NW Regional Managers Conference

4:00 pm-      6:30 pm

President's Welcome Reception

After you check-in at registration, join fellow conference attendees for light appetizers, drinks, and great conversation.

Seaside has many local restaurants. For more information about where to eat please visit www.seasideor.com/eat/. 

8:00 am- 5:00 pm

Welcome

OCCMA President Dan Huff, Molalla City Manager and WCMA President Stephanie Lucash, Kenmore Deputy City Manager welcome conference attendees to the 2024 Northwest Regional Managers Conference.  

Role of the Manager in Community Leadership Discussions

Facilitator: Nancy Hetrick, Raftelis 

Many of the issues that communities face today are complex and are being addressed in a highly polarized political environment.  Join your colleagues for a discussion of the role of local government leaders in guiding their communities in addressing these issues.  Building on a discussion that happened at the 2023 ICMA Conference in Austin, Nancy Hetrick from Raftelis will facilitate a conversation around these questions.

1. What is community leadership?  How do we define the role of the manager in contemporary community leadership?
2. What does the ICMA Declaration of Ideals mean to today’s local government managers?  Should Declaration be amended to reflect current challenges facing ICMA members today?
3. What role does data about programs and services serve in identifying issues that should be advanced in the community?
4. What is definition of “neutrality” in the actions of local government managers?
5. Who are the partners that should be engaged in these discussions?  Elected officials (and their state and national associations), Councils of Governments, academia?
6. What can we do individually and collectively to balance the tension of being both politically neutral and a reformer?

Role of the Manager in Community Leadership Discussions – Facilitated by Nancy Hetrick, Raftelis, Continued 

Facilitator: Megan George, Deputy City Manager, Tualatin

Speakers:

• Stephanie Lucash, Deputy City Manager, Kenmore
• Megan George, Deputy City Manager, Tualatin
• Zoe Mombert, Assistant to the City Manager, Wilsonville

The International City/County Management Association (ICMA) convened a Task Force on Women in 2012 to evaluate whether the number of women ascending to executive leadership positions had increased since 1976, when the first Task Force on Women in the Profession had convened. In 2014, we learned that only 14% of chief administrative officers in ICMA were women. From that report, Oregon and Washington each decided to create professional development cohorts to support advancing women into executive leadership positions. An important component of Oregon and Washington’s programs is personal goal setting. In this session, graduates of both programs will share their experience with the program and in setting goals. Hosted by the Oregon and Washington Northwest Women’s Leadership Academies.  

Fort Clatsop Tour

A park ranger will walk with the group (100 yards on a relatively flat woodchip path) to the 2006 replica of Fort Clatsop, the 1805-06 winter camp of the 33-member Lewis and Clark Expedition.  At the fort, details about why this site was selected and how the rooms of the fort were used will be discussed.  After touring the full-scale 50'x50' Fort Clatsop, walk 100 yards to the visitor center where exhibits and the bookstore may be explored.  Participants are also welcome to walk a short trail to a rainwater spring behind the fort or follow another path to the nearby Lewis and Clark River.

Coastal Collaboration: Unveiling Seaside's Tourism Industry

Join us for an immersive journey into the heart of Seaside's tourism ecosystem. Embark on a scenic walking tour along the iconic Seaside Promenade, followed by a captivating panel discussion at the historic Times Theater and Public House. Learn firsthand how key stakeholders—such as the Convention Center, Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Development Association, City, and Visitors Bureau—collaborate seamlessly to elevate Seaside's tourism economy. Delve into the transformation of the Times Theater into a multifaceted destination, blending history, entertainment, and culinary delights. Indulge in the experience with optional refreshments available for purchase, as we uncover the art of fostering a thriving tourism community.

Join us for fun, food, drinks, and networking at the Loft at the Red Building in Astoria. OCCMA will provide transportation to and from the venue. Buses will pick up attendees outside the front entrance of the conference center at 5:30 pm. 

