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
12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. Trade Show Lunch
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.
- 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:
- Portland 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:
- Oregon Public Meetings Law – OGEC Required Training
Recent changes in state law require that members of governing bodies of public bodies with expenditures for a fiscal year of $1million or more attend an Oregon Government Ethics Commission certified training on Oregon’s Public Meetings Law once per term. This training will cover the necessary areas of public meeting laws and satisfy the training requirement.
Speakers:
- Jayme Pierce, General Counsel, LOC
- Robin Klein, Assistant General Counsel, LOC
- Legislative Session Update
Sponsored by:
2:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Networking Snack Break
Sponsored by:
3:00 p.m. – 4:45 p.m. Welcome and Keynote Speaker Jason Dorsey
Jason 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:
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:
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
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:
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
- Emergencies with Utilities
Sponsored by:
- LUBA
- 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:
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
- Homelessness
Sponsored by:
- Local Government and Veteran Partnerships Networking
- 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.
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
- Building Home Ownership: Private, Public, Non-Profit Partnership
Sponsored by:
- ADA Compliances: Building Community Through Festivals & Community Gatherings
This session will broadly cover ADA basics, accessible events, and website accessibility, all in the context of planning a community festival.
- 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.
Speaker: Neil Simon, Principal of Government Affairs, Porter Wright Morris & Arthur LLP
Sponsored by:
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
- Civility & Difficult Conversations
- 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 Caucus Meeting
- Water, Water, Water!
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:
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
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:
10:00 a.m. – 10:15 a.m. Break
10:15 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Closing Keynote Speaker Rebecca Ryan
Known 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:
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:
