AOC director tells Clackamas County commissioners advocacy and county partnerships remain central as next legislative fight looms

Dr. Gina Nickel, executive director of the Association of Oregon Counties (AOC), addressed the Clackamas County Board of Commissioners on April 23 to outline AOC’s advocacy, education and technical‑assistance work for Oregon’s 36 counties.

Nickel described recent outcomes in which counties secured a larger share and flexibility in the transient‑lodging‑tax distribution, clarified farm‑store approval authority in exclusive farm‑use zones, and pursued alignment of behavioral‑health telehealth regulations with physical‑health standards. She noted one legislative proposal was vetoed by the governor and said AOC will renew work on that item in 2027.

Nickel also highlighted County College and other training programs, the county‑road program and AOC’s role convening counties on shared issues. Commissioners praised AOC’s role; several described AOC’s support as critical in preserving county public‑health authority and in negotiating county financial assistance agreements (CFAA) related to behavioral‑health contracting. Nickel said counties will again need to "hold the local mental health authorities together" in future negotiations and asked commissioners to stay engaged.

Why it matters: The presentation identifies state‑level policy fights and coordination that shape how counties deliver mandated services, particularly behavioral health. Commissioners and AOC staff framed the next legislative cycle as a critical period for county authority and funding conversations.

Next steps: AOC will continue advocacy and return to the legislature in 2027 on items discussed; commissioners were encouraged to participate in County College and ongoing AOC work.