100th Annual Conference

2025 Annual Conference Preliminary Program

Agenda subject to change

Thursday, October 2

7:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.     Registration Open 

7:00 a.m. – 8:00 a.m.      Professional Headshots

7:00 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.      Trade Show & Continental Breakfast

8:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.    OMA and OCCMA Joint Workshop: Whose Job Is It Anyway? A City Hall Compatibility Game
This workshop is not included in registration and has an additional fee of $100.

Get ready for a lively, interactive workshop where mayors and city managers team up to test their knowledge—and maybe learn something new—about each other's roles. Inspired by the classic Newlywed Game, this session pairs municipal leaders in a friendly competition to answer questions like: Who handles this? Is it the mayor’s call or the manager’s responsibility?

Each round brings laughs, learning, and lively discussion as pairs reveal their answers, compare notes, and spark conversation at their tables about how responsibilities are shared (or not!) across cities. With music, game cards, and an energetic MC to keep things moving, this workshop is designed to break the ice, build understanding, and bring clarity to the complex relationship between elected officials and appointed administrators.

11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.    OCCMA Business Meeting 

11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.    OMA Business Meeting 

8:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.    Councilors Workshop: "Civility, Ideology, & Politics"
This workshop is not included in registration and has an additional fee of $100.

The “Civility, Ideology, & Politics” workshop will examine effective processes and procedures for discussing, negotiating, and agreeing or disagreeing on policy and implementation in an ever-growing environment of distrust, competing ideology and interests, and misinformation and confusion. This workshop will also explore how to care for yourself while caring for those around you.  City leaders cannot serve from an empty vessel - we must care for ourselves and those around us as we thoughtfully serve our communities with strong partnerships, collaboration, and the best of intentions. 

Speaker: Kelley Packer, Executive Director, Association of Idaho Cities
 

12:00 p.m. – 12:45 p.m.    People of Color Caucus Business Meeting and Lunch
The purpose of the Caucus is to: 

  • Promote positive and effective relationships among city officials of color, their communities, political leaders, the League of Oregon Cities, and its affiliate entities (such as the Oregon Mayors Association, City/County Managers Association, City Attorneys Association);
  • Build and increase capacity of city officials of color and support a pipeline for people of color to engage in and serve in local government;
  • Serve as a resource to the League of Oregon Cities in the formulation of its policy agenda; and
  • Prepare and advance city officials of color to serve in positions of leadership within the League of Oregon Cities and its affiliate organizations.

12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.    Lunch and Tradeshow
Lunch is provided for attendees in the trade show.  Grab lunch, visit with your colleagues, and learn how these vendors can help your city achieve its goals.

1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.    Local City Tours
Tours are not included in the price of registration and have an additional $50 fee. Pre-registration required. Visit the conference registration booth if you haven’t pre-registered. If you are pre-registered, the tour will be listed on the back of your badge.

Tour buses will start loading at 12:45 p.m. outside the front entrance of the hotel and will depart at 1 p.m. Please wear appropriate clothes and walking shoes.

  • Future OMSI District Walking Tour
    The future OMSI District will be a vibrant, inclusive new neighborhood and community destination rooted in innovation, culture, arts, and science learning in Portland's Central City. The OMSI District will restore Tribal presence on the Willamette River, and serve as a platform for innovation for the city, state, and region. Join OMSI's Vice President of Real Estate & Facilities, Leah Nanpei, for a walking tour of the future development sites.

    Buses will start loading at 12:45 p.m. and will depart promptly at 1 p.m.

    Sponsored by: 
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  • Oregon Zoo Tour
    Take a walk on the wild side with a tour of one of the most visited cultural landmarks in the Pacific Northwest, where more than 1,800 animals from around the world live in thoughtfully designed, immersive habitats. Nestled on 26 acres in Washington Park, the Oregon Zoo blends conservation, education, and fun—perfect for families, nature lovers, and curious minds alike.

