Mar 26, 2024 | AOC Advocacy, AOC News, Governance, Revenue, & Economic Development
Following House Bill 3414’s failure during the 2023 session, the prospect of the Association of Oregon Counties (AOC)’s community development policy priority — creating a fast-track process for limited urban growth boundary (UGB) expansions that significantly increase affordable and workforce housing in all communities experiencing shortages of buildable land — looked grim. However, immediately following the 2023 session, Governor Kotek and her policy advisors convened a small group of individuals, including AOC staff, to conduct a series of work sessions. Their aim was to revisit the policy items in HB 3414 and craft a bill to address Oregon’s housing supply crisis that could pass in the 2024 session.
After numerous meetings with the governor’s office, AOC staff and county planning department directors provided input and technical assistance on proposed legislation to ensure cities and counties would be able to implement the legislation if enacted. In consideration of the pending legislative concept, the AOC Transportation and Community Development Steering Committee recommended that AOC readopt our 2023 UGB-related priority as a top priority for the 2024 session.
Senate Bill 1537, the Emergency Housing Stabilization and Production Package introduced by Gov. Kotek, was amended many times before eventually becoming law, with AOC actively involved at every stage of the process.
SB 1537 directly addresses AOC’s fast-tracked UGB expansion priority, establishing a one-time UGB expansion tool for cities that need both land supply and affordable housing. The bill requires 30% of all homes to be built as “affordable housing” and ensures the expansion aligns with the preferences and understanding of Oregonians – with a diverse array of housing choices, a mix of densities and services the residents will need, and the necessary infrastructure for long lasting, successful communities. SB 1537 requires the land to not be zoned high-value farm or forest outside of urban reserves already designated and caps the expansion at a specific number of acres based on population (100 net residential acres for cities with a population over 25,000 and a maximum of 50 net residential acres in cities with a population under 25,000; Metro is capped at 300 total net residential acres).
Cities are currently looking over the requirements that must be met to qualify for this fast-track process. With counties serving as a strong partner in this process, planning departments stand ready to work with our local government partners to begin this process when they are ready.
AOC looks forward to working with the Department of Land Conservation and Development, the governor’s office, and stakeholders throughout the state on the next area needed to address the housing supply issues Oregon continues to face.
Contributed by: Legislative Affairs Manager Branden Pursinger
Mar 25, 2024 | AOC Business Partner
Sponsored content contributed by AOC Business Partner: Nationwide
Nationwide provides complimentary education sessions through their Teaching Thursday Program designed to help you prepare for retirement. Check out the upcoming sessions below and register here.
Upcoming Teaching Thursday Sessions
April 11
Myths & Retirement: What are the ten biggest myths concerning retirement savings? This webinar reviews the truths about these myths to help you confidently plan for retirement.
April 25
Managing Taxes: Learn how taxes can impact retirement income plans: pre-tax, post-tax, and inherited.
May 9
Leaving Your Legacy: Learn how to take steps to make sure your assets pass to your family and loved ones. Learn how these steps can pass smoothly, in a tax-efficient manner.
May 23
Retirement 101: This webinar helps employees better understand how and why a 457b Deferred Comp plan helps meet their retirement goals.
June 6
My Interactive Retirement Planner (MIRP) & Online Resources: Learn about tools, like MIRP and other online resources designed to organize and track your retirement goals.
June 20
Retirement Payout Options: If you are within a few months or years from retirement, you will learn all about distribution options and required minimum distributions.
Contributed by: Member Services and Education Director Kristen Paul
Mar 1, 2024 | AOC News
AOC kicked off the 35-day 2024 legislative “short” session on Feb. 5, with a full day of internal policy meetings followed by our 2nd Annual Open House. The event proved again to be a great success, bringing legislative and state agency leaders together with county commissioners and judges for networking and relationship building. Feedback from members and partners was enthusiastically positive, and AOC Executive Director Gina Nikkel confirmed that AOC will make the first day of session AOC Open House an annual event.
AOC appreciates members who joined us in advocating for our priority policy items in the Capitol, via virtual testimony, and by responding to calls to action during the fast-paced legislative session. The AOC legislative affairs team saw our staff and members focus on relationship-building and solutions-oriented advocacy pay off in a productive legislative session for counties. Our consistent messaging of state-county partnership is showing signs of progress, with legislative leadership, state agencies, and critical partner stakeholders increasingly looking to AOC for input early in the policymaking process.
