In this episode, LOC Lobbyist Tracy Rutten Rainey discusses the League's legislative priority on Water Utility and Rate Assistance. The LOC will work to identify funding for water utility ratepayer assistance and will work to establish a framework for the distribution of funds.

Email Tracy 

In this episode, LOC Legislative Director Jim McCauley discusses the League's legislative priority on Disaster Relief and Recovery. The LOC will advocate on behalf of impacted communities for legislation that provides additional resources, efficiency in recovery and rebuilding efforts, support of long-term economic recovery efforts, budgetary flexibility, and re-investment in infrastructure lost due to wildfire, floods, and other natural disasters.

Email Jim 

In this episode, LOC lobbyist Mark Gharst discusses the League's legislative priority on Property Tax Reform. The League will take a leadership role in forming coalitions with the business community and other local government partners to help draft and advocate for both comprehensive and incremental property tax reform option packages that are consistent with principles adopted by its board of directors.

Show notes:

Email Mark 

2019-20 Oregon Property Tax Statistics

In this episode, LOC lobbyists Jenna Jones, Jim McCauley, and Tracy Rutten discuss the League's legislative priority on the Comprehensive Infrastructure Package. The League will advocate for an increase in the state's investment in key infrastructure funding sources, including, but not limited to, the Special Public Works Fund (SPWF), Brownfield Redevelopment Fund, and Regionally Significant Industrial Site loan program. The advocacy will include seeking an investment and set aside through the SPWF for seismic resilience planning and related infrastructure improvements that will help make Oregon water and wastewater systems more resilient.

Show Notes:

LOC Legislative Advocacy

City Day at the Capitol

IGR Team Email Addresses:

Jenna Jones

Jim McCauley

Tracy Rutten

In this episode, LOC lobbyist Ariel Nelson discusses the League's legislative priority on Housing and Services Investment. The League will support increased investments for affordable housing, homeless assistance, and related services including funding for shelter, homeless services, case management, rent assistance, the development and preservation of affordable housing, and permanent supportive housing.

Show notes:

https://www.orcities.org/education/training/winter-shelter-conference-call

Ariel Email [email protected]

Ariel Cell # 541-646-4180

In this episode, LOC lobbyist Mark Gharst discusses the League's second legislative priority, COVID-19 Economic Recovery, and Investments.  Cities have been on the frontline of the economic response to the pandemic, standing up programs for small business assistance and economic support for affected workers. Many cities have little or no ability to help residents due to COVID-19 related revenue losses (lodging tax, gas tax, park fees, development fees, parking fees, utility charges, and so on). City elected officials know the needs of their individual communities and want to partner with the state in helping our residents through this difficult time but need resources.

Show Notes:

Business Oregon Small Business Navigator

https://www.oregon4biz.com/Coronavirus-Information/

Business Oregon List of County Grant Programs

https://www.oregon4biz.com/Coronavirus-Information/ESBA/

Current CDBG Notice of Funding Availability

https://www.orinfrastructure.org/Infrastructure-Programs/CDBG/NOFA/

Questions? Contact Mark Gharst at [email protected]

In this episode, LOC lobbyist Scott Winkels discusses the first of six League legislative priorities for 2021 – Mental Health Investment. The League will advocate for adequate resources to protect and enhance the services available to persons suffering from mental health conditions.

Links: 

Local Focus from December 2014 discussing mental health

Scott's email address [email protected]

We have been on a hiatus for a while and are delighted to be back in production beginning with this episode. Bridging the Rural/Urban Divide was presented at our annual conference as a panel session and we wanted to share it as a podcast too.

So, join us for a discussion with two city leaders on reducing the divide between urban and rural communities and learning to work together for common goals.

In the latest episode of City Focus, LOC Executive Director Mike Cully and Dennis Lyon discuss the NLC Service Line Program by HomeServe. How does the program work and how can it help your city?

You can reach out to Dennis at 412-266-9545 or via email at [email protected] www.servicelinepartner.com

In the latest episode of City Focus, LOC Legislative Director Jim McCauley discusses the role the LOC has played on a state and national level advocating for cities during the Coronavirus pandemic and subsequent economic calamity. Jim shares what the LOC's advocacy team has been doing to support cities and assure city leaders have the information they need to make informed decisions as we move forward.