governments
Aug 26, 2025 | AOC Business Partner
Sponsored content contributed by AOC Business Partner: Comcast
(Photo above: This July, Comcast connected over 600 homes and businesses in Sublimity to fast, reliable, symmetrical Internet for the very first time as a part of the company’s network expansion into more locations in Oregon. Another 785 locations will be added to Comcast’s network in Sublimity by the end of the year.)
In 2025, Comcast has made significant strides across Oregon—investing in infrastructure, expanding broadband access, and supporting local events and nonprofits. These efforts align with the priorities of Oregon’s county governments: fostering economic opportunities, improving access to essential services, and strengthening community resilience.
Investing in Broadband Infrastructure to Support Growth
Comcast’s network expansions have brought high-speed internet to thousands of previously underserved homes and businesses in Oregon counties. These projects are more than connectivity—they’re economic development tools that support small businesses, remote work, education, and public services.
- In Sublimity, over 600 homes and businesses were connected for the first time, with plans to reach another 785 locations by year-end.
- Over the past three years, Comcast has invested $574 million in Oregon to expand and enhance broadband infrastructure.
County leaders know that reliable internet is essential for workforce development, emergency preparedness, and equitable access to healthcare and education. Comcast’s infrastructure investments help counties meet these goals.
Simplifying Internet Access for Oregon Households
In June, Comcast introduced a new pricing model for Xfinity Internet—no contracts, no hidden fees, and a five-year price guarantee. This change is especially impactful for the 1.3 million Oregon households navigating rising costs and increasing digital demands.
The new plans include advanced features like parental controls, cybersecurity protection, and Wi-Fi Motion technology—all accessible through the redesigned Xfinity app. These tools support families, students, and remote workers across Oregon counties.
Supporting Local Events and Economic Activity
Comcast has provided critical connectivity for some of Oregon’s most beloved events, helping counties showcase their communities and support tourism and local business:
- Oregon International Air Show (Washington County) – Comcast powered vendor operations, ticketing, and public Wi-Fi
- Oregon Jamboree (Linn County) – Provided robust connectivity for attendees, staff, and performers
- Portland Classic (Multnomah County) – Supported LPGA athletes and event operations with high-speed internet
- Mt. Angel Oktoberfest (Marion County) – Delivered free Wi-Fi to enhance visitor experience and vendor success
These investments demonstrate Comcast’s commitment to supporting county-led initiatives that boost local economies and community engagement.
Advancing Digital Opportunity in Oregon Counties
Comcast’s digital adoption programs are designed to ensure that all residents—regardless of income or background—can participate in today’s digital society.
- The Latino Network’s La Plaza Esperanza (Multnomah County): A new 18,000 sq. ft. community center in Rockwood offering education, job training, and health services. Comcast’s Lift Zones provide free high-speed Wi-Fi and technology access.
- Over $5 million invested over the past three years in Oregon nonprofits to support digital skills training, Lift Zones, and grants to bridge the digital divide.
- Through Project UP, Comcast partners with trusted organizations like Boys & Girls Clubs, Free Geek, and Native American Youth & Family Center to deliver digital literacy and affordable broadband via Internet Essentials.
These efforts align with county goals to improve access to education, workforce development, and public health services.
Expanding Local Access and Customer Support
Comcast continues to grow its presence in Oregon with new retail locations:
- Oregon City store opened in June
- McMinnville store opening later this year
- More than 20 retail locations statewide provide customer support, product demos, and community engagement
Jul 30, 2025 | AOC Business Partner
Sponsored content contributed by AOC Business Partner: Covenant Global
Email is the heartbeat of county operations. Whether coordinating with vendors, issuing permits, or managing sensitive records, it’s how work gets done. But many public agencies don’t realize that their email domain—if not properly configured—can leave the door wide open to impersonation, spoofing, or even unnoticed data exposure.
That’s why Covenant Global created the “What’s Your Security Score?” scan: a free, low-lift checkup designed specifically for Oregon counties. It’s not a sales pitch. It’s a practical tool for busy teams who know cybersecurity matters but don’t always have the staff or time to dig into the details.
Why Domain Security and Dark Web Scans Matter
When your email domain records—SPF, DKIM, DMARC, and MX—are incomplete or outdated, it becomes easier for outsiders to impersonate your agency or send emails that appear trustworthy. These records are your front line of defense, and misconfigurations often go unnoticed until something goes wrong.
Similarly, a dark web scan checks to see if any credentials tied to your agency’s email domain have been exposed online. This often includes passwords from old accounts or previously used logins—small oversights that could create big risks later.
What You’ll Receive (At No Cost)
Your Security Score includes:
- A domain health scan reviewing key email security records
- A dark web credential check tied to your public domain
- A plain-English report outlining risks or misconfigurations
- A prioritized action plan for your IT team or provider
And for counties using Microsoft 365, we’ll let you know if you qualify for additional cybersecurity support through Microsoft’s 20/20 Initiative.
Why This Matters for Counties
In our early work with local governments:
- 75% had missing or outdated email security records, leaving them vulnerable to spoofing or impersonation
- Over 60% had credentials exposed on the dark web, often from old accounts or password reuse
This isn’t about pointing fingers. It’s about giving your team the insight and support to make smart, proactive decisions.
It’s Not About Fear—It’s About Visibility
After working with SLG clients, we’ve found that most email domains have room for improvement—but many agencies simply aren’t aware of the gaps. The Security Score gives you the visibility to fix what’s fixable and the confidence to move forward.
It’s fast, free, and built to support the work you’re already doing.
If you’d like to take the first step, we’d be honored to walk with you.
Email us at tellmemore@covenant.global
Let’s keep Oregon counties secure, connected, and confident—together.
