101st Annual Conference
Conference Program
Thursday, October 15 – Saturday, October 17
Thursday, October 15
Please meet LOC staff in the Willamette Foyer at 6:50 a.m. The run/walk will promptly begin at 7:00 a.m. View the route.
Join us for a scenic 45-minute run/walk from the Salem Convention Center to Riverfront Park and back. The route follows downtown Salem streets to the iconic Peter Courtney Minto Island Bridge, offering beautiful views of the Willamette River and surrounding parkland. Participants can enjoy a relaxed pace, fresh air, and a glimpse of one of Salem’s favorite outdoor destinations before returning to the Convention Center.
More than 70 organizations are exhibiting this year, showcasing innovative products and services that can help make your city a great place to live and work.
Across the state, local jurisdictions are navigating the rapidly changing environment for housing production. During these open office hours, conference attendees will have an opportunity to get to know staff from DLCD’s Housing Division and Housing Accountability and Production Office (HAPO) and learn about resources available to support compliance with the state’s housing laws and Oregon Housing Needs Analysis (OHNA). Staff will be available to discuss how technical assistance can support cities through code audits to incorporate housing laws, general development code updates, model code implementation, one-time UGB amendments, and other strategies to meet housing needs. Keeping up with changes to housing laws can be challenging, especially for jurisdictions with more limited capacity. Attendees will build relationships and learn about state resources to assist with housing production, affordability, and choice.
Staff from the offices of Oregon’s Congressional Delegation will be available to meet with conference attendees in the Willamette Foyer until 3:30 p.m.
This workshop is not included in registration and has an additional $100 fee; pre-registration is required. Visit the registration booth if you haven’t pre-registered. If you are pre-registered, the workshop is listed on the back of your badge.
Get ready for a lively, interactive workshop where three brave city councilors face off in a city council-themed “Jeopardy!” game that’s all about governance and serving as a city councilor. The Councilors' Workshop will include table conversations around key city council topics like finance, budget, and governance.
Sponsored by Flock Safety
- Nina Vetter, City Manager, Newport
- CM Hall, Councilor, Newport; LOC Director
- Michael Preedin, Councilor, Sisters
- Nicole Hedlund, Council President, Yachats
This workshop is not included in registration and has an additional $100 fee; pre-registration is required. Visit the registration booth if you haven’t pre-registered. If you are pre-registered, the OMA Workshop is listed on the back of your badge.
This workshop equips mayors with practical tools for fostering civil discourse, navigating public disagreement, and modeling constructive leadership in their communities. Participants will explore how civility builds trust, improves decision-making, and helps local leaders bring people together across political, social, and cultural differences.
Please note that the OMA Annual Business Meeting will be held during the first hour of the workshop, from 8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. View the business meeting agenda.
Sponsored by LifeSpace
- Travis Stovall, Mayor, Gresham; LOC Treasurer
This workshop is not included in registration and has an additional $100 fee; pre-registration is required. Visit the registration booth if you haven’t pre-registered. If you are pre-registered, the OCCMA Workshop is listed on the back of your badge.
Strong local governments depend on strong professional relationships. This workshop helps city managers, administrators, and recorders build productive partnerships with city councilors and city attorneys. Participants will explore communication strategies, trust-building techniques, role clarity, conflict management, and approaches for fostering collaboration that supports effective governance and organizational success.
Please note that the OCCMA Annual Business Meeting will be held during the last hour of the workshop, from 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. View the business meeting agenda.
Sponsored by Anderson Perry
- Sabrina Cotta, City Manager, Ashland
- Robby Hammond, City Manager, Hillsboro
- Ross Williamson, Attorney, Local Government Law Group
- Julia Hajduk, City Manager, Stayton
- Joseph Gall, Chief Utility Relations Officer, Clean Water Services
- Sylvia Murphy, Recorder, Sherwood
- Chad Jacobs, Senior Partner, Beery, Elsner & Hammond, LLP
Gather with members and allies of the People of Color Caucus to connect over lunch, discuss key priorities, and conduct annual caucus business ahead of the afternoon sessions. View the business meeting agenda.
