Amid a pandemic and several major emergencies including catastrophic wildfires, flooding, and windstorms, Oregonians have felt the struggles of isolation and the uncertainty of how individually, as local governments, the state, even nationally, how we would recover. This, of course, has been felt by all Oregonians, including leaders in our communities.
Overcoming these challenges has been a top priority for AOC President and Coos County Commissioner Melissa Cribbins, and upon assuming her role as AOC President, Cribbins introduced her initiative: Reconnect and Rebuild.
Cribbins has long-been a believer in the philosophy that together we can achieve more, and said of her initiative, “We gain a lot of value from being together. Being a commissioner can be isolating at times, and AOC creates a place for us to connect, share ideas, best practices, and resources.”
With this focus in mind, Cribbins’ goal is to bridge the gap between the disconnect created in a virtual environment, facilitating safe ways to engage and unite county commissioners, judges, and chairs. Through AOC, Cribbins is creating forums that foster connection, peer support, and professional resources.
“We have a number of new commissioners and chairs, and I want to facilitate a space for all of AOC’s 36-member counties to unite and support one another. The long-standing relationships built through AOC, ultimately support the long term needs of counties and the services we provide to Oregonians. Together, we can do more,” said Cribbins.
Through her initiative, AOC will focus on helping counties first and foremost maximize the opportunity to come together and reconnect. Cribbins has already begun this work on a strong foot, offering more flexibility in virtual meetings by shifting traditional AOC day schedules to allow for more member participation. This effort reduced barriers of access to conversations on critical policy priorities.
Guided by her leadership, AOC has also hosted and supported a few critical membership forums centered around rebuilding, including an overview of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) with federal partner, the National Association of Counties (NACo); a discussion on the ARPA with U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley; and dialogue on membership dues and the future of AOC. More efforts to support the work of counties and commissioners, judges, and chairs individually is underway, including additional engagement opportunities surrounding the ARPA.
In her initiative, Reconnect and Rebuild, Cribbins plans to incorporate elements of AOC Immediate Past President and Morrow County Commissioner, Jim Doherty. During his tenure as President, Doherty’s initiative was centered around Arts, Culture, and the Community. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, a major theme of his initiative was put on hold. Doherty initially planned to invite members to engage in events across the state that showcase the best each county has to offer. This element of his initiative would allow members to learn about one another’s communities. Cribbins has now begun work with the AOC Executive Committee and AOC staff to offer elements of this initiative as she begins safely bringing members together. With logistical challenges still underway due to continued restrictions, Cribbins was able to find opportunities for members to unite safely in a hybrid model for upcoming AOC Day meetings. In May, members will be able to attend a hybrid meeting in Hood River County, and in June, members will be able to attend a hybrid meeting in Deschutes County. These upcoming events will offer an opportunity for members to explore other counties in the state.
Over the course of the year, Cribbins plans to find ways to help members support one another by showcasing best practices implemented during our rebuilding work. Both elements of her initiative Reconnect and Rebuild will be featured at the AOC Annual Conference in November, including best practices programming centered around county successes in recovery efforts.
“I am delighted to see the work counties have already accomplished in rebuilding during these unprecedented times, and look forward to offering space for members to forge connections and learn from one another.”
Contributed by: Megan Chuinard | Public Affairs Associate