Policy Committees
The application process is now closed. For questions, contact the LOC at loc@orcities.org.
Legislative committees and special work groups are the foundation of the League's policy development process. Composed of city officials, these groups are charged with analyzing policy and technical issues and recommending positions and strategies for the League. In addition, LOC staff rely on the input and expertise of committee members as they advocate for city interests in the legislature and with state and federal agencies.
The LOC policy committees give advice and make recommendations to the League’s Board of Directors as part of the board’s policy development process. This may include:
- Participation in the proposal of Oregon Municipal Policy revisions;
- The review of areas to recommend that the League take proactive and defensive positions in the legislative process; and
- Service as a focus group when necessary to assist staff in assessing policy issues.
LOC Policy Committees
Housing, Land Use & Community Development
The Housing, Land Use & Community Development Policy Committee reviews policy decisions and recommends legislative positions and strategies related to: land use; annexation; building codes; housing; homelessness; and parks and recreation.
Chair: Melanie Kebler, Mayor, Bend
Staff Contact: Alexandra Ring
Energy & Environment
The Energy & Environment Policy Committee reviews policy decisions and recommends legislative positions and strategies related to: energy conservation and efficiency; renewable energy generation; clean energy economic development programs; natural gas utilities; and public contracting.
Chair: Scott Keller, Recycling Program Manager, Beaverton
Staff Contact: Greg Miller
Finance, Taxation & Economic Development
The Finance, Taxation, and Economic Development Policy Committee reviews policy decisions and recommends legislative positions and strategies related to: property/income taxation; school finance; local government debt instruments; infrastructure funding; public budgeting; state revenue sharing; and economic development.
Chair: Kenna West, City Manager, Independence
Staff Contact: Nicole Stingh
General Government & Human Resources
The General Government & Human Resources Policy Committee reviews policy decisions and recommends legislative positions and strategies related to: public safety; fire; courts; elections; ethics; ADA; libraries; collective bargaining; employee benefits; recruiting; hiring and training; and employee records/confidentiality.
Chair: Tonya Graham, Mayor, Ashland
Staff Contact: Scott Winkels
Telecommunications, Cybersecurity and AI
The Telecommunications, Cybersecurity, and AI Policy Committee reviews policy decisions and recommends legislative positions and strategies related to: telecommunications franchising; management of the public right-of-way; advances in telecom technology; and the efficient provision of telecom services.
Chair: Robert Cowie, Councilor, Chiloquin
Staff Contact: Greg Miller
Transportation
The Transportation Policy Committee reviews policy decisions and recommends legislative positions and strategies related to: streets and roads; traffic safety; public transit; and rail.
Chair: Rob Inerfeld, Transportation Planning Manager, Eugene
Staff Contact: Nicole Stingh
Water & Wastewater
The Water & Wastewater Policy Committee reviews policy decisions and recommends legislative positions and strategies related to: water supply and water quality issues, including water conservation, and the safe drinking water program; and the federal Clean Water Act.
Chair: Niki Iverson - Water Director, Hillsboro
Staff Contact: Michael Martin