Lunch is provided for attendees in the trade show. Grab lunch and visit with your colleagues.
Visit exhibitors, connect with colleagues, and participate in Trade Show Bingo for a chance to win exciting prizes, including free registrations to a future LOC Conference, travel vouchers from Alaska Airlines, and a brand new laptop, courtesy of Comcast. You can also purchase 50/50 raffle tickets while supporting the LOC Foundation.
Trade Show Bingo and 50/50 raffle winners will be announced Saturday following the Annual Business Meeting. Winners must be present to claim their prize.
Additional seating is available outside in the courtyard on the first floor of the conference center.
Pre-registration required. Tours are not included in the price of registration and have an additional $55 fee. 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 begin loading at 12:30 p.m. in the porte‑cochère (covered roundabout attached to the Salem Convention Center) and will depart at 12:45 p.m. Please wear appropriate clothes and shoes.
After years of construction, the newly remodeled state Capitol is fully back in service. During the first part of the tour, knowledgeable guides share information about the history of Oregon, the Capitol, and an overview of the legislative process. The second part includes a panel presentation in one of the new hearing rooms, where leaders from the Legislative Fiscal Office, the Legislative Revenue Office, the Legislative Research and Policy Office, and Legislative Counsel will provide a behind-the-scenes understanding of how policymakers shape state law. Moderated by LOC Legislative Director Nicole Stingh, the panel will discuss how cities can influence the non-partisan information provided to legislators.
Sponsored by Johnson Controls, Inc.
Learn about the process of building a multipurpose bond while visiting several Salem project sites, including Fire Station 1, the Civic Center, and Riverfront Park, to see the direct community impact.
Meet at 12:30 p.m. in the porte‑cochère (covered roundabout attached to the Salem Convention Center)
Learn about successful strategies to build public support for a five-year levy, including community engagement efforts. See multiple attractions at a Salem park recently supported with infrastructure bond and levy funds. Discuss strategy with multiple funding sources affecting a community park.
Learn about the different tools and incentives the city of Salem has developed to boost housing production and tour housing projects in the downtown area.
Meet at 12:30 p.m. in the porte‑cochère (covered roundabout attached to the Salem Convention Center)
Across the state, community members are asking questions and sharing concerns about the development of data centers. The realities and rhetoric around data centers can be hard to grasp even for those paying close attention. How do they impact communities? From land use to energy and water usage to economic development and revenue, there are a lot of questions for cities to navigate. Join this session to hear from city leaders across the state about the impacts of data centers in their community.
Sponsored by Comcast
- Dan Dorran, Commissioner, Umatilla County
- Beach Pace, Mayor, Hillsboro
- Rich Mays, Mayor, The Dalles; LOC Director
- Casey Kaiser, Deputy City Manager/Public Works Director, Prineville
- Byron Smith, City Manager, Hermiston
How your city’s story is told through mainstream media is ever-changing — and who tells this story matters more than ever. Join local Oregon journalists and digital creators for a candid conversation about how information flows in today's media landscape and what that means for cities. Hear from reporters on what really goes into covering local government — the pressures, the process, and what makes a story land — then explore how creators are stepping into that space to talk about issues like public safety, housing, transportation, and civic participation in ways that reach new audiences. Together, we'll discuss how municipalities can work alongside both journalists and creators to strengthen trust, improve transparency, and tell more human stories about public service.
- Anne Marie Levis, President, Funk/Levis & Associates
- Gold Meadows, Evening News Anchor, KMTR/KVAL-TV
- Bryce Dole, Reporter, Oregon Public Broadcasting (OPB)
- Bill Poehler, Reporter, Salem Statesman Journal
As policymakers consider the Prosperity Council's recommendations, cities will be critical to turning vision into results. This panel explores how local investments, economic development strategies, and revenue policies can support growth, competitiveness, and opportunity across cities and the state.
