City Focus Podcast
The LOC's City Focus podcasts provides timely, relevant information to cities, legislators, media and the public by highlighting and focusing on specific topics in quick-paced episodes. We discuss policy, legal issues and advocacy matters in a relaxed, conversational style designed to inform and educate while doing so in an interesting and entertaining way.
Released every other Thursday, the City Focus podcast serves as a conduit for members to communicate their stories to a broader, state-wide audience and share their experiences and concerns across the state.
Email suggestions for topics or comments about any of our podcasts to CityFocus@orcities.org.
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EP 51: Hermiston's Funland Park
July 8, 2021
In this episode of City Focus, Hermiston Mayor Dave Drotzmann looks back at the history of Funland park, how the community has rallied to rebuild it not once, but twice and what visitors and families can expect in the newly rebuilt park!
EP 50: Salem Mayor Chuck Bennett
June 24, 2021
As Oregon’s capital city, Salem has many things to offer its residents and visitors. In this episode, Salem Mayor Chuck Bennett joins us for a conversation about his many years serving the community he loves; about the challenges and successes he has seen as well as his vision for the future.
EP 49: Gates Mayor Ron Carmickle
June 10, 2021
The city of Gates faced many unprecedented challenges in the past year and a half and as a new mayor, Ron Carmickle helped to lead the city towards recovery and rebuilding. In this episode, he shares his thoughts on forest management and his personal story of loss, and of how he and the citizens of Gates are turning things around and striving for a bright future.
EP 48: Troutdale Mayor Randy Lauer
May 28, 2021
The City of Troutdale, like other cities in Oregon, faced unprecedented challenges over the past 15 months. In this episode, Troutdale Mayor Randy Lauer joins us for a conversation about being a new mayor during this time and what he is doing for his city to support citizens and businesses.
EP 47: Operations & Member Engagement Director, Christy Wurster
May 15, 2021
Christy manages the internal services of the LOC and provides oversight to member services. In this conversation, LOC’s newest team member discusses her vision and goals as Operations & Member Engagement Director for the League.
EP 46: Baker City Mayor Kerry McQuisten
Apil 29, 2021
Baker City recently adopted resolution 3881, the first of its kind in Oregon, to directly address specific concerns related to state-mandated lockdowns and how they have affected the businesses and families in the city. In this conversation, Baker City Mayor Kerry McQuisten discusses how her city has been impacted by the COVID lockdowns.
EP 45: Sandy Mayor Stan Pulliam
Apil 15, 2021
It has been a year since the Governor mandated state-wide COVID lockdowns and as cities across Oregon have complied, many have grappled with the challenges of safeguarding their communities and keeping their local businesses vibrant and successful. In this episode, Sandy Mayor Stan Pulliam joins us for a conversation about his city and the efforts happening in Sandy to support citizens and businesses.
EP 44: Dayton Mayor Beth Wytoski LOC OMA Spring Symposium Preview
April 1, 2021
In this episode, we talk with Dayton Mayor and Oregon Mayors Association President Beth Wytoski about the upcoming LOC/OMA Joint Spring Symposium. The City of Dayton, like other cities in Oregon, faced unprecedented challenges last year. Mayor Wytoski shares stories about how her city employed unique and creative ways to deal with the many challenges her community faced and how they will use what they learned in 2020 to start planning for spring and summer 2021.
EP 43: Water Utility and Rate Assistance
March 18, 2021
In this episode, LOC Lobbyist Tracy Rutten Rainey discusses the League’s legislative priority on Water Utility and Rate Assistance. The LOC will work to identify funding for water utility ratepayer assistance and will work to establish a framework for the distribution of funds.
EP 42: Disaster Relief and Recovery
March 4, 2021
In this episode, LOC Legislative Director Jim McCauley discusses the League’s legislative priority on Disaster Relief and Recovery. The League will advocate on behalf of impacted communities for legislation that provides additional resources, efficiency in recovery and rebuilding efforts, support of long-term economic recovery efforts, budgetary flexibility, and re-investment in infrastructure lost due to wildfire, floods and other natural disasters.
