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Multnomah County adopts 2025 federal legislative agenda amid uncertainty over federal policies
Summary
The Multnomah County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously April 10 to accept a 2025 federal legislative agenda that prioritizes housing, health and protection of vulnerable populations as county staff warned of federal administrative changes and volatile funding.
The Multnomah County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously Thursday to accept the county's 2025 federal legislative agenda after a presentation by the county government relations team and its Washington, D.C., lobbyists.
The agenda, presented by Stacy Cowan, interim director of government relations, and federal lobbyists Vicki Kramm and Pamela Welsh of Thorn Run Partners, emphasizes defending federal funding for housing, Medicaid, behavioral health, and programs for vulnerable populations while preparing for administrative changes at the federal level.
The agenda matters because county departments rely heavily on federal grants and program funding. Presenters warned the board that the current federal administration's executive orders, litigation, and workforce reductions could alter funding and program rules, making coordinated federal advocacy essential.
Cowan told the board the county's federal approach is budget-focused and relationship-driven: —We work with federal agencies such as HUD, USDOT, HHS, and others to make sure agency staff is aware of what's happening here at the county and then how they might be helpful.— Vicki Kramm, the county's federal lobbyist, described a volatile federal landscape of executive orders and lawsuits and urged readiness to respond as opportunities arise in Congress.
The agenda lists priority areas that include reducing homelessness and enhancing housing resources (support for HUD Continuum of Care, Housing Choice Vouchers and braided funding), defending access to health and behavioral health services (Medicaid, CHIP, Medicare, and preservation of Medicaid waiver flexibility), protecting vulnerable populations (immigrants, refugees, low-income households and BIPOC communities), strengthening tribal consultation capacity, improving community resiliency (disaster mitigation and critical infrastructure such as the Burnside Bridge), and supporting economic vitality (tax-exempt municipal finance and trade).
Commissioners pressed staff on how the agenda will be used. Commissioner Moyer said the presentation and slides were a realistic depiction of the current federal environment and suggested the county prioritize items where it can secure wins. Cowan and the lobbyists said the agenda is intended as a values-driven roadmap and a flexible framework to act when legislative or administrative openings appear.
The board voted by roll call. Commissioners Moyer, Singleton, Bridal Edwards, Jones Dixon and Chair Vega Peterson all voted yes; the board recorded the legislative agenda as approved.
County staff and the lobbyists said they will keep the board informed as congressional and administrative developments unfold and as budget and reconciliation processes proceed in Washington.
The board's action instructs staff to continue federal advocacy work consistent with the adopted priorities and to coordinate with the county's congressional delegation and regional partners.
Provenance: The presentation began with the item captioned —R1, 2025 federal legislative agenda and updates— and concluded when the board approved the agenda by roll call.