Sponsored by Oregon Corrections Enterprises
- John Tapogna, President, Oregon Business Council
- Curtis Robinhold, Executive Director, Port of Portland
- Jessica Engelke, Mayor, North Bend; LOC Immediate Past President
- Jenny Haruyama, City Manager, Eugene
Cities across Oregon face revenue challenges stemming from an outdated and complex property tax system. In this session, Espousal Strategies will introduce messages and communication tools developed for LOC members to use in conversations with their communities. Learn how to explain the structural problem clearly, connect it to the local services residents care about, and build public understanding that supports the case for statewide reform. Materials are designed to work for cities of any size, across urban and rural Oregon.
- Mike Westling, Director of Strategic Communications, Espousal Strategies
- Johnell Bell, Founder/President, Espousal Strategies
Join us in the Trade Show Hall for networking, snacks, and fun! Visit exhibitors, connect with colleagues, and participate in Trade Show Bingo for a chance to win exciting prizes, including free registrations to a future LOC Conference, travel vouchers from Alaska Airlines, and a brand new laptop, courtesy of Comcast. Be sure to stop by and meet our special guest, Caesar the No Drama Llama. You can also purchase 50/50 raffle tickets while supporting the LOC Foundation. Don't miss this lively hour filled with connections, refreshments, and opportunities to win.
Trade Show Bingo and 50/50 raffle winners will be announced Saturday following the Annual Business Meeting. Winners must be present to claim their prize.
Sponsored by Cumming Group
Gather with fellow leaders for a warm welcome and keynote presentation from bestselling author Doug Griffiths. Drawing from 13 Ways to Kill Your Community, Doug will share practical insights, fresh perspectives, and plenty of humor to inspire local leaders and energize the days ahead.
Sponsored by Portland General Electric
- Doug Griffiths, President & CEO, 13 Ways Inc.
- Meredith Armstrong, Senior Manager, Local Government Affairs, Portland General Electric
- Carol MacInnes, Mayor, Fossil; LOC President
- Patty Mulvihill, Executive Director, League of Oregon Cities
- Brianna Jackson, Administrative Assistant, League of Oregon Cities
- Meghyn Fahndrich, Administrative Assistant, League of Oregon Cities
- Evelyn Schloss, Administrative Assistant, League of Oregon Cities
All attending city officials and government representatives are warmly invited to connect with peers from across Oregon over light hors d’oeuvres and a no-host bar. (Conference badge required for admission.)
Sponsored by: NW Natural, HomeServe USA, NPPGov, Aetna, and FCS, a Bowman Company.
The Nominating Committee will meet to review and select candidates for open leadership roles on the LOC’s Board of Directors. During this meeting, candidate interviews will be conducted. Following the interviews, the committee will deliberate and prepare a recommended slate of candidates for a vote by the full membership during Saturday morning’s Annual Business Meeting.
Take the evening to relax, connect with colleagues, and enjoy one of downtown Salem's many restaurants. Travel Salem has arranged reservations at participating locations. Visit their booth during the conference to view options and reserve your seat.
The Women’s Caucus Nominating Committee will meet to review and select candidates for open leadership roles on the Women’s Caucus Board.
The Women’s Caucus and People of Color Caucus, hosts of the annual LOC Mixer, invite you to connect with colleagues from across Oregon. Enjoy desserts, a no-host bar, and casual networking in a relaxed setting. Be sure to join the Bingo game for a fun way to meet new people and make connections.
Friday, October 16
More than 70 organizations are exhibiting this year, showcasing innovative products and services that can help make your city a great place to live and work.
Sponsored by Energy Trust of Oregon
An opportunity for cities with a population of less than 7,500 to network and have a conversation with peers about issues specific to small cities.
Sponsored by Community Heart & Soul
An opportunity for cities with a population of 7,500 to 25,000 to network and have a conversation with peers about issues specific to medium-sized cities.
Sponsored by David Evans & Associates
An opportunity for cities with a population greater than 25,000 to network and have a conversation with peers about issues specific to large cities.
Sponsored by PowerFlex
Network with coastal mayors to discuss pressing regional issues, share best practices, and align on municipal policy priorities.