EP 41: Property Tax Reform
February 18, 2021
In this episode, LOC lobbyist Mark Gharst discusses the League’s legislative priority on Property Tax Reform. The League will take a leadership role in forming coalitions with the business community and other local government partners to help draft and advocate for both comprehensive and incremental property tax reform option packages that are consistent with principles adopted by its board of directors.
EP 40: Comprehensive Infrastructure Package
February 4, 2021
In this episode, LOC lobbyists Jenna Jones, Jim McCauley, and Tracy Rutten discuss the League’s legislative priority on the Comprehensive Infrastructure Package. The League will advocate for an increase in the state’s investment in key infrastructure funding sources, including, but not limited to, the Special Public Works Fund (SPWF), Brownfield Redevelopment Fund, and Regionally Significant Industrial Site loan program. The advocacy will include seeking investment and set aside through the SPWF for seismic resilience planning and related infrastructure improvements that will help make Oregon water and wastewater systems more resilient.
EP 39: Housing and Services Investment
January 21, 2021
In this episode, LOC lobbyist Ariel Nelson discusses the League’s legislative priority on Housing and Services Investment. The League will support increased investments for affordable housing, homeless assistance, and related services including funding for shelter, homeless services, case management, rent assistance, the development and preservation of affordable housing, and permanent supportive housing.
EP 38: COVID-19 Economic Recovery Investments
January 7, 2021
In this episode, LOC lobbyist Mark Gharst discusses the League’s second legislative priority, COVID-19 Economic Recovery, and Investments. Cities have been on the frontline of the economic response to the pandemic, standing up programs for small business assistance and economic support for affected workers. Many cities have little or no ability to help residents due to COVID-19 related revenue losses (lodging tax, gas tax, park fees, development fees, parking fees, utility charges, and so on). City elected officials know the needs of their individual communities and want to partner with the state in helping our residents through this difficult time but need resources.
EP 37: Mental Health Service Delivery
December 17, 2020
In this episode, LOC lobbyist Scott Winkels discusses the first of six League legislative priorities for 2021 – Mental Health Investment. The League will advocate for adequate resources to protect and enhance the services available to persons suffering from mental health conditions.
Special Episode with Mike Cully and Dennis Lyon
July 23, 2020
In the latest episode of City Focus, LOC Executive Director Mike Cully and Dennis Lyon discuss the NLC Service Line Program by HomeServe. How does the program work and how can it help your city?
Special Episode with Jim McCauley, LOC Legislative Director
June 4, 2020
In the latest episode of City Focus, LOC Legislative Director Jim McCauley discusses the role the LOC has played on a state and national level advocating for cities during the Coronavirus pandemic and subsequent economic calamity. Jim shares what the LOC’s advocacy team has been doing to support cities and assure city leaders have the information they need to make informed decisions as we move forward.
Latest Episodes
Special Episode with Mike Cully, LOC Executive Director
April 23, 2020
Due to the Coronavirus crisis and the closure of our offices, we have put the creation and publication of regular podcast episodes on hiatus until further notice. However, by utilizing technology, we have published this special episode featuring LOC Executive Director Mike Cully discussing the unique and important role the LOC has played on a state and national level. Mike also shares what LOC staff have been doing behind the scenes to make sure that our member cities have the information they need to make informed decisions as we move through this challenging time.
Inside the Capitol - Week of February 24, 2020
February 28, 2020
It’s time for Inside the Capitol…your weekly legislative update from the League of Oregon Cities…and now, for a look at what’s happening this week in Salem here is LOC Legislative Analyst, Jenna Jones.
