Golf Tournament

Join fellow OCCMA members and guests from across the state to participate in the golf tournament. Golfers will enjoy spectacular views of Mt. Hood to the south and Mt. Adams to the north. Views of the majestic snowcapped peaks follow players throughout the entire course. The name Indian Creek comes from one of the three meandering creeks that pose interesting challenges on many of the holes. Pre-registration is required. Lunch will be served at Divots Restaurant following the tournament.

Players are responsible for transporting themselves to and from the golf course.  Carpooling with other players is encouraged. Tee time is 8:04 am.

Sponsor Exhibitors Open

Our sponsors/vendors will be available during session breaks and meals. Be sure to stop by for a visit. 

The Latest from “Employment Law Land”: Challenges and Opportunities

Facilitator:

• Patrick Priest, CIS Executive Director

Speaker:

• Tamara E. Russell, Deputy General Counsel, CIS

Wondering about the latest in the world of harassment and sex discrimination law?  Concerned that your organization might not be prepared for how its employees will react to the upcoming election season?  And why is Paid Leave Oregon changing?! Again?! These and other employment law trends and developments will be addressed during this empathetic presentation by Citycounty Insurance Services Deputy General Counsel Tamara E. Russell during which attendees will learn how best to prepare for and respond to a variety of legal issues facing public sector workplaces.  All nagging and challenging questions will be welcome!

4:30 pm - 6:00 pm 

Welcome Reception & New Attendee Mingle

Sponsored by Waste Connections, Inc. 

Check-in, visit with your peers, and get to know new OCCMA members while enjoying appetizers and a no-host bar prior to dinner.

Dinner on Your Own

Hood River has many great local restaurants. Please visit: https://visithoodriver.com/dine/ to learn more about your dining options.

7:30 am - 8:30 am

Continental Breakfast

Sponsored by Jensen Strategies

Empowering Your Team Through Powerful Conversations

Facilitators:

• Heather Graves-Ramsey, Executive Coach and Leadership Development Advocate, Coach to Brilliance
• Phil Kornachuk, Founder & CEO, Stone Water Training

Creating self-driven, productive and accountable team members by utilizing objectivity and empowering team members through pulling conversations. This interactive session we will explore the different types of conversations we have as leaders, deepen our ability to ask powerful questions and learn a model for brainstorming upcoming challenges and opportunities.

A Conversation with the ICMA Student Chapter at PSU

Speakers:

• N.J. Johnson, Scappoose Associate Planner
• Maggie Podesta, PSU Graduate Student
• Jamie Zamrin, PSU Graduate Student, Beaverton Economic Development Intern
• Andrew Provost, President of ICMA Student Chapter & PSU Graduate Student

Join members of the ICMA Student Chapter to learn about what they are looking for from employers as they graduate and embark on their career journey.

12:15 pm - 1:00 pm

Networking Lunch

Sponsored by MissionSquare Retirement