Pre-registration required. This workshop is not included in the price of registration and has an additional fee of $150 for registered conference attendees and $250 for non-conference attendees. Visit the conference registration booth if you haven’t pre-registered. If you are pre-registered, the workshop will be listed on the back of your badge.
Disasters are dynamic, unpredictable, and costly. They can’t be controlled, are hard to contain, and leave a lasting impact on the landscape, communities, and people. What we can control is intentionally preparing, practicing, and streamlining recovery. Linking these phases positions cities and regions to realize the best possible outcomes when disasters strike. Recovery begins with planning, and planning begins with recovery. This workshop will aid in making the best of the worst times. See preliminary agenda here.
Offsite location: Local Government Center, 1201 Court Street NE, Salem, OR 97301
Sponsored by Ameresco
- Jennifer Letz, Mayor, Sisters
- Bryan Cutchen, Mayor, Oakridge
- Aaron Ott, Emergency Manager, Medford
- Greg Walsh, Emergency Manager, Marion County
- Audrey DeWittie, Strategy and Special Projects Officer, Oregon Dept. of Emergency Management
- Jim Trett, Former Mayor, Detroit
- Matt English, Sheriff, Hood River
- Molly Bargmann, Vice President, Emergency and Disaster Management, ICF
- Michelle Bradley, Executive Director, Port of Tillamook
- Joe Wieland, Emergency Manager, Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue
- Gerry Glynn, Ameresco
Cities across Oregon face revenue challenges stemming from an outdated and complex property tax system. In this session, Espousal Strategies will introduce messages and communication tools developed for LOC members to use in conversations with their communities. Learn how to explain the structural problem clearly, connect it to the local services residents care about, and build public understanding that supports the case for statewide reform. Materials are designed to work for cities of any size, across urban and rural Oregon.
Note: This is a repeat offering of the session presented on Thursday. The content is the same and is intended to provide an additional opportunity for attendees who were unable to attend the earlier presentation.
- Mike Westling, Director of Strategic Communications, Espousal Strategies
- Johnell Bell, Founder/President, Espousal Strategies
Pre-registration required. Tours are not included in the price of registration and have an additional $55 fee. 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 begin loading at 9:00 a.m. in the porte‑cochère (covered roundabout attached to the Salem Convention Center) and will depart at 9:15 a.m. Please wear appropriate clothes and shoes.
Tour Amazon’s PDX8 fulfillment center in Woodburn, the largest and most advanced in the Pacific Northwest. This 3.8 million-square-foot, five-story facility uses more than 6,000 robotics systems and 30 miles of conveyor belts to move up to 40 million stored items efficiently. Employing 3,500+ people, PDX8 offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at the technology, automation, scale, and economic impact driving modern e-commerce fulfillment.
Please note that on-site registration is not available for this tour.
Sponsored by Amazon
Tour Timberlab’s 200,000-square-foot cross laminated timber manufacturing facility in the city of Millersburg — one of the largest investments in U.S. wood products history. Learn from economic development leaders about why Timberlab selected Millersburg, hear from the city manager on permitting and approvals, and explore the future of mass timber manufacturing, including the nation’s largest all-wood industrial warehouse. Takeaways include the role of engineered wood products, site selection factors, and strategies for collaboration between industry and cities.
Sponsored by Timberlab
Trust is one of the most valuable—and hardest-earned—assets in public service. How do you build trust with the community, strengthen it through challenging moments, and maintain it over time? This panel brings together local elected officials for an honest conversation about what it takes to build credibility, communicate effectively, listen to community concerns, and follow through on commitments. Panelists will share real-world experiences, lessons learned, and practical strategies for earning and sustaining community trust—even when difficult decisions and tough conversations are unavoidable.