Inside the Capitol - Week of February 17, 2020
February 21, 2020
It’s time for Inside the Capitol…your weekly legislative update from the League of Oregon Cities…and now, for a look at what’s happening this week in Salem here is LOC Lobbyist, Ariel Nelson.
EP 35: Oregon Mayors attend the US Mayors Conference
February 20, 2020
In our latest City Focus podcast, hear the story of how two mayors – Beaverton’s Denny Doyle and Sandy’s Stan Pulliam – traveled to Washington D.C. to join forces with mayors across the country and effectively advocate for their cities at the federal level on key infrastructure issues.
Inside the Capitol - Week of February 10, 2020
February 14, 2020
It’s time for Inside the Capitol…your weekly legislative update from the League of Oregon Cities…and now, for a look at what’s happening this week in Salem here is LOC Lobbyist, Tracy Rutten.
Inside the Capitol - Week of February 3, 2020
February 7, 2020
It’s time for Inside the Capitol…your weekly legislative update from the League of Oregon Cities…and now, for a look at what’s happening this week in Salem here is LOC Lobbyist, Mark Gharst.
EP 34: Profiles in Leadership - Mayor Cathy Clark
February 6, 2020
In our latest episode, Keizer Mayor Cathy Clarks sits down for a personal conversation about her local government journey, receiving the James C. Richards award for leadership, and what she sees on the horizon for the city of Keizer.
EP 33: 2020 Legislative Session - Crystal Ball
January 23, 2020
In this episode, LOC Legislative Director Jim McCauley breaks out his crystal ball for a look ahead at what cities can expect from the 2020 short session.
EP 32: Elected Demographics - Who are Oregon's mayors & councilors?
January 9, 2020
In our latest, we take a look at the results of our 2018 survey of 384 responses from individuals who have chosen to represent their cities as Mayors and Councilors.
EP 31: Franchise Fees - Steady or in Decline?
December 19, 2019
Charges for the use of a city’s right of way take many forms and are often dependent on a city’s size, location, and history. In general, larger cities and those in the Metro region tend to have the most complex franchise agreements, as well as the most unique sources of franchise revenue. Universally, however, franchises represent an essential revenue source for all Oregon cities. In this episode of City Focus LOC IGR Director Jim McCauley joins Paul Aljets from Aljets Consulting for a discussion on utility franchise agreements.
EP 30: Data - Why it's Integral to Cities' Decision-Making Process
December 5, 2019
In this episode of City Focus LOC Executive Director Mike Cully joins Paul Aljets from Aljets Consulting for a discussion on City Financial Data from CAFRs (or Comprehensive Annual Financial Reports) as well as the upcoming Census in 2020. Mike and Paul breakdown the numbers and drill down into some specific data points to get to the story behind the numbers.
EP 29: LOC Footprint in D.C. Expands
November 21, 2019
For three days in late October, LOC staff accompanied and supported board members in Washington, D.C as they advocated for city priorities at the federal level. These issues included: comprehensive infrastructure investment, FAST Act reauthorization, affordable housing, and broadband investment and policy. LOC Legislative Director Jim McCauley and Legislative Analyst Jenna Jones were among the team that visited our nation’s capital and they give us a review and some highlights of this very fruitful trip.
EP 28: Harassment, Equal Employment, and Other Laws that Matter to You, the Elected Official
November 7, 2019
On this episode, we are joined in the studio by Katie Kammer, Pre-loss attorney and host of Kammersations the Podcast for CIS, for a fascinating conversation about the laws that protect employees against harassment, discrimination, and retaliation. Katie is an engaging speaker on this topic and our conversation focuses on encouraging elected officials to think about what is appropriate versus inappropriate in the workplace. We look at what the current laws are and also what is expected in the modern workplace.
Prepared, Not Scared - Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Encore
September 19, 2019
In honor of National Preparedness Month, we are rereleasing Episode 16 of City Focus, featuring Emergency Manager for the City of Salem, Greg Walsh and Salem CERT Senior Trainer and Logistics Officer, Terry Pickett.