“Counties should consider the 2024 session a win both in achieving our policy goals and elevating the county voice in the Capitol. AOC members should continue to show up and engage in our process so we can extend this trend of success and carry proactive statewide policy proposals into the 2025-26 biennium,” said AOC President Danielle Bethell.
Please mark your calendars to attend the March AOC steering committees and Legislative Committee meetings where the legislative affairs team will provide a session recap. Be on the lookout for calendar invitations to ad-hoc meetings of AOC steering committees from April to early June. Deep dives and brainstorms this spring will lead into AOC steering committees and the AOC Legislative Committee convening June 20-21, in person, in Salem to consider and adopt AOC policy priorities for the 2025-26 biennium. AOC looks forward to diving into proactive policy development this spring and bringing statewide solutions to lift all Oregon communities in the 2025 legislative session.
Contributed by: Mallorie Roberts | legislative affairs director
Feb 29, 2024 | AOC News
Over thirty Oregon county officials and representatives of the Association of Oregon Counties (AOC) joined approximately 2,000 attendees from across the country in February at the National Association of Counties (NACo) 2024 Legislative Conference in Washington, D.C.
President Joe Biden headlined the conference, along with cabinet secretaries, leads of federal agencies, representatives from Capitol Hill, private sector partners and senior administration staff. Conference attendees shaped NACo’s legislative agenda, received updates on key federal policies, and advocated for county priorities on Capitol Hill.
President Danielle Bethell commented, “this conference is a great opportunity for commissioners to network, not just with our Oregon peers, but our peers across the nation, and develop intergovernmental partnerships with federal officials on issues important to Oregon counties. This year’s conference offered what felt like more of an opportunity to really dig into important issues to Oregon, together. I really enjoyed the time spent with those who attended and look forward to next year.”
During the conference, the Oregon delegation engaged in NACo policy discussions through NACo’s policy steering committee process, as well as breakout sessions, and general sessions, hearing from a range of speakers in the federal government. Issues covered included disaster preparedness and management, administering the 2024 election, artificial intelligence (AI), housing affordability, behavioral health and justice, and more.
“Federal policies often have direct and long-lasting impacts on county governments and our residents,” said NACo President Mary Jo McGuire. “NACo’s Legislative Conference is an essential opportunity to advocate for county priorities and strengthen intergovernmental partnerships that help our communities move forward together.”
AOC members also met with U.S. Senator Ron Wyden to advocate for AOC policy priorities. Executive Director Gina Nikkel expressed appreciation for Wyden’s partnership and engagement with counties. “I am grateful for Wyden’s openness and availability to connect with AOC membership on a variety of county issues.”
County officials across Oregon found meaning in the program content, as well as the networking opportunities. First Vice President John Shafer encourages commissioners and other county leaders to attend the conference. “So many incredible things happened. From seeing a sitting president to discussing rural issues to visiting the Capitol, the conference offers opportunities to effect change at the federal level that benefits every county.”
For more details about the 2024 NACo Legislative Conference, click here.
Contributed by: Erin Good | communications coordinator
Feb 28, 2024 | OACES
In early February, the Joint Committee on Transportation (JCT) released a 2024-25 Beginning Conversation Draft Action Plan for the development of the expected 2025 State Transportation Funding Package. The document included the following tentative dates* for a statewide listening tour in the 2024 interim. AOC encourages you to save-the-date for your area meeting and be prepared to testify on behalf of your county’s local road, bridge, and transportation needs and priorities.
*Please Note: the schedule is tentative, and the committee has yet to schedule any official listening tour dates.
County road project tour suggestions: If your county has a project or particular facility that would convey county road needs to the legislature, please click here to fill out a short survey and help AOC compile a list of tour options.
As the listening tour dates approach, the AOC County Road Program and Oregon Association of County Engineers and Surveyors (OACES) will be providing additional suggested talking points, statewide county road needs data, and individual county road priorities one-pagers, to help your county share its needs effectively with the legislature.
JCT Listening Tour – Tentative Dates and Locations:
- Wednesday, April 17: Tillamook or Astoria (Tillamook County Fairgrounds)
- Thursday, May 2: Klamath Falls
- Wednesday, May 15: Coos Bay (SW Oregon Community College, Coos Bay City Hall)
- Wednesday, May 29: Woodburn or Albany (Woodburn H.S., Linn Benton C.C.)
