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County27s government-relations team and DC partners report $2.26M in FY26 wins, warn of Medicaid changes ahead
Summary
Multnomah County's government-relations briefing highlighted $2.26 million in FY26 appropriations for local projects, outlined FY26-FY27 federal risks including Medicaid cuts under last year27s package and CMS implementation deadlines, and previewed earmark strategy for FY27.
At a board briefing on federal appropriations and policy, Multnomah County officials and their federal partners reviewed recent funding successes and major federal risks that could affect county services.
Stacy Cowan, director of government relations, opened a session featuring Thorn Run Partners27 federal team. Thorn Run reported a tangible FY26 appropriations win: Multnomah County is receiving $2.26 million in direct federal funding for local projects including street safety and behavioral-health expansions.
Speakers then turned to larger policy developments. JP, Thorn Run27s senior health-policy counsel, said the 2025 legislative package (often referenced as OB/HR1 in the briefing) enacted substantial Medicaid changes and policy shifts the county must track. "The most significant near-term deadline is June 1 when CMS must issue an interim final rule on Medicaid work requirements," the consultant said, warning that states face compressed timelines to implement community-engagement programs and redeterminations that could risk coverage disruption.
Other highlights: - Thorn Run urged continued advocacy on housing bills moving in both the House and Senate and noted HUD litigation around the Continuum of Care NOFO. - The team reviewed FY27 earmark timelines (project development in January, submissions in late winter, committee vetting in spring/summer) and cautioned that funding delays can mean award timing 12–18 months after project submission. - The consultants summarized health-care extenders and pharmacy benefit manager reforms included in recent funding packages and recommended close attention to CMS rulemaking that will shape practical effects of those laws.
County officials said the federal agenda has guided advocacy to protect safety-net programs and to seek program-specific appropriations for local priorities. The Board had no formal votes on the briefing; staff said they would continue to coordinate with the federal delegation on earmark submissions for FY27.