    Buses will start loading at 12:45 p.m. and will depart promptly at 1 p.m.

1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.      BREAKOUT SESSIONS

  • Oregon’s Sanctuary Law: Legal Landscape and City Responsibilities
    Sanctuary policies continue to raise complex legal and political questions for Oregon cities and counties. This session will provide an overview of the history of Oregon’s sanctuary law and the current legal framework surrounding sanctuary jurisdiction laws nationwide.  The session is designed to help city officials understand recent legal developments, providing helpful background and guidance that can be applied in new and novel contexts and situations in this evolving area of the law. 

Speakers: 

  • Anit Jindal, Attorney, Markowtiz Herbold PC
  • Erin Dawson, Attorney, Markowtiz Herbold PC

    Sponsored by: 
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  • Public Meetings Law (Oregon Government Ethics Commission Certified)
    State law (ORS 192.700) requires every member of a city council, committee, or commission with total expenditures for a fiscal year of $1 million or more to attend or view an Oregon Government Ethics Commission approved training on the public meetings law one per term.  Learn about public meetings law and complete your training requirement.

Speakers: 

  • Jayme Pierce, General Counsel, LOC
  • Robin Klein, Assistant General Counsel, LOC
     
  • Legislative Session Update ​​​​
    ​​​​​​​Join the LOC’s advocacy team for a comprehensive review of the outcomes and impacts on cities from the 2025 long session and the August 29 special session.

Sponsored by:

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2:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.      Networking Snack Break

Sponsored by: 

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3:00 p.m. – 4:45 p.m.      Welcome and Keynote Speaker Jason Dorsey
Jason-Dorsey-Headshot-2023-1-of-3.jpgJason is the President of The Center for Generational Kinetics and a leading expert on Gen Z, Millennials, and the future of work. Drawing on insights from more than 120 global studies, he helps organizations turn generational differences into a strategic advantage. His dynamic, story-driven presentations provide practical strategies for improving communication, performance, and retention across all generations. Jason’s keynotes are designed to inspire and equip leaders to build stronger teams and cultures for the future.


Sponsored By: 

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4:45 p.m. – 6:15 p.m.      Welcome Reception ​​​​
Start your evening with our first social event of the 2025 conference! Enjoy hors d’oeuvres and beverages* as you network with colleagues. (*No-host bar)

**Please Note – badges must be presented for admittance. Our attending city officials and government representatives are invited to join.

Sponsored by: 

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5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.      LOC Nominating Committee Meeting ​​​​
First, the committee will hear from candidates for the 2026 LOC Board of Directors as they present their qualifications for service on the League’s governing body. The committee will then prepare a proposed slate for a vote by the full membership during Saturday morning’s annual membership meeting.

6:15 p.m. – 8:15 p.m.      Dinner on Your Own

7:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.    Caucus Mixer
The Women's Caucus and People of Color Caucus - proud hosts of the always-popular LOC Mixer - invite you to unwind with tempting desserts and a no-host bar. Mix and mingle with colleagues from every corner of Oregon, forge fresh connections, play BINGO, and vie to win one of numerous Stay & Visit Packages valued at $100-$500 to enjoy in one of our beautiful Oregon cities.
 


Friday, October 3

7:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.      Registration Open 

7:00 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.      Breakfast with Trade Show

7:15 a.m. – 8:15 a.m.      Professional Headshots

8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.      Small, Medium and Large Cities Networking 
An opportunity for cities of all sizes to have conversations with peers about issues specific to their city size.

Sponsored by: 

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9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.    Local City Tours 
Tours are not included in the price of registration and have an additional $50 fee.