Sponsored by Oregon Beverage Recycling Cooperative
- Mindy Garlington, Councilor, Gladstone; Women's Caucus President
- Denyse McGriff, Mayor, Oregon City; People of Color Caucus President
- Erin Grahek, Division Director, Multnomah County Animal Services
- Christine Lewis, Councilor, Metro
Would you like to strengthen the connection between local governance decisions and university-based research? In this session, audience members will learn about approaches to community-engaged research, including examples of recent research partnerships between local leaders and Oregon State University. Attendees will also engage in facilitated dialogue intended to identify strategies and strengthen opportunities for engaging in community-engaged research and leveraging university research to address local needs. The session will be conducted through a combination of presentation, interactive activities and discussion.
- Leanne Giordono, OSU OPAL Associate Director, Oregon State University
- Marina Denny, OSU Associate Vice Provost for Engagement, Oregon State University
Markowitz Herbold attorney David Fauria will discuss how cities can use public nuisance law as a proactive enforcement tool to address persistent community harms. Focusing on statutorily defined nuisances, he will explain how these claims can be pursued without the traditional burden of proving substantial and unreasonable interference. The session will also cover key considerations for drafting and updating local nuisance ordinances to address new, emerging harms and to ensure they withstand judicial scrutiny.
Sponsored by Markowitz Herbold PC
- David Fauria, Associate, Markowitz Herbold PC
Navigating a career in local government often means facing unexpected challenges which ultimately can serve as pivotal leadership milestones. This session features city managers who bounced back from tough moments, transforming professional obstacles into powerful lessons in leadership. Attendees will gain strategies for building resilience, leveraging challenges as opportunities, and harnessing a mindset that turns setbacks into comebacks.
- Sabrina Cotta, City Manager, Ashland
- Martha Bennett
- Byron Smith, City Manager, Hermiston
- Preston Polasek, City Manager, Sheridan
Pre-registration required. This workshop is not included in the price of registration and has an additional fee of $150 for registered conference attendees and $250 for non-conference attendees. Visit the conference registration booth if you haven’t pre-registered. If you are pre-registered, the workshop will be listed on the back of your badge.
Equip your city to navigate the rewards and risks of artificial intelligence. This workshop provides a clear, actionable roadmap covering everyday legal compliance, shared governance models, and real-world cautionary tales. Learn how departments are actively using AI to boost public engagement, streamline heavy workloads, and uplift city priorities—all while applying human-centered leadership that values and protects staff expertise. See preliminary agenda.
Sponsored by MGT
- Hector Dominguez, Open Data & Privacy Coordinator, Portland
- Adam Young, Information Security Manager, Bend
- Sean McSpaden, Principal Legislative IT Analyst, Oregon Legislative Fiscal Office
- Evan Connor, AI Solutions Architect, MGT
- Jack Hofbauer, Manager of AI Solutions, MGT
- Bill Hopkins, IT Director, Keizer
- Sean Lewis, City Manager, Tillamook
- Robby Hammond, City Manager, Hillsboro; LOC Director
- Laurie Grenya, President, HR Answers
Learn what modern artificial intelligence is – and what it is not. Learn where AI is useful in local government operations, become aware of tools to manage AI risks, and recognize the new 2026 shift from chatbot to workbench/agent. Leave with a safe adoption playbook for faster work but not automated judgment.
Sponsored by Civic Marketplace
- Stuart Long, Chief Information Officer, Cascade Technology Alliance (Northwest Regional ESD & Multnomah ESD)
Cities with more than 10,000 residents must create a housing production strategy (HPS) to address local housing shortages, with a focus on affordability and diverse housing types. Join city leaders who have worked with outside consultants and the Oregon Department of Land Conservation and Development on their HPS and to learn from their experiences: what went well; where there was room for improvement; and tips to make your own process more effective.
Sponsored by Oregon Manufactured Housing Association
- Dan Zinder, Planning Director, Molalla
- Eunice Kim, Community Planning and Development Director, Salem
- Violet Brown, Planning Manager, 3J Consulting
City leaders are trained to respond to high-pressure situations, constantly putting out fires — but few are taught how to survive prolonged stress and uncertainty without paying for it later. Dr. Zarya Rubin, a Harvard-educated former neurologist and TEDx speaker, breaks down the science of chronic stress and burnout, offering a practical, nervous-system-based framework for leading through instability without sacrificing personal health or effectiveness.