Buses will load at 7:15 am and participants will have a grab and go breakfast on the bus. Haystack Rock is one of Oregon's most unmistakable landmarks. Its breathtaking terrain and a rich array of wildlife, not to mention its iconic cameo in “The Goonies,” contribute to its notoriety. On this tour, your guide will illuminate Haystack Rock's natural ecosystem while you walk along the beach. Whether you are visiting for the first time or returning for the hundredth time, it's sure to be a memorable experience. 

Registration Open

The (Not-so) Secret to Managing Common Leadership Dilemmas

Speaker: Denise Holmes, Holmes Street Leadership

Should a leader be structured OR flexible? Yes! Should you focus on your internal organization OR the external community/city stakeholders? Yes! With new change initiatives, should the focus be on what's new OR what's being left behind? Yes!  

Many complex problems simply don't have a clear either/or solution and one thing we never hear is “Wow, our job is getting easier and less complex!” A key to being an effective leader is being able to recognize and manage such dynamic problems. The tool and concept of Polarity Management presents a unique model and set of principles that helps leaders (and teams) address situations in new, more effective and sustainable ways. In this session, leadership coach Denise Holmes, of Holmes Street Leadership will name some of the most common leadership polarities and walk participants through the practical process of how to map and manage polarities.

Camping Ordinances in the Ninth Circuit: Balancing Needs of the Public and a Vulnerable Population

Facilitator: Diana Ramos, Associate, Miller Nash

Speakers:

• Craig A. Ashford, Special Counsel, Miller Nash
• Kelly Madding, Deputy City Manager, Medford
• Jason Antley, Sergeant, Medford Police Department

This session will explore the requirements of the Ninth Circuit’s recent cases and how to devise and implement compliant camping ordinances. Panelists will also discuss the recent United States Supreme Court decision to hear City of Grants Pass v. Johnson. The city of Medford will describe their public camping ordinance and why the U.S. District Court of Oregon upheld the ordinance as constitutional. Sergeant Antley will explain how the Medford Livability Team has been able to find the right balance between enforcement and outreach to address livability concerns in the downtown area and Bear Creek Greenway. 

Lunch with ICMA Updates

Join Lon Pluckhahn, ICMA President and Deputy City Manager of Vancouver, Washington to learn about what is happening at the national level.  

Exploring the Benefits of Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Facilitator: Donna Biggerstaff, Administrative Assistant, Pendleton

Speaker: Ric Stephens, AI Instructor, University of Oregon

This session will explore generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) opportunities and limitations. Attendees will learn how to use GenAI for communication and content creation as well as discover specific GenAI tools and resources organizations can utilize at no cost. 

Ethics are Now!

Facilitator: Martha Bennett, City Manager, Lake Oswego

Speaker: Jessica Cowles, Ethics Director, ICMA

The session will feature ICMA's new Director of Ethics - Jessica Cowles. Ethics are the backbone of the city manager profession. This session will discuss common ethical challenges and also serve as a great reminder of the ICMA Code of Ethics.

Round Robin with Peers

Facilitator: Dr. Philip Cooper, Professor, Portland State University

The Round Robin session is an interactive, energetic idea exchange designed to inspire and engage attendees. Participating in the Round Robin session will be a number of seasoned city managers with expertise in the nuts-and-bolts issues of particular interest to managers. The Round Robin is a forum for the exchange of information and the fostering of local government innovation. 

On Site Networking Dinner 

2024 Oregon Legislative Session Download

Facilitator: Jim McCauley, Legislative Director, League of Oregon Cities

Speakers:

• Ariel Nelson, Lobbyist, League of Oregon Cities
• Michael Martin, Lobbyist, League of Oregon Cities
• Scott Winkels, Lobbyist, League of Oregon Cities
• Lindsay Tenes, Lobbyist, League of Oregon Cities

The high and low points, and just how LOC’s advocacy fared. Members of the IGR team will be present for discussion and questions.

Depart