Clatsop County staff brief commissioners on 2026 legislative guide as state revenues tighten
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Summary
County staff presented a draft 2026 state legislative guide, warned of a projected $888.2 million statewide General Fund shortfall and recommended regular session updates; commissioners asked staff to start briefings in January and prioritize county projects and protections for programs such as 4‑H and CTE.
Amanda Rapinchek, Clatsop County management and policy analyst, told the Board of Commissioners on Dec. 10 that the 2026 Oregon legislative session is a short session scheduled Feb. 2–March 8 and will occur in a constrained fiscal environment. "Recent statewide revenue projections point to an $888,200,000 reduction in anticipated general fund resources," Rapinchek said, adding that short sessions and revenue declines will narrow the policy agenda and increase scrutiny of spending proposals.
Rapinchek said county staff prepared a draft legislative guide that outlines guiding principles, an engagement framework, anticipated priorities and key dates. The guide mirrors the format used in the prior session and is designed to be a living document to help county staff and CFM advocates coordinate outreach and funding requests.
The draft highlights capital projects — including public-safety radio equipment and 911 consolidation, Westport Ferry Road, Westport Sewer improvements and several bridge reconstructions — and notes federal and state funding opportunities. Rapinchek described bill-filing limits for the short session and said committees and some leaders are excepted from the limits.
Commissioners spoke in favor of frequent updates during the short session. "I would like them at every meeting because it helps with my AOC committees," Commissioner Webb said, while others asked staff to begin briefings in advance of the session so the county can align priorities. Commissioner Banks urged the board to support a 4‑H funding extension and to monitor Career and Technical Education programs that staff warned could face cuts.
County manager Don Boone emphasized the need to watch measures that could shift costs or reduce revenues to local government, saying many counties will be playing defense on state proposals. Boone also urged coordination among state and local agencies to move regionally significant projects such as the North Coast Business Park forward.
Next steps: staff will provide an internal bill tracker and begin regular legislative updates at board meetings beginning in January to allow the county to respond quickly during the short session.
