Welcome to our first episode of City Focus - the podcast from The League of Oregon Cities. Our goal is to provide timely, relevant information to cities, legislators, media and the public by highlighting and focusing on specific topics in quick-paced, 10-minute segments. We will discuss policy, legal issues and advocacy matters in a relaxed, conversational style designed to inform and educate while doing so in an interesting and entertaining way.

Episode 01 - City Focus Kickoff - Guest Mike Cully

Welcome to episode 2 of City Focus - the podcast from The League of Oregon Cities. On this episode, LOC Executive Director Mike Cully and Legislative Director Craig Honeyman sit down for a conversation about the League’s 2019 Legislative Priorities. The priorities were established through a committee process in the spring and a statewide vote of the League’s member cities. The six priorities were approved by the LOC Board and focus on the theme, “Let Cities Work.” Links: 2019 Legislative Priorities Sept 2018 Local Focus

EP 02: Let Cities Work

Welcome to Episode 3 of City Focus - the podcast from the League of Oregon cities. On this episode, LOC lobbyist Scott Winkels discusses the first of six League legislative priorities – Mental Health Investment. The League will advocate for adequate resources to protect and enhance the services available to persons suffering from mental health conditions. Links:&nbsp;  Local Focus from December 2014 discussing mental health Scott’s email address swinkels@orcities.org  &nbsp;

EP 03: Mental Health Investment

Welcome to Episode 4 of City Focus – the podcast from the League of Oregon Cities. On this episode, LOC lobbyist Wendy Johnson discusses part one of the League’s second legislative priority, Revenue Reform and Cost Containment.&nbsp; For cities, revenue reform is focused on property tax reform. Property taxes are the largest source of revenue for cities, with $1.39 billion collected in FY 2017-18. The League’s ultimate goal is a constitutional referral to voters and a companion bill that makes statutory changes to reform the property tax system. Show note links: Wendy’s email address 2017-18 Oregon Department of Revenue Property taxes statistics

EP 04: Property Tax Reform

Welcome to Episode 5 of City Focus&nbsp;– the podcast from the League of Oregon Cities. On this episode, LOC lobbyist Scott Winkels sits down for a discussion about PERS Reform… Scott and I talk about how PERS is currently underfunded by $22 billion…what that mean to employers and how the League will work with member cities to provide rate relief. Show note links: Scott's Email PERS Rates

EP 05: PERS Reform

Welcome to Episode 6 of City Focus – the podcast from the League of Oregon Cities. On this episode, I’m joined by LOC lobbyist Erin Doyle for a conversation about Housing and Homelessness…Erin breaks down this complicated issue and we discuss how the League seeks to provide tools and resources to address this statewide issue. Show Links: November 2018 Local Focus Erin’s email &nbsp;

EP 06: Housing and Homelessness Improvements

Welcome to Episode 7 of City Focus&nbsp;– the podcast from the League of Oregon Cities. On this episode, LOC lobbyist Tracy Rutten sits down for a conversation about Public Infrastructure Investments…Tracy breaks down this multi-faceted issue and we discuss how the League will work during the 2019 legislative session to maximize both the amount of funding and the flexibility of funds available to meet the immediate and long-term needs of cities across the state.

EP 07: Public Infrastructure Investments

Welcome to Episode 8 of City Focus – the podcast from the League of Oregon Cities. On this episode, retiring LOC Legislative Director, Craig Honeyman is in the studio for a conversation about Right-of-Way &amp; Franchise Fee Authority Preservation/Broadband Investment…Craig and I discuss this wide-ranging issue and how the League will seek to protect the status quo in terms of local authority to manage public right of ways and further ensure that the ability to receive just compensation from occupants of those right of ways is maintained. Show Notes: &nbsp;FCC Sets Rules for 5G Infrastructure, Limiting States and Local Control  FCC-CIRC1809-02 MINET (MINET is a local telecommunication network delivering high-speed Internet access, digital (HD) television and telephone to Monmouth and Independence, Oregon. MINET is a public utility, guided cooperatively by a consortium comprised of the City of Monmouth and the City of Independence.)  A to Z pages on the LOC webpage – examples of model ordinances that apply to utilities and telecommunications entities. Craig’s email: choneyman@orcities.org

EP 08: Right-of-Way & Franchise Fee Authority Preservation/Broadband Investment

The goal of City Focus is to provide timely, relevant information to cities, legislators, media and the public by highlighting specific topics in quick-paced 10 to 20-minute segments. The discussions will include policy, legal issues and advocacy in a relaxed, conversational style designed to inform, educate and entertain.

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