Advancing cities in Oregon by supporting their city officials
LOC Foundation
Established in 2005, the LOC Foundation raises money to support city officials in Oregon. The organization’s $10,000 annual budget is comprised exclusively of donations from cities and individuals who believe in the mission of the League of Oregon Cities.
The LOC Foundation is a §509(a)(3) organization, organized to:
(1) Generate timely and accurate data and information for cities;
(2) Help officials from cities that are members of LOC to acquire knowledge, sharpen skills and develop professionally through the LOC annual conference, professional association conferences and training, and through specialized training workshops for city officials; and
(3) Other acts as may be necessary.
The Foundation accomplishes this purpose by providing scholarships to city officials to attend the LOC Annual Conference, the Oregon Mayors Association Annual Conference and to attend various LOC trainings throughout the year.
The LOC Foundation puts donated money to work by providing access to education, training and access to the largest network of local government leaders in the state.
LOC Foundation Board of Directors
The LOC Foundation is governed by a board of directors appointed by the LOC Board of Directors. The number of board seats is unlimited; however, the majority must be filled by those either currently serving on the LOC Board of Directors or past presidents of the association. Board members serve three-year terms.
President:
John McArdle, Mayor, Independence (exp. 12/2022)
Directors:
- Jake Boone, Assistant to the City Manager, Cottage Grove (exp. 12/2023)
- Ken Gibson, Mayor, King City (exp. 12/2022)
- Sherilyn Lombos, City Manager, Tualatin (exp. 12/2023)
- Keith Mays, Mayor, Sherwood (exp. 12/2023)
- Pete Truax, Mayor, Forest Grove (exp. 12/2022)
- Cathy Clark, Mayor, Keizer (exp. 12/2022)
- Timm Slater, Councilor, North Bend (exp. 12/2023)
- Byron Smith, City Manager, Hermiston (exp. 12/2023)
The Phil and Kathy Houk Scholarship
This scholarship is established in honor of former Pendleton Mayor Phil Houk and his wife Kathy. Phil has been a leader in his community, both as an elected official and as a member of numerous boards and commissions. Respected statewide, this scholarship fund will continue Phil’s passion for assisting mayors and other elected officials in learning skills to make positive impact on their communities and others in Oregon.
Foundation Resources
See below for the LOC Foundation governing documents and answers to some of the frequently asked questions.
Show Your Support
Many city leaders and their cities do not have the funds to attend these valuable conferences and trainings. Your donation will help fund scholarships and help the foundation meet the training needs of committed, dedicated leaders. Please consider a gift to the League of Oregon Cities Foundation.