Policy Committees

LOC policy committees will meet March through May 2024 to help set the LOC 2025 legislative agenda. 

Join a policy committee

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

Meeting Materials