- Dr. Zarya Rubin, MD
Oregon’s public meetings law saw expansive reform in 2023, and jurisdictions are navigating the new administrative and operational requirements. Join this session to explore the origins, evolution, and attempts to update this law. Participants will learn about upcoming efforts to address unintended consequences of reform and have the opportunity to share their thoughts on balancing transparency and public trust with administrative feasibility.
- Evyn Mitchell, State Government Relations Manager, Portland
- Tim Rosener, Mayor, Sherwood; LOC Vice President
- Chad Jacobs, Senior Partner, Beery, Elsner & Hammond, LLP
- Christopher McMorran, Mayor, Philomath
Across the state, local jurisdictions are navigating the rapidly changing environment for housing production. During these open office hours, conference attendees will have an opportunity to get to know staff at DLCD’s Housing Division and Housing Accountability and Production Office (HAPO) and learn about resources available to support compliance with the state’s housing laws and Oregon Housing Needs Analysis (OHNA). Staff will be available to discuss how technical assistance can support cities through code audits to incorporate housing laws, general development code updates, model code implementation, one-time UGB amendments, and other strategies to meet housing needs. Keeping up with changes to housing laws can be challenging, especially for jurisdictions with more limited capacity. Attendees will build relationships and learn about state resources to assist with housing production, affordability, and choice.
Gather with members and allies of the Women’s Caucus to connect, discuss key policy priorities, and conduct annual caucus business. View the business meeting agenda.
Lunch is provided for attendees in the trade show. Grab lunch and visit with your colleagues.
Visit exhibitors, connect with colleagues, and participate in Trade Show Bingo for a chance to win exciting prizes, including free registrations to a future LOC Conference, travel vouchers from Alaska Airlines, and a brand new laptop, courtesy of Comcast. You can also purchase 50/50 raffle tickets while supporting the LOC Foundation.
Trade Show Bingo and 50/50 raffle winners will be announced Saturday following the Annual Business Meeting. Winners must be present to claim their prize.
Additional seating is available outside in the courtyard on the first floor of the conference center.
Pre-registration required. Tours are not included in the price of registration and have an additional $55 fee. 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 begin loading at 12:45 pm in the porte‑cochère (covered roundabout attached to the Salem Convention Center) and will depart at 1:00 pm. Please wear appropriate clothes and shoes.
Explore how the city of Independence leveraged grants, legislative allocations, and federal funding to transform its downtown and launch the next generation of infrastructure investments. Travel by trolley to key projects, learn strategies for securing discretionary funding, aligning vision and messaging, and managing funded projects. Conclude with refreshments and an informal discussion with state and federal funding partners on what makes projects competitive and fundable.
Tour Silverton’s downtown transformation, featuring the new city hall and police station, the future Plaza Park, and the Main Street project. Together, these $12.5 million investments are advancing redevelopment, placemaking, infrastructure renewal, and community livability. Learn how Silverton is leveraging diverse funding sources to modernize public spaces while planning a future mobility hub that will connect transportation options in a walkable downtown core.
Sponsored by Energy Trust of Oregon
With many Oregon cities facing fiscal crises, leaders are being forced to do more with less. When expenditures start to outpace revenues, how do city leaders prioritize their budgetary needs? This session will deliver practical tips to help both elected and appointed officials safeguard and fund core municipal services. Beyond the numbers, participants will learn crucial communication strategies to build public trust, manage community expectations, and clearly articulate the reality of difficult budget cuts.
Sponsored by Espousal Strategies
- Rochelle Anderson, City Manager, Monmouth; LOC Director
- Cathy Clark, Mayor, Keizer
- Lily Morgan, City Manager, Gold Hill
- Barry Murphy, City Manager, Baker City
- Olivia Clark, Councilor, Portland; LOC Director
City leaders are increasingly navigating complex questions about free speech, both inside and outside of government. This session brings together three critical areas where First Amendment considerations intersect with day-to-day municipal operations. The presentation will explore when city employees and officials may speak on matters of public concern and when the law requires administrators to permit or limit that speech. It will also address public forum issues, including what limits cities can impose on controversial or sensitive content in areas like meeting rooms and social media pages. Finally, discussion will focus on the specific context of public comment at council and committee meetings, including how officials can set boundaries that maintain order without engaging in unlawful viewpoint discrimination.
- Aaron Landau, Special Counsel, Miller Nash LLP
- Christine Taylor, Special Counsel, Miller Nash LLP
While National Guard members are widely recognized for their critical role in state emergency mobilizations, such as disaster response, their contributions to local communities extend far beyond these missions. This session will outline the diverse ways in which National Guard members positively impact their communities. Learn how your community can collaborate with National Guard members and units to enhance community programs, leverage professional expertise, and build resilience through joint initiatives.
- COL Paul Dyer, Commander, 41st Infantry Brigade and Director of Strategic Strength, Oregon National Guard
- COL Russ Gibson, Commander, 82nd Special Troops, Oregon Military Department
- MAJ Ian Beaty, Education Liaison Officer, Oregon National Guard
- Peter Wood, Human Resources Director, Canby
Join us for an introduction to Oregon’s nationally recognized waste collection and recycling system, and the essential role local governments play in making it work. Learn how franchise agreements provide a framework for public-private partnerships that support local control, reliable service, accountability, and environmental and public health goals. Identify strategies for maximizing community benefits, gain a clearer understanding of extended producer responsibility (EPR) programs, and hear timely updates on the implementation of the Recycling Modernization Act (RMA).
Sponsored by Waste Connections
- Jennifer Purcell, Deputy Executive Director, Oregon Refuse & Recycling Association
- Craig Campbell, Executive Director & CEO, Oregon Refuse & Recycling Association
- Jim Winterbottom, District Manager, Hood River Garbage Service/ WCI & The Dalles Disposal Service/WCI
- Kristin Leichner, President, Pride Disposal & Recycling Company
- Tim Rosener, Mayor, Sherwood; LOC Vice President
- Abigail Elder, City Manager, Hood River
Calling all youth leaders! Connect with fellow youth from across Oregon, build leadership skills, explore public policy, and share your community's successes during this interactive afternoon program. View the full Youth Program Agenda here.
Join us in the Trade Show Hall for networking, snacks, and fun! Visit exhibitors, connect with colleagues, and participate in Trade Show Bingo for a chance to win exciting prizes, including free registrations to a future LOC Conference, travel vouchers from Alaska Airlines, and a brand new laptop, courtesy of Comcast. You can also purchase 50/50 raffle tickets while supporting the LOC Foundation.
Trade Show Bingo and 50/50 raffle winners will be announced Saturday following the Annual Business Meeting. Winners must be present to claim their prize.
Sponsored by Miller Nash LLP
This session addresses the sensitive process of intake and investigating complaints against high-level leaders (elected and staff). The session covers initial intake, complaint acknowledgment, identifying decision-makers, hiring third-party investigators, maintaining confidentiality and compliance with public records and meetings laws, and ensuring reporting procedures are followed to prevent investigatory bias. Speakers discuss best practices and provide real-world examples of what not to do.
- Heather Van Meter, Partner, Miller Nash LLP
- Liani Reeves, Partner, Miller Nash LLP
This session will conclude at 4:15 p.m.
Cyber incidents such as phishing, spoofing, malware, and ransomware increasingly threaten municipal systems. This session covers incident response and cyber incident reporting for IT professionals, managers, responders, and compliance staff. Participants will engage in a simulated cyber incident led by Covenant Technologies, gaining practical preparedness and coordination strategies. The Oregon Cybersecurity Advisory Council and Rep. Nancy Nathanson will discuss cyber-incident reporting, state notification options, and free or low-cost cybersecurity resources available through the Oregon Cybersecurity Center of Excellence.
