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, 2023 | NACo
Thirty-seven Oregon county commissioners, judges, chairs, and staff traveled to Washington, D.C. to participate in the 2023 National Association of Counties (NACo) Legislative Conference, held February 11-14.
County officials also met with Oregon Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley to advocate for Association of Oregon Counties (AOC) federal policy priorities.
First-time attendee, Polk County Commissioner Jeremy Gordon commented, “It was powerful to join my AOC colleagues to speak with Senators Wyden and Merkley with one voice around our shared needs for behavioral health crisis services, housing, flexible transportation funding, and sustained SRS funding.”
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, including President Joe Biden, U.S. Secretary of the Treasury Janet Yellen, U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg; U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra, and administration staff.
“Learning the ways we can leverage this time of historic investment to help our communities is motivating. Figuring out how to navigate the federal funding streams provides an abundance of opportunities,” said Klamath County Commissioner Kelley Minty of the programming and resources provided during the conference.
The conference offers not only policy discussions, but a platform for connecting with commissioners across the United States. “I was able to learn about commonalities and the innovative ways federal programs are implemented in other communities, and through the Human Services and Education Steering Committee, I was able to give voice to the mental health struggles Polk County youth and adults are experiencing and ways we can better align the intentions of federal programs with my community’s needs,” said Gordon.
AOC Executive Director Gina Firman Nikkel added, “The conference is a key point for our commissioners to network together, get to know each other, build trust, and meet commissioners from other counties to work on key issues that are important to them.”
NACo steering committees tackled a number of issues relevant for counties across the U.S. and took positions on policies that would inform NACo’s work among federal agencies, Congress, and the White House on issues ranging from wildfire, to health care, to broadband, among others.
The work addressed in the steering committees unite counties across the United States in their advocacy efforts at the national level. Tillamook County Commissioner David Yamamoto agreed, “The issues that we face in individual counties across Oregon and all across Oregon are the same issues that you find across the nation.”
Notably, during the final day of the conference, NACo announced the appointment of AOC Executive Director Gina Firman Nikkel, Ph.D. to the newly created NACo Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission. The commission will work to drive change in the nation’s mental health system and policies.
“Participating in NACo is one of the best things you can do not only for your professional development, but you bring new and innovative ideas back to your county,” said Clackamas County Commissioner Martha Schrader, who chairs the NACo Community, Economic, and Workforce Development Steering Committee. She urged county officials to engage in their national association.
County officials across Oregon found meaning in the program content, as well as the networking opportunities. “The great thing about NACo is the comradery,” said Yamamoto.
Proposed NACo Interim Policy Resolutions can be found here.
AOC federal priorities can be found here.
Contributed by: Megan Chuinard | Public Affairs Associate