  • City of Lake Oswego Tour
    Discover how Lake Oswego is building a community through recreation! Join us for a guided tour of the new Lake Oswego Recreation and Aquatic Center (LORAC), Oswego Hall, and the adjacent Public Golf Course — a unique site that showcases the benefits of a strong city‑school district partnership. This 40‑acre campus includes a state‑of‑the‑art fitness center, pool, gymnasium, and community spaces. It’s located just steps from the new skate park and across the street from a premier sports field and Luscher Farm. Together, these spaces form a trifecta of parks and recreation facilities that support wellness, active living, and connection for people of all ages. See how this visionary collaboration puts diverse facilities within reach, creating a better quality of life for the whole community — and why investments like these pay dividends for generations to come.

    Buses will start loading at 9:15 a.m. and will depart promptly at 9:30 a.m.

    Sponsored by: 

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9:15 a.m. – 10:15 a.m.    BREAKOUT SESSIONS

  • Legacy Leadership
    This is the toughest, most brutal time to serve your community - ever. The personal cost of leadership has never been so high – and the need for character-driven leaders who put service above self has never been more critical. Public service has always been hard, but in too many communities, public service has devolved from “hard” to “brutal.”  Walking the talk of authentic servant leadership will help you leave a legacy that matters and provide the simple answer to the dysfunctionality and hatefulness that seems to inspire so much civic discourse these days. The forces of hatefulness and mediocrity make “walking the talk” difficult – they do not want you to think about the future – they want you to “obey.”   But if you have the courage to walk the talk of authentic servant leadership, 11 simple commitments will provide you with the path for success.

    Speaker: Ron Holifield, President, Civic Marketplace
     
  • Data Literacy: Understanding Data to Inform Public Policy
    Most municipal leaders are not elected because of their data “savvy” – it is not a requirement for the job, yet they rely on data to make policy decisions. This course will help leaders understand how to ask questions of the data about their city to inform their work in addition to identifying where these data are available. Specifically, we will examine what basic statistical numbers and visualizations/graphs mean and what they can and cannot tell you.

    Speaker: Christine Baker-Smith, Director of Research, National League of Cities' Center for Research & Data
     

Strategies for Enhanced City-Utility Coordination in Public Right of Way
The public right of way is the gathering place for both public and private sector infrastructure.  Attendees will hear from public and private sector leaders on how coordination and communication is paramount to successful right of way management practices. From building out new infrastructure projects, maintaining the infrastructure already in place, and collaborating during an emergency, attendees will receive practical tools and tips to help enhance their ability to be strong partners and leaders in right of way management practices.
 

Speakers: 

  • Facilitator: Abigail Elder, City Manager, Hood River
  • Grant Casebeer, Interim Manager, ODOT Region 1 Right of Way & Utilities
  • Randy Ealy, Interim City Manager, Canby
  • Samantha Ridderbusch, Director of Government & Regulatory Affairs, Comcast

    Sponsored by: 

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  • Understanding Land Use Decision Best Practices: Preparing your City for Possible Appeals
    Oregon's land use system is unique and designed to protect our state’s beauty and natural resources, but sometimes it can be difficult to navigate. This session is designed to give city managers, mayors and city councilors better insight into the land use process and how to set their city up for success when making and documenting land use decisions. This presentation will delve into common mistakes and best practices to ensure a city is prepared if a land use decision is appealed to the Oregon Land Use Board of Appeals (LUBA).

    Speaker: Josh Soper, Partner, Beery Elsner & Hammond LLP

 

  • PERS for Dummies - Or Everything You Wanted to Know, But Afraid to Ask
    PERS is once again in the news, wreaking havoc with upcoming budgets. Why is this happening? Going back to basics will help clarify what’s going on, including:
    • Why the costs associated with the pension program are so high and why they only seem to increase;
    • What Side Accounts are, why jurisdictions have set them up, and what the deal is with those that are scheduled to expire in December 2027 (or earlier); and
    • Why robust payroll growth in recent years is making costs increase even more; and what the implications for city budgets going forward.

   Speakers:

  • Carol Samuels, Managing Director of Public Finance, Piper Sandler & Co.
  • Brendan Watkins, Vice President of Public Finance, Piper Sandler & Co.
     

