Policy Committees
LOC policy committees met March through May 2022 to help set the LOC 2023 legislative agenda.
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
Community Development
The Community Development Policy Committee reviews policy decisions and recommends legislative positions and strategies related to: land use; parks and recreation; housing; solid and hazardous waste; air quality; and economic development.
Chair: Brian Latta, City Manager, Dallas
Staff Contact: Ariel Nelson
Energy & Environment
The Energy 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; right-of-way and franchise management; natural gas utilities; and restructuring the electric industry.
Chair: Steve Uffelman - Council President, Prineville
Staff Contact: Nolan Pleše
Finance & Taxation
The Finance and Taxation 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 financing economic development.
Chair: Don Hudson - Assistant City Manager/Finance Director, Tualatin
Staff Contact: Lindsay Tenes
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; public contracting; collective bargaining; employee benefits; recruiting; hiring and training; and employee records/confidentiality.
Chair: Heidi Lueb, Council President, Tigard
Staff Contact: Scott Winkels
Telecom
The Telecom 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: Pete Truax - Mayor, Forest Grove
Staff Contact: Nolan Pleše
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: Ken Woods - Councilor, Dallas
Staff Contact: Jim McCauley
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