National Preparedness Month is recognized each September to promote family and community disaster and emergency planning now and throughout the year.
We discuss how the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program trains volunteers to assist communities when a disastrous event overwhelms or delays the community’s professional response.
EP 27: Political Polarization: It’s a Trend we Must Reverse
September 5, 2019
On this episode of City Focus, Cynthia O’Brien from the Portland chapter of Better Angels joins us for a great conversation about the organization and what attendees can expect from the Better Angels closing keynote presentation from John Wood, Jr. and Ciaran O’Connor on Saturday at our annual conference in Bend.
EP 26: Breaking Down the Data: Making Sense of LOC’s SDC Survey Results
August 22, 2019
LOC recently administered a study on Systems Development Charges, or SDCs, and found striking differences in city SDC implementation. On this episode, Paul Aljets, from Aljets Consulting, and Erin Doyle, former LOC Lobbyist, talk about the survey and they breakdown the results for us in a relatable and useful way that will help to make sense of the data and how it can be used to help cities.
EP 25: Tourism in Oregon
August 8, 2019
On this episode, I’m joined in the studio by Angie Onyewuchi, CEO of Travel Salem for a fascinating conversation about tourism in Oregon. Angie is passionate about Oregon and our conversation focuses on how tourism drives economic impact in communities across the state. She shares examples of emerging trends in Oregon’s tourism industry and how Oregon cities benefit yet also face unique challenges with increased travel to our state.
EP 24: 94th LOC Annual Conference Preview
July 26, 2019
On this episode, Kevin Toon, LOC Communications Director and Lisa Trevino, Project Coordinator give you a preview of what to expect at the 94th Annual LOC Conference. We have an exciting line up of speakers this year, interesting tours and plenty of opportunities to network with your fellow LOC members.
EP 23: A Conversation with Jake Boone, 2020 LOC Board President
July 12, 2019
Jake Boone, Cottage Grove City Councilor and 2020 LOC Board President, joins us for a great conversation about his goals for the upcoming year, how and why he sought political office, and his perspective on how being a gamer relates to the world of politics.
Inside the Capitol - 2019 Session Wrap-Up with Jim McCauley
July 8, 2019
How did LOC priority issues fare at the Legislature? In the latest Inside the Capitol micro-podcast, LOC's Jim McCauley provides a brief summary of wins and losses and provides insight into what's next.
EP 22: Spotlight on LGPI HR Matters and Oregon’s Equal Pay law
June 27, 2019
On this episode, we're joined in the studio by Ruth Mattox, LGPI Senior HR Consultant, for a conversation about pay equity as well as the many important HR services LGPI provides to members.
EP 21: Predicting Harmful Algal Blooms in Municipal Water Systems
June 13, 2019
Summer is almost here, and drinking water and algae blooms are in the news again. On this episode, the LOC is joined in the studio by James Watson and Mat Titus from The Prediction Lab for a conversation about harmful algal blooms in municipal water systems. They share how they assisted the City of Salem in dealing with last summer’s drinking water advisories and how they use mathematics and algorithms to predict future blooms.
EP 20: Spotlight on LOC Legal Services
May 30, 2019
On this episode, we're joined in the studio by Patty Mulvihill, LOC General Counsel, and Jayme Hafner, LOC Assistant General Counsel, for a conversation about the LOC's Legal Services.
Every day at the LOC, we get calls from city officials who believe they are alone in experiencing confusion over municipal law issues. Patty and Jayme are here today to let our members know that they are not alone and that cities throughout Oregon can call the League daily on simple and complicated matters.
EP 19: Cities and Social Media
May 16, 2019
On this episode, we are joined in the studio by Kevin Toon, LOC Communications Director, and Jenna Jones, Intergovernmental Relations Assistant, for a conversation about the benefits and challenges of social media and the role the various platforms play at the LOC and for cities.