The 2025 Association of Oregon Counties (AOC) Annual Conference, held Nov. 19-22 in Eugene, Ore., brought together over 600 county officials, agency leaders, partners, and exhibitors for three days of focused networking, learning, and relationship building to better serve Oregon’s communities.
Kicking off the conference was a powerful message of hope and survival from Keynote Speaker Kevin Hines. Hines, who survived a suicide attempt off the Golden Gate Bridge, told the captivated audience to help those who may be in pain and commit to “be here tomorrow, and every day after that.”
Mental health was the focus of this year’s conference, serving as the presidential initiative of outgoing AOC President, Umatilla County Commissioner John Shafer.
“The powerful keynote from Kevin Hines set a purposeful tone for the conference,” said President Shafer, “reinforcing the critical importance of mental health initiatives.”
This focus carried through the conference sessions, which featured critical discussions on empowering local mental health authorities, the local impact of federal health and human services policy changes, and addressing county-level challenges within healthcare systems.
On the second day, Governor Tina Kotek joined the conference, emphasizing the need for counties and the state to collaborate. “I will be a strong partner with our counties,” Kotek promised, “to make sure we help Oregonians and we move the state forward.”
The governor encouraged attendees to foster regional partnerships during the afternoon agency meet and greet, a valuable opportunity for engagement with state and federal agency leaders.
Beyond mental health, speakers addressed a range of critical issues facing Oregon’s counties and the essential services they provide, including road safety, public health modernization, county revenue, emergency management, and energy capacity.
A key moment of the conference was the graduation ceremony for AOC’s County College program. Designed for new commissioners, judges, chairs, and high-level staff, the program offers a comprehensive overview of the responsibilities and authorities of a county and county elected officials. County leaders from twenty-one counties completed the six-month program.
For newly elected officials, the program is an invaluable resource. Baker County Commissioner Michelle Kaseberg credits her experience at County College with “helping me connect the information shared at the AOC Annual Conference to real-world county operations.”
In addition to educational sessions and networking opportunities, one of the highlights every year is Wander Oregon, an event that showcases the diverse offerings of Oregon’s counties. Nineteen counties shared their finest food, beverages, and artisanal products – from fry bread and seafood to lavender, cheeses and much more. We are grateful to all participating counties and their staff for making Wander Oregon a wonderful celebration of what Oregon has to offer.
“The 2025 AOC Annual Conference was an overwhelming success, bringing together dedicated county leaders and partners to focus on the most pressing issues facing Oregon’s communities,” said Executive Director Gina Nikkel. “This event proved once again to be an indispensable forum for networking, collaboration, and building the partnerships necessary to effectively serve all Oregonians.”
Contributed by: Erin Good | Communications Coordinator