8th Annual Oregon Coastal Caucus Economic Summit (OCCES), Aug. 7

State Senator Arnie Roblan release – This year’s summit occurs at a time when our public officials, linked by shared values and goals, can come together to confront the significant challenges facing our communities, Oregon and the nation. The 8th Annual OCCES, August 21 & 22, Three Rivers Casino, Florence, will advance our ability to develop collaborative relationships across regional and political spectrums and pursue a balanced approach that can unite all Oregonians. As we move forward, we are relying on your insights, experiences and investment of time and energy to help close the infrastructure gap between rural and urban Oregon. Our focus this year is on the health and safety of our rural and coastal – Infrastructure Investments. Our Collaborative Approach – must and will be an ongoing effort, that we all take with us when we leave and continue in service to Oregon and our communities. We have an amazing list of keynote speakers and industry leaders joining OCCES 19. They will engage in discussions and share their expertise, knowledge, and leadership on the issues that are significant to all of our communities and stakeholders.  This year’s featured Panel Discussions include: Systemic Housing Challenges or Underproduction? Connecting Infrastructure to Affordable Housing. The current housing crisis affects all Oregonians, including rural and coastal communities.  This past session, the legislature passed sweeping legislation to address the crisis, but will it be effective enough for Oregonians struggling now? What’s included in the legislation and how long will it take to implement? How will statewide policies translate to options and outcomes on the coast? Panel Members: Rep. David Brock Smith, (R-Port Orford); Margaret Salazar, Director, Oregon Housing and Community Services; Cameron Smith, Director, Consumer and Business Services; Jim Straub, Legislative Director, Oregon Rental Housing Association; Jim Rue, Director, Department of Land Conservation and Development;John VanLandingham, Housing Policy Board, Lane County and City of Eugene;Marisa A. Zapata, Professor of Land-Use Planning, PSU. Hindsight is 20\20: Changing the Climate of the Carbon Reduction Conversation (Policymaker Perspectives). The panel will discuss the costs of action and inaction associated with Oregon’s proposed cap on carbon emissions.  How could potential policy approaches help coastal communities adapt to changing conditions and revitalize local economies?  How could the State better collaborate with the federal government, particularly around fire prevention and carbon sequestration initiatives?  How will the State fund important adaptation and mitigation policies?   Panel Members: Rep. Shelly Boshart Davis (R- Albany, Millersburg, Tangent); Sen. Michael Dembrow (D-Portland); Rep. Ken Helm (D-Washington County); Sen. Betsy Johnson (D-Astoria); Rep. Karin Power (D-Milwaukie); Sen. Arnie Roblan (D-Coos Bay); Kristen Sheeran, Ph.D, Energy and Climate Change Policy Advisor, Office of Oregon Governor Kate Brown; Rep. David Brock Smith (R-Port Orford), CC Chair. Additional Panel Discussions Include: Connecting infrastructure to affordable housing through public/private investments; Water quality and availability issues through infrastructure construction projects; Enhancing and expanding telecommunication and rural broadband infrastructure; Oregon’s P-20 education Governance infrastructure to achieve equity and maximum impact and utility;
Perspectives on How to Work Effectively with Oregon’s Tribal Governments. Developing an infrastructure framework for seismic resilience of coastline structures. HB 2020: Changing the Climate of the Carbon Reduction Conversation (Policymaker Perspectives). Download 2019 OCCES App for Tentative Agenda
Download the OCCES 2018 app for event information, a paperless trail, ability to manage your schedule and presenters’ full bios.