Sponsored by Covenant Technology Solutions
- Melissa Swann, Sr. Vice President of Strategic Growth & Client Success, Covenant Technology Solutions
- Tom Choquette, Client Advisor, Covenant Technology Solutions
- Nancy Nathanson, Representative, House District 13, Oregon State Legislature
- Sean McSpaden, Principal Legislative IT Analyst, Oregon Legislative Fiscal Office
- Ben Gherezgiher, Oregon Chief Information Security Officer, Director of Cybersecurity Services, Oregon EIS
Oregon cities of all sizes are facing the same challenge: aging infrastructure, rising costs, limited staff capacity, and increasing pressure to avoid rate increases. This expert-led session explores practical frameworks that help local leaders evaluate priorities, manage risk, and preserve future flexibility when resources are constrained.
Sponsored by Business Oregon
- Lisa Brown, Executive Director, State & Federal Government Infrastructure, Johnson Controls
- Mike Kozlowski, Development Manager, Western States Sustainable Infrastructure, Johnson Controls
Whether your city attorney is in-house or contracted, hear from a panel of city staff and their attorneys (both in-house and contract) to learn how to best utilize your legal counsel.
- Amanda Guile-Hinman, City Attorney, Wilsonville
- Jeanna Troha, City Manager, Wilsonville
- Carrie Connelly, Attorney, Local Government Law Group
- Kenna West, City Manager, Independence
- Josh Soper, Attorney, Beery, Elsner & Hammond, LLP
- Tyler Deems, City Manager, Sandy
Please meet LOC staff in the Willamette Foyer at 4:05 p.m. The run/walk will begin promptly at 4:15 p.m
Join us for a scenic 45-minute run/walk from the Salem Convention Center to Riverfront Park and back. The route follows downtown Salem streets to the iconic Peter Courtney Minto Island Bridge, offering beautiful views of the Willamette River and surrounding parkland. Participants can enjoy a relaxed pace, fresh air, and a glimpse of one of Salem’s favorite outdoor destinations before returning to the Convention Center.
This dinner is not included in registration and has an additional $65 fee; pre-registration is required. Visit the registration booth if you haven’t pre-registered. If you are pre-registered, the awards dinner is listed on the back of your badge. Please note that award dinner tickets are limited.
The Awards Dinner is a conference tradition that acknowledges the recipients of this year’s Exceptional Service Awards.
Sponsored by Comcast
- Tim Rosener, Mayor, Sherwood; LOC Vice President
- Tim Goodman, Senior Director Government and Community Affairs, Comcast
Immediately following the Awards Dinner, join LOC President Carol MacInnes to celebrate our winners, enjoy desserts, and unwind with an after-dinner drink at the no-host bar.
Saturday, October 17
Member cities will vote on LOC officers and board members for 2027. Each city is entitled to cast one vote at the meeting. Voting cards will be available starting at 7:30 a.m. on Saturday in the Willamette Foyer and must be picked up by 10:00 a.m. Delegates may not vote without a card. Voting by proxy is not permitted.
In today’s polarized world, leaders often treat challenges as problems to solve, fueling conflict. Based on Tim Arnold’s “The Power of Healthy Tension,” this keynote reveals how to turn tension into a competitive advantage. Learn to replace “Either/Or” thinking with “AND” thinking, navigate competing priorities, and transform conflict into innovation, stronger communication, and better decisions. Walk away with practical tools and a four-step framework to help your team thrive.
Sponsored by Airbnb.
- Tim Arnold, Leadership Keynote Speaker
- Paul Murre, Vice President for Public Affairs, Airbnb
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 on 2026 accomplishments, a preview of new initiatives for 2027, and an awards presentation from CIS. View the business meeting agenda.
We will draw Bingo and 50/50 raffle winners at the end of the meeting. Must be present to win.
Sponsored by CIS
- Carol MacInnes, Mayor, Fossil; LOC President
- Patrick Priest, Executive Director, CIS
- Patty Mulvihill, Executive Director, League of Oregon Cities
- Tim Rosener, Mayor, Sherwood; LOC Vice President