- Wednesday, June 12: Burns or Ontario (Malheur County Commission Chambers)
- Thursday, June 13: Baker City or Pendleton (Baker City Armory, Blue Mountain C.C.)
- Friday, June 28: Eugene (University of Oregon)
- Tuesday, July 16: Medford or Grants Pass (Medford City Hall, Medford Public Library)
- Thursday, July 25: Bend or Redmond (Bend Senior Center, OSU Cascades, Fair & Expo Center)
- Thursday, August 15: Beaverton or Hillsboro (Washington County Commission)
- Other possible cities to visit as alternative / additions include: The Dalles / Hood River, Roseburg
County Roads Resources:
Legislative and ODOT Resources:
Feb 28, 2024 | AOC News
In a February presentation to a legislative budget subcommittee, the Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission (OLCC) revealed that recent liquor sales trends have not kept pace with expectations, and associated revenue projections are being revised downward.
According to the commission, sales of distilled spirits in Oregon grew steadily over the past couple of decades, and then sped up significantly between 2019 and 2021. Experts anticipated those accelerated growth trends would continue through 2023-25. However, as 2023-25 data has become available, the projected growth has not materialized. Rather, growth trends seem to be flattening. OLCC notes that flattening trends in alcohol consumption in Oregon align with national trends.
Slower liquor sales will translate into significantly lower county revenues for 2023-25, the OLCC said. Their prior forecast anticipated counties would receive $64.2 million for the biennium, but their new forecast indicates counties should expect only $51.3 million.
It isn’t known whether flattening sales trends reflect lower alcohol consumption, or whether consumers are just choosing less expensive spirits. However, the fact that alcohol consumption surged during the pandemic was widely reported, so the recent flattening trend could indicate that overall sales trends are returning to normal.
Contributed by: Michael Burdick | legislative affairs manager
Feb 27, 2024 | AOC Business Partner
Sponsored content contributed by AOC Business Partner: Siemens
Siemens Smart Infrastructure combines the real and digital worlds across energy systems, buildings and industries, enhancing the way people live and work and significantly improving safety, security, efficiency and sustainability. We work together with customers and partners to create an ecosystem that both intuitively responds to the needs of people and helps customers achieve their business goals. Locally, Siemens employs 175 employees in the state of Oregon, with offices in Portland, Eugene, and Central Oregon to support our customers throughout Oregon and SW Washington.
Prior to joining the Association of Oregon Counties in 2021, Siemens has worked directly with several counties and other municipalities throughout the state, helping them solve problems related to safety, security, sustainability, and energy efficiency. Siemens has deployed solutions in county buildings such as law enforcement, corrections/jails, office, courthouse, utilities, elections, as well as other types of buildings.
One of the major areas that Siemens can assist AOC members relates specifically to procurement solutions, for a variety of products and services. Siemens was recently awarded a fourth term of the Sourcewell Cooperative Purchasing Agreement, which runs through April of 2025. Siemens is proud to partner with Sourcewell and their Cooperative Purchasing Contracts.
As the leader in the cooperative purchasing industry, Sourcewell is passionate about helping counties fulfill their public service missions and are building stronger relationships with members and vendors to develop practical solutions together.
By utilizing Sourcewell Cooperative Purchasing Contracts, counties are able ensure their purchases are:
Compliant
- Trusted process satisfies bid requirements
- Government agency that works like you
- Achievement of excellence in procurement recipient
Competitive
- Buying power of 50,000 members
- Contracts offer ceiling-based pricing, volume discounts
Convenient
- More than 400 trusted brands under contract
- Full catalog of options for a complete solution
- Easy, no-cost membership
By helping our county customers using this procurement model, Siemens has been able to develop customized solutions at the user and management level. The Sourcewell contract also helps fulfill obligations at the commissioner, counsel, and finance level within the organization. This proven tool for counties has greatly saved both time and money, by shortening the project timeline while allowing counties to build customized, specific solutions.
Contributed by: Bud Ferrigno, Siemens county market specialist siemens smart infrastructure | bud.ferrigno@siemens.com | 503-869-0767
Feb 24, 2024 | AOC Business Partner
Sponsored content contributed by AOC Business Partner: Hinge Health
CIS Oregon has provided member counties with an exciting benefit! CIS member counties are now eligible to join Hinge Health at no cost to you.
Is Hinge Health right for me?
Whether a new injury or a nagging ache, Hinge Health is for anyone living with joint or muscle pain. Our personalized program combines gentle exercises to target and relieve pain with 1-on-1 support from a dedicated physical therapist and health coach.
Every plan is tailored to your individual goals and abilities with convenient exercises that can be done anytime, anywhere, in as little as 10 minutes. Get started by answering a few questions to discover how Hinge Health is right for you.
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To talk to a member of their support team, call us at 1-855-902-2777 or email help@hingehealth.com.
Get started today at hinge.health/cisoregon-february
Participants must be 18+ and enrolled in a CIS Oregon medical plan administered by Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Oregon. Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Oregon is an Independent Licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. Hinge Health® is a separate and independent company that provides services for CIS members enrolled in a CIS Benefits medical plan administered by Regence.
Feb 23, 2024 | AOC Business Partner
Sponsored content contributed by AOC Business Partner: Mark O. Hatfield School of Government, Portland State University
Portland State University’s Center for Public Service Fellowships Program has recruited exceptionally qualified, trained, and diverse fellowship candidates from prestigious institutions throughout the U.S to serve as project managers for Oregon’s public sector in 2024-25.
Our fellows provide skill capacity near-term to ensure critical projects are completed, despite staffing constraints. Candidates are prepared to support counties in areas such as research and analysis, community engagement, program evaluation, and so much more.
The Hatfield Resident Fellowship (program cost: $46,782) is an eight-month commitment for recent Master’s and Ph.D. graduates. The Oregon Summer Fellowship (cost: $11,416) is a 10-week program designed to accommodate currently enrolled graduate students.
Our applicants are screened rigorously and have a strong record of scholarship and demonstrable interest in areas including climate policy, health equity, public administration, and beyond.
There have been multiple fellowship projects sponsored by counties in recent years. Seeking to develop succession plans for key positions within their organization, a county contracted with PSU for an Oregon Summer Fellow to assist with a review of best practices, the development of new institutional relationships, and an update to the county’s workforce processes. Ultimately, the fellow provided a significant value-add in developing recommendations for the county’s planning.
Separately, an Oregon county identified a need to implement a review of fee practices within their internal business operations. Requirements included a review of organizational structure, service levels, and quality control and assurance. By conducting interviews with managers, aggregating the data, and developing an effective dashboard system, the fellow supported the county’s efforts to improve programmatic efficiency.
Our fellowships are an excellent opportunity for your county to gain support for important projects while also providing an opportunity for individuals interested in public service to gain valuable work experience. Our matching process includes an initial candidate identification, a series of interviews, and ultimately the county selects the candidate of their choice for the fellowship. From there, PSU will assist in completing an inter-governmental agreement or a service order contract through OregonBuys, and the training of your new fellow prior to their project start date.
Those interested in learning more about the sponsor process are encouraged to visit our website (click link) or submit a sponsor application (click link). Alternatively, please contact Meaghan Lingo, Program Administrator (mlingo@pdx.edu), or our office account (psfellows@pdx.edu) with any questions.
Feb 23, 2024 | AOC Business Partner
Sponsored content contributed by AOC Business Partner: NACo
Active participation in NACo committees is the key to amplifying county influence at the federal level. This article delves into the transformative potential of serving on a NACo committee, highlighting opportunities and benefits for county officials.
Featuring over 1,500 participants, including 77 from Oregon, NACo committees cover a diverse range of topics — from arts and culture to veteran affairs. This engagement sets up a strategic pathway to secure federal policies and resources favorable for counties, requiring just one hour of your commitment per month.
Applying for a committee is seamless, with the flexibility to join as a member any time during the year. Committee terms run from July to July.
For those aspiring to leadership roles, applications open each spring for Chair and Vice-Chair positions and appointments are announced at NACo’s Annual Business Meeting in July.
Serving on a NACo committee is an opportunity to make a tangible impact on issues that matter. Networking opportunities abound, allowing members to connect with fellow leaders and tap into extensive networks through committee liaison staff.
Participating on a NACo committee is a strategic gateway to active participation in shaping federal policy and advocating for counties. As the saying goes, “If you aren’t at the table, you are on the menu!” NACo committees provide the platform where impactful change begins resulting in stronger counties and a stronger America.
Explore your options at www.naco.org/getinvolved or for questions, please email membership@naco.org.