10:15 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.   Networking Break
 

10:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.     Workshop: AI for Cities: Innovation, Application, and Acceleration
This workshop is not included in the price of registration and costs an additional $150 for conference attendees and $200 for non-conference attendees.

This workshop is designed to help cities take advantage of AI technology to improve efficiency and governance for their communities. From an interactive session where participants will be walked through step by step in creating/managing emails, research, or scheduling, to local AI governance, real applications used by cities today, to the finale of an AI pitch fest. Cities will walk away with tangible tools and perhaps, just maybe, their next big project partner.

Speakers:

  • Tim Rosener, Mayor, Sherwood
  • Lindsey Washburn, Director of Public & Social Sector Policy, AI Governance Group
  • Adam Young, Information Security Manager, Bend
  • Sean McSpaden, Administrator, Joint Legislative Committee on Information Management & Technology, State of Oregon
  • Hector Dominguez, Open Data & Privacy Coordinator, Portland
  • Janet Johnson, Founder & CEO, AI Governance Group

10:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.     Leadership Workshop: Courageous Leadership in Critical Times - Sitting in the Fire Without Being on Fire
This workshop is not included in the price of registration and costs an additional $150 for conference attendees and $200 for non-conference attendees.

This workshop will equip attendees with the knowledge and tools needed to lead municipal teams effectively, particularly in today’s challenging and changing world. The workshop will include four critical sessions, each tackling a unique type of leadership challenge.

To view the full workshop program, click here.

Sponsored by:
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10:45 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.   BREAKOUT SESSIONS

  • Thriving in Public Service: Mindfulness Skills for Adaptive Leadership 

      In public service, municipal leaders face relentless demands from public scrutiny and evolving policies to organizational pressures and the personal toll of leadership. These challenges aren’t just stressful; they shape how leaders think, feel, and function across professional and personal domains. The key question isn’t whether stress will arise—it’s how we relate to it.

    This experiential session explores mindfulness not as a stress-reduction trend, but as a trainable skillset for sustaining clarity, agility, and humanity under pressure. Mindfulness training, grounded in neuroscience and leadership science, strengthens cognitive flexibility, emotional regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness—critical capacities for navigating complex systems and difficult decisions.

    Participants will learn practical mindfulness tools for public leaders—tools that support sustainable resilience, enhance ethical clarity, and cultivate a grounded presence amid challenge.


    Speaker: Richard Goerling, Founder, Mindful Badge Initiative

  • City County Coordination in Homelessness Response: Washington County Case Study 

      As cities work to build out the necessary infrastructure to respond to our housing crisis, working with their county counterparts is vital to unlock and leverage resources, create regional cohesion, and build a comprehensive homelessness response system. Join representatives from City of Beaverton and Washington County as they discuss the building of the Beaverton Year-Round Shelter and their efforts to build a better homeless response system through coordination.

Speakers:

  • Nicole Stingh, Strategic Initiatives & Relations Manager, Homeless Services Division, Washington County
  • Chad Stover, Community Services and Homelessness Program Manager, Beaverton​​​​​​


Sponsored by: 
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  • Local Government and Veteran Partnerships Networking
    Veterans are working on behalf of and representing Oregon cities, as locally elected officials and city staff. This session brings interested conference participants together to: 
    -See where veterans serve their country within Oregon cities; 
    -Learn about the national and state association programs that connect cities and veterans with each other; and 
    -Share ideas on strengthening the integration of veterans and Oregon cities, as well as veterans and the state’s municipal associations.

    Speakers:
  • Facilitator: Ann Ober, Assistant County Administrator, Washington County
  • Mac Corthell, Assistant City Manager, Molalla
  • Jerry Gillham, City Manager, Sutherlin
  • Joel Haugen, Councilor, Scappoose
  • Peter Troedsson, City Manager, Albany

 

  • Personal AI: Tools to Make Your Job (& Life) Easier
    ​​​​​​Artificial Intelligence (AI) isn’t just for Silicon Valley dreamers — it’s here for city managers juggling email avalanches, planners stuck in spreadsheet quicksand, and clerks battling meeting minutes. Join Troy Tabor in this hands-on session designed to revolutionize the way cities tackle everyday tasks. Bring your laptop and walk through real examples.  This session will showcase practical, real-world AI tools that can automate, simplify, and supercharge your day-to-day work (and maybe even leave you time for lunch).

    Speaker: Troy Tabor, Director, Innovation Intelligence at Wichita State University
     
  • Money Talks: Making Sense of City Budgets & Government Accounting
    City budgets and government accounting don’t have to be confusing—or boring! This session breaks down the basics in plain language, with a focus on what city staff and elected leaders really need to know. We’ll explore how city money is tracked, where it comes from, where it goes, and why fund accounting matters. You’ll learn how the budgeting process works, about the key financial documents that are required, and how to make smart, transparent decisions that serve your community. Whether you’re new to city finance or just need a refresher, this fun and friendly session will leave you feeling more confident (and maybe even excited) about the numbers.

    Speakers:
  • Suzanne Linden, Chief Financial Officer, Hillsboro
  • Michelle Wareing, Assistant Finance Director, Hillsboro
  • Jon Grover, Finance Manager, Hillsboro

12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.    Women's Caucus Business Meeting and Lunch

12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.    Lunch with Trade Show

1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.      Local City Tours 
Tours are not included in the price of registration and have an additional $50 fee.

  • PDX Airport Tour
    Portland International Airport (PDX) consistently ranks among the top airports in the U.S. For 2025, PDX is ranked as the best airport in America, according to the Washington Post.  You’re invited to take the opportunity to see what makes a major international airport work, and gain a firsthand view of the $2 billion investment in airport upgrades and redesign.

    Buses will start loading at 12:45 p.m., and will depart promptly at 1p.m.
     
  • Three Projects, One Gresham: A Tour of Oregon's Fourth Largest City
    Join us for an exclusive tour showcasing three dynamic multifamily infill projects that are shaping the future of urban living. Each site is nestled within one of Gresham’s vibrant cultural and business districts—collectively known as One Gresham: Downtown Rockwood, Civic Neighborhood, and Historic Downtown. Discover how these developments are transforming neighborhoods, fostering community, and driving growth in this thriving city.

    Buses will start loading at 12:45 p.m. and will depart promptly at 1 p.m.

1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.      BREAKOUT SESSIONS

  • Managing Councils & HR Issues
     
  • Public Contracting Options & Why It's Important to Understand the Differences for Your Projects
    Attendees will learn about the changing dynamics of project contract options and how it affects costs and flexibility to municipal projects. A panel of engineers, contractors, and attorneys will review the four distinct design and construction contract options used in Oregon, where certain contracting methods are changing the mindset in communities, and why alternative methods are gaining traction.  The presentation will demonstrate how one public contracting method makes more sense than others based on project parameters.

    Speakers:
    • Carolyn Connelly, Attorney, Local Government Law Group
    • ​​Tom Paul, Chief Operating Officer, MWH Constructors & Former President of Slayden Construction
    •  Jim Pex, Principal Engineer, Keller Associates
    • Stephanie Reid, City Engineer, Lincoln City
  • Building Homeownership – How to Leverage Private- Public Partnership to Meet Oregon’s Needs
    Home ownership rates in Oregon lag behind the national average, limiting many Oregonians' access to long-term stability and wealth building. As we work to address gaps in housing stock writ large, it’s critical to ensure that we also build our home ownership stock. This session will focus on the work of private and non-profit developers to build homes for purchase, what public resources are available, and how cities can partner to reach this critical goal.

    Speakers:
    • Jenn Kovitz MMP, Community Engagement & Public Affairs Manager, Hayden Homes
    • Michael Schrader – Partner, Orrick Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP
    • Carly Colgan, CEO, Bend/Redmond Habitat for Humanity 

Sponsored by: 
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  • Inclusive Community Events from Planning to Celebration
    This session will provide helpful tips and useful resources, including website accessibility, to help cities in create successful and inclusive events.​​​

Speakers:

  • Moderator: Lisa Strader, ADA Coordinator & Ramps by Request Program Manager, Portland Bureau of Transportation
  • Patricia Kepler, Accessibility Specialist, Portland Police Bureau
  • Annadiana Johnson, Member at Large, TriMet CAT Committee Member
  • Jan Campbell, Chair, TriMet CAT Committee Member

 

  • The Next Wave of Civic Engagement
    Too loud. Too violent. Too polarized. The trend in public engagement is overdue for reform. And in this session you can learn strategies and tactics to reenergize and re-engage your residents.  Join us for an interactive session where we will problem solve some of the biggest challenges facing participatory democracies at all levels. Whether you are planning a new development, creating a new policy, or engaging around a city budget, this session gives you a chance to discuss, debate, and collaborate with peer city leaders on how to reset and strengthen your civic engagement strategies to attract public input for maximum, positive impact.

Speakers:

  • Neil Simon, Principal of Government Affairs, Porter Wright Morris & Arthur LLP
  • Ian Gelbrich, Partner, FFA Architecture & Interiors, Inc.
  • Val Danielson, Marketing Director & Associate, FFA Architecture & Interiors, Inc.


Sponsored by: 
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2:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.      Snack Break  

3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.      BREAKOUT SESSIONS

  • Evaluating City Managers: Best Practices for Accountability and Performance
    Effective evaluations of city managers are essential to good governance and organizational performance. This session will guide mayors and council members in conducting constructive, legally sound evaluations that promote accountability and leadership growth. Attendees will walk away knowing best practices, common missteps, and how to ensure evaluations strengthen–not strain–the council-manager relationship.

    Speakers:
    • Laurie Grenya, President, HR Answers
    • ​​Ross Williamson, City Attorney, Local Government Law Group
  • Returning Civility to Local Governance: A Reframe
    Across Oregon, local leaders are navigating polarization, increasingly contentious public meetings, social media outrage, and rising misinformation. While public frustration often reflects real needs, it’s frequently expressed through antagonism that undermines trust, problem-solving, and community connection. In this session, we’ll reframe “civility” not as tone enforcing or politeness, but as a commitment to building public spaces where disagreement can be expressed constructively and leadership can be sustained. Drawing from theory and practical experience, we’ll explore why this moment feels so difficult—and offer tools for creating more resilient, respectful, and inclusive local governance.

    Speakers:
    • Kristen Wright, Director, Training NPCC
    • Turner Odell, Senior Project Manager, Oregon Consensus

 

  • Recruitment Strategies to Create an Employer of Choice Brand
    A strong employer brand sets your organization apart, attracting applicants aligned with your values and culture. This presentation will equip you with the understanding needed to transform public sector recruiting. Wendi Brown, President/CEO of WBCP Inc., a leading national firm in public sector recruiting, will share insights on recruitment marketing and branding efforts that will transform your organization. She'll provide marketing tips, including AI tools, that'll increase the number of highly qualified candidates across all recruitment efforts. Learn how creating a desirable work environment will have a positive impact on recruitment and retention and bring people back to the workplace. Wendi will discuss equitable best practices for job descriptions and highlight how recruiting for competencies can transform your organization and create a more fair and equal assessment process.

    Speaker: Wendi Brown, President/CEO, WBCP Inc.

 

  • Youth Delegate Workshop
    Join University of Oregon students and staff for an interactive session designed to boost your college and civic journey.
  • College Applications & Scholarships – Learn how to stand out to your top schools, strengthen your applications, and maximize scholarship opportunities.
  • Civic engagement in college and beyond – Discover how to gain real world civic engagement experiences while attending college, and learn about majors and careers in local government and policy.
  • Networking & Project Exchange – Connect with peers, share recent community projects, and build lasting partnerships.
  • Walk away with practical tools for college success, a deeper understanding of civic engagement, and new connections with youth leaders from across Oregon.
  • Speakers:
    • Facilitator: Steve Campbell, Community Services and Public Safety Director, Happy Valley
    • Facilitator: Stephani Hern, Parks & Recreation Supervisor, Happy Valley
    • Melea Tejedas, Senior Assistant Director for Regional Recruitment, University of Oregon
    • Amanda Ferguson, Institute for Policy Research & Engagement Project Manager, University of Oregon
    • Taliek Lopez-DuBoff, Student, University of Oregon

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  • Bridging the Gap: City-State Partnership for Housing and Water
    Assurances and Requirements for Long-Term Access to Water for Cities. How can Oregon's cities ensure reliable access to water in the face of growth, regulation, and climate pressures. This session brings together state agency leaders and city officials for a candid conversation on aligning water policy, land use planning, and conservation expectations. Learn how cities and agencies can collaborate more effectively, set meaningful goals and plan for the future.

    Speakers:
    • Facilitator: Niki Iverson, Water Department Director, Hillsboro
    • Facilitator: Ed Fitch, Mayor, Redmond
    • Brenda Ortigoza Bateman, Ph.D., Director, OR Department of Land Conservation & Development
    • Ivan Gall, Director, Oregon Water Resources Department
    • Chris Cummings, Deputy Director, Business Oregon

6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.     Awards Dinner  
The awards dinner is not included in the price of registration and has an additional $65 fee.

The Awards Dinner is a conference tradition, acknowledging the recipients of this year’s Exceptional Service Awards. Following the award presentation, join us for the President’s Reception!

Awards Dinner Sponsor: 

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8:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.     President's Reception
Immediately following the awards dinner, join LOC President, Jessica Engelke, to congratulate the winners, enjoy desserts and  an after dinner drink at the no-host bar!


Saturday, October 4

7:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.    Registration Open

7:30 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.    Breakfast with Updates from Secretary of State Tobias Reed

8:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.      General Session

Oregon's Legacy - Those Who Helped Us Fly
Join us for a powerful conversation with distinguished former Oregon leaders as they reflect on the people and pivotal moments that shaped their leadership journeys. This session will offer insight into the challenges they faced, the values that guided them, and the legacy they hope to leave behind. It’s a celebration of resilience, leadership, and the power of those who lift others as they climb.

Sponsored by: 
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10:00 a.m. – 10:15 a.m.     Break

10:15 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.      Closing Keynote Speaker Rebecca Ryan
Rebecca Ryan head shot.pngKnown for her energetic and forward-thinking style, Rebecca is one of only 400 professionals worldwide with the prestigious APF futurist designation. Through her firm, NEXT Generation Consulting, she has advised leaders across the public and private sectors, impacting millions of lives since 1998. She is also a TEDx speaker and the author of several acclaimed books on future planning and leadership. Rebecca will inspire attendees to think boldly about what’s next for Oregon’s communities.

Closing Keynote Sponsor: 

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11:30 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.  Break                           

11:45 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.  Annual Business Meeting
The LOC’s Annual Business Meeting is an opportunity for member cities to get involved with the LOC through the election of new board members. It also includes a report by the executive director of 2025 accomplishments, a preview of new initiatives for 2026, and an awards presentation from CIS.

Voting at the Annual Business Meeting:
Member cities will vote on LOC officers and board members for 2026. Each city is entitled to cast one vote at the meeting. Voting cards will be available starting at 8 a.m. on Saturday outside the room and must be picked up by 11:30 a.m. Delegates may not vote without a card. Voting by proxy is not permitted.

Sponsored by: 

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