The Association of Oregon Counties (AOC) is a 23-member staff of professional employees with broad duties and skill-sets. Each team member helps make AOC the success it is today. Here is an opportunity to meet a member of your AOC team.

Meet AOC Legislative Affairs Manager, Michael Burdick

Michael Burdick joined the AOC team in April of 2022 as legislative affairs manager. In his role, Michael advocates for Oregon counties’ priorities at the State Legislature and at state agencies, covering public safety and community development. Michael helps educate state policymakers about the work counties do, how counties partner with the state to provide services, and what counties need to keep those partnerships functioning smoothly. He also helps prepare AOC leaders so they can make informed decisions, facilitate their leadership of member deliberations around what AOC should advocate for, and facilitate leaders’ efforts to find consensus. Additionally, Michael serves as staff liaison to AOC District 7.

A seasoned-professional in state government and political processes, Michael brings more than a decade of experience working with the Oregon State Legislature. 

Immediately prior to joining AOC, Michael worked as a contract lobbyist representing nonprofit clients in healthcare and agriculture. He also served in roles as chief of staff for a Eugene-based state representative who chaired the House Committee on Revenue, and as legislative coordinator for two Oregon state treasurers.

Michael holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology from Reed College. 

AOC Legislative Affairs Department

Michael’s role is housed in the AOC Legislative Affairs Department. The Legislative Affairs Department is a five-member team that advocates for counties at the State Capitol, within state agencies, and with federal partners to pursue a policy agenda set by AOC members.

Why Michael Loves AOC

“I love AOC because it brings local leaders from all sorts of backgrounds, with all kinds of ideologies, from all over Oregon, together. And it provides a forum for collaboration and cooperation, working out solutions to shared problems, and making progress toward shared goals in ways that help the government work better at all levels.” 

What Interests Michael in His Work

“Governments have enormous power to affect people’s lives, so I’ve been fascinated by how they work from an early age. I feel very lucky to live in a country where citizens govern themselves through elected representatives, and where policy disagreements are settled by discussion, persuasion, negotiation, and voting rather than by force. Government needs to work, and I believe it can. I love working in public service, where every day I get to wake up and spend my time trying to make things better for Oregonians.”

What Michael Wants to See in the Future for AOC

“I want AOC to realize its full potential to influence the important decisions state leaders make. I want the Legislature and other state leaders to see AOC as a constructive, collaborative partner whose participation in major policy conversations is worthwhile – even indispensable. I want AOC to be an organization that can work through disagreements graciously and build consensus around realistic goals that are laser-focused on what unites counties and directly affects counties.” 

Outside of AOC

Michael, and his husband, Tom Soppe, have been together for 22 years. They reside in Southwest Portland with their two miniature dachshunds. In their spare time, they enjoy traveling, hiking, and wildlife spotting. Michael’s other hobbies include cooking and keeping orchids.

Contributed by: Megan Chuinard | Public Affairs Associate