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: Martha Bennett, City Manager, Lake Oswego

See the current roster here.

Staff Contact: Alexandra Ring

Meeting Schedule - TBA

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

See the current roster here.

Staff Contact: Greg Miller

Meeting Schedule - TBA

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

See the current roster here.

Staff Contact: Jenna Jones

Meeting Schedule - TBA

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

See the current roster here.

Staff Contact: Scott Winkels

Meeting Schedule - TBA

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

Final roster will be updated shortly.

Staff Contact: Greg Miller

Meeting Schedule - TBA

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

See the current roster here.

Staff Contact: Patty Mulvihill

Meeting Schedule - TBA

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

See the current roster here.

Staff Contact: Michael Martin

Meeting Schedule - TBA