League Of Oregon Cities

Oregon’s infrastructure is at a critical crossroads. Local governments are struggling with decaying infrastructure, and cities estimate an annual funding gap of $633 million for core transportation operations and maintenance needs. Despite recent federal investments through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, and state investments in water infrastructure for needed housing –decades of underinvestment have caused critical backlogs to get worse. Oregon cities are stepping up to address these challenges, but we can’t do it alone. The LOC continues to advocate for state and federal investments to support resilient roads, bridges, and water systems to support housing production – key to the health and growth of our communities. Learn more about LOC's legislative priorities: https://lnkd.in/g_vghpfr https://lnkd.in/gd-j2_Gk

Honoring tradition Dan Huff, Molalla City Manager and 2024 OCCMA President, passed on the President’s Lantern to Martha Bennett, Lake Oswego City Manager and 2025 OCCMA President, at the Lake Oswego city council meeting last night. The OCCMA looks forward to a productive and successful year under Martha’s leadership! #citymanagement #OCCMA

The Her Own Wings podcast is back with a new episode, featuring Gladstone Councilor Mindy Garlington! Mindy has lived in Gladstone for over 30 years (and grew up in North Portland), prior to moving to Gladstone along with husband Steve they spent 12 years moving across states with the US Navy. They have 2 children and 5 grandsons. Mindy has spent her career dedicated to service. Working with and for the public has enabled Mindy to form relationships with professionals from other cities in and around the area. She has been at her current job for over 30 years. Mindy has worked alongside Gladstone residents to champion parks and green-spaces and she has served on the Parks Board and the Budget and Audit Committee. Prior to her elected position in 2020, she served for a year with the By-Laws committee and now champions other cities to ‘get those bylaws updated’! She believes the most valuable asset Gladstone has is the People and the Parks. ‘If we care for them everything else that is good will follow’. The Her Own Wings podcast is produced in partnership with LOC and the LOC Women's Caucus, and features women in local government. Subscribe wherever you get podcasts, including Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Thank you to our podcast sponsor, Allied Video Productions! https://lnkd.in/gac6fpgK

LOC Executive Director Patty Mulvihill provides an update with three things cities need to know this month. This is a new initiative that we rolled out late last year, providing information for our members on new resources, upcoming events and LOC activities that will impact our cities. We know you’re busy, and we think this video will keep you apprised of important information and action items without taking too much of your time. #MonthlyUpdate #LeagueofOregonCities https://lnkd.in/g7CTJe9G

Join our Team! The LOC is currently hiring for a Project & Affiliates Coordinator. If you enjoy working for Oregon cities and want to work with a team dedicated to the same, now is your chance to join our team. This role offers the chance to make a real difference by managing special projects and supporting affiliate organizations that strengthen Oregon’s communities. From coordinating events to ensuring smooth operations for key initiatives, this position is perfect for someone who thrives in collaboration, organization, and problem-solving. Learn more and apply: https://lnkd.in/gRAmF-xq #OregonJobs #GovernmentJobs

It's time to reexamine the transient lodging tax (TLT) revenue distribution, one of LOC's top priorities this upcoming legislative session. Without making changes, local jurisdictions may not be able to maintain service levels without eventually raising their rates. “When you have a huge rush of tourists who come over a weekend and your population doubles, for some communities, your roads wear out a lot faster. There’s a strain on your water system. Sometimes that means people tend to buy vacation homes in your area to rent out and things like that, but that impacts your housing stock,” LOC Lobbyist Jenna Jones said. “People come to your parks because they have children and they want to experience your community and everything it has to offer. You’ve got public restrooms in a lot of communities that have TLTs, public parking lots, and all of those are things that the city bears the burden of maintaining and operating.” #lodgingtax #LOCpriorities https://lnkd.in/gGd-wYJQ

Did You Know? The LOC has a handy City Deadline Calendar to help cities stay on top of important deadlines! Whether it's state budget deadlines, important tax filing dates, or reporting reminders, this resource ensures cities are well-prepared and never miss a critical date. This is a great tool for city officials and staff to stay organized and keep their communities running smoothly! Check out the calendar here: https://lnkd.in/gjgWgReF #cityplanning #cityrecorders #citymanagers #statedeadlines

The LOC office will be closed Dec. 24-25. Have a safe and happy holiday!

Holiday Cheer from the City of Hermiston! Our board held its final meeting of 2024 today, with great representation from across the state and wonderful hospitality from our amazing host city! We also had the honor of recognizing and thanking some amazing city leaders who are finishing their service on our board: Maupin Mayor Carol Beatty; Happy Valley Councilor David Emami; Independence Mayor John McArdle, who’s given 20 years of service to the LOC; Hillsboro Mayor Steve Callaway; and our host mayor and outstanding President Dave Drotzmann of Hermiston. Your enthusiasm, insights and outstanding leadership will be missed and is greatly appreciated!

As homelessness continues to impact communities statewide, one of LOC's priorities in the 2025 session is to find legislative solutions that allow cities to respond to the unique needs of their community’s housed and unhoused members. This advocacy will include adjustments to ORS 195.530 to provide cities with the necessary tools to address unsafe camping conditions, safeguard public spaces, and protect the health, safety, and wellness of all community members. https://lnkd.in/dJX9vWpj