City of North Bend release – The League of Oregon Cities (LOC) proudly announced the election of North Bend Mayor Jessica Engelke as Vice President during its 98th Annual Conference and Business Meeting held on Saturday in Eugene. Mayor Engelke, an esteemed member of the LOC’s Board of Directors, is set to take her pivotal role in the Executive Committee in 2024. The Executive Committee is integral to the LOC, providing essential direction to the staff in intervals between board meetings and executing board-authorized functions. Established in 1925, the League of Oregon Cities serves as a volunteer association representing all 241 incorporated cities within Oregon. Committed to advancing the welfare of city governments and their citizens, the League offers a range of services from advocacy and policy consultation to networking and training. Reflecting on her new position, Mayor Engelke said, “It’s a profound humility to be chosen by my esteemed colleagues. The LOC is the backbone of Oregon’s 241 cities. We are dedicated to fortifying our city officials and leaders, ensuring they act with unity and purpose.” A dedicated servant to North Bend, Mayor Engelke is currently in her second mayoral term, set to conclude in November 2024. Before this, she served North Bend as a Council Member from her election in 2018. A longtime resident, Engelke has consistently worked to uplift her community. Notably, she is a respected Business Professor at Southwestern Oregon Community College. She has served in several community-focused capacities since 1990, including serving as the Bay Area Chamber of Commerce President in 2017. After experiences in cities like Los Angeles, New Jersey, and Amsterdam, Engelke returned home to North Bend in 2010. Along with her husband, Steven Ryan, and two daughters, Emily and Sophia, she has actively contributed to her community. With over 25 years of hands-on business experience, Mayor Engelke believes her strategic planning skills will greatly benefit the City of North Bend. The governance structure of the LOC is composed of a 16-member board of directors, including four officers and 12 directors. Officers serve on a one-year term in a four-year rotation, whereas directors are on a three-year term. Notably, the board also includes non-voting members, which might include past presidents or elected officials from unrepresented regions.
