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AOC director Gina Nickel tells Clackamas board counties must stay organized for 2027 legislative session
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Summary
Dr. Gina Nickel, executive director of the Association of Oregon Counties, briefed the board on AOC services — advocacy, county college training and road programs — highlighted recent legislative wins and urged readiness for 2027 work at the legislature.
Dr. Gina Nickel, executive director of the Association of Oregon Counties, presented to the Clackamas County Board of Commissioners on April 23 about AOC’s role in county advocacy and shared recent accomplishments and priorities ahead of the 2027 legislative session.
Nickel described AOC’s advocacy work at the state and federal levels, its County College training program, and assistance programs such as the county road program. She highlighted recent outcomes from the short legislative session, including a larger share of transient lodging tax distribution for counties and efforts to align behavioral-health telehealth regulations with physical-health standards. "We were very instrumental in getting, a law passed, and, the governor decided to veto that. So we will, get to do the work again in 2027," she said, and asked county leaders to stay engaged in upcoming work.
Nickel said AOC also serves as an information clearinghouse and provides professional development; she encouraged commissioners to participate in County College and other AOC activities. Commissioners thanked her for AOC’s support and noted staff and commissioner involvement in AOC and related national committees.
