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.
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 to policy and implementation, in an ever-growing environment of distrust, competing ideology and interests, and misinformation and confusion. We will also explore how to care for yourself while caring for those around you…you 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.
- OMSI District Tour - Portland has approved $15 million to kick-start the new 24-acre OMSI District, transforming the area around the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry into a hub for science, housing, and culture. The project includes 1,200 housing units (with 20–30% affordable), a waterfront education park, and a Center for Tribal Nations. With construction beginning in 2026, the district aims to be a sustainable, inclusive neighborhood and economic engine for the city.
Buses will start loading at 12:45 pm and will depart promptly at 1:00 pm.
- Portland Zoo Tour - Take a walk on the wild side with a tour of the Oregon Zoo in Portland, where over 1,800 animals from around the world live in thoughtfully designed, immersive habitats. Nestled in Washington Park, the zoo blends conservation, education, and fun—perfect for families, nature lovers, and curious minds alike.
Buses will start loading at 12:45 pm and will depart promptly at 1:00 pm.
1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. BREAKOUT SESSIONS
- What Can Cities & Local Leaders Do in the Face of Changes and Impacts at the Federal Level
- Oregon Public Meetings Law - Oregon Government Ethics Commission Training
- Legislative Session Update
2:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Networking Snack Break
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 over 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.
4:45 p.m. – 6:15 p.m. Welcome Reception
5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. LOC Nominating Committee 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
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 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 tri‑fecta 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 am and will depart promptly at 9:30 am.
- Beaverton's Year Round Shelter Tour - A collaboration between the city of Beaverton and the Energy Trust of Oregon and Open Door Housing Works, the Beaverton Shelter is Washington County's first homeless shelter offering 24/7 year-round services. This renovated building demonstrates how trauma-informed design, supportive services and energy efficiency can combine to create a safe, welcoming, and resilient environment for some of the region’s most vulnerable residents. Originally constructed as a commercial building, the site has been transformed into a state-of-the-art congregate shelter offering sleeping areas, meals, showers, case management support and access to mental health and employment resources. With design support from Energy Trust of Oregon's New Buildings program, the shelter integrates energy-savings with thoughtful architectural features, creating a model for future transitional housing projects.
Buses will start loading at 9:15 am and will depart promptly at 9:30 am.
9:15 a.m. – 10:15 a.m. BREAKOUT SESSIONS
- Legacy Leadership
- Data Literacy: Understanding Data to Inform Public Policy
- Emergencies with Utilities
- LUBA
- PERS for Dummies - Or Everything You Wanted to Know, But Afraid to Ask
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 AI 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.
10:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. 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 has four critical sessions, each tackling a unique type of leadership challenge.
To view the full workshop program, click here.
10:45 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. BREAKOUT SESSIONS
- Thriving in Public Service: Mindfulness Skills for Adaptive Leadership
- Homelessness
- Opportunities for Veterans
- Personal AI: Tools to Make Your Job (& Life) Easier
- 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 key financial documents 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
Step inside the all-new PDX Next at Portland International Airport and discover an airport like no other! This guided tour takes you beneath a breathtaking nine-acre timber roof, crafted from sustainably harvested Northwest wood, and into a space filled with natural light, live greenery, local art, and stunning design. Get a behind-the-scenes look at how Portland is creating one of the most sustainable, community-driven airports in the world. From eco-friendly innovations to local food and culture, the PDX Next Tour is your chance to see the future of travel—before you fly! No ticket needed—just bring your curiosity.
Buses will start loading at 12:45 pm, and will depart promptly at 1:00 pm.
- Gresham's Rockwood Neighborhood Tour -
Discover the heart of Gresham on a guided tour of Rockwood, one of the city’s most diverse and fast-growing neighborhoods. Stroll through parks and public art spaces that reflect a community where over 85 languages are spoken. Learn how local leaders and residents are transforming Rockwood through small businesses, affordable housing, and cultural programs. This is a guided walking tour showcasing the cities art and community pride.
Buses will start loading at 12:45 pm and will depart promptly at 1:00 pm.
1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. BREAKOUT SESSIONS
- Managing Councils & HR Issues
- Public Contracting
- Housing & Grant Funding
- ADA Compliances: Building Community Through Festivals & Community Gatherings
- Civic Engagement
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
- Civility & Difficult Conversations
- Recruitment Strategies to Create an Employer of Choice Brand
- 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.
8:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. President's Reception
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 pivital 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.
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.
11:30 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. Break
11:45 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Annual Membership Meeting - Sponsored by 