LOC News
Federal Community Initiative Projects Application Open Until 2/25
U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden are now accepting applications from Oregonians for community-initiated projects (CIPs) – otherwise known as congressionally directed spending or community project funding – as well as programmatic funding priorities. The application for CIPs is open now through 11:59 p.m. PST on Wednesday, February 25.
The application for CIPs can be found here. Congressional staff ask that applicants consult the guidance documents before beginning their application. The guidance document is accessible here, and applicants can watch the introductory webinar co-hosted by the LOC and the Association of Oregon Counties here.
- For questions or if technical assistance is needed, applicants can reach out to Senator Merkley’s field representative in their area:
- For Multnomah or Washington Counties, please contact Mitra Anoushiravani (Mitra_Anoushiravani@merkley.senate.gov).
- For Coos, Curry, Douglas, Jackson, or Josephine Counties, please contact Dahna Black (Dahna_Black@merkley.senate.gov).
- For Crook, Deschutes, Jefferson, Klamath, Lake, or Wheeler Counties, please contact Gavin Coble (Gavin_Coble@merkley.senate.gov).
- For Benton, Lane, Lincoln, or Linn Counties, please contact Sophia Francia (Sophia_Francia@merkley.senate.gov).
- For Clatsop, Columbia, Marion, Polk, Tillamook, Yamhill Counties, please contact Gustavo Guerrero (Gustavo_Guerrero@merkley.senate.gov).
- For Baker, Grant, Harney, Malheur, Morrow, Umatilla, Union, or Wallowa Counties, please contact Jessica Keys (Jessica_Keys@merkley.senate.gov).
- For Clackamas, Gilliam, Hood River, Sherman, or Wasco Counties, please contact Sara Schmitt (Sara_Schmitt@merkley.senate.gov)
- For statewide questions please reach out to Senator Merkley's Statewide Outreach Director, Sara Schmitt (Sara_Schmitt@merkley.senate.gov)
Contact: Nicole Stingh, Legislative Director – nstingh@orcities.org
Last Updated 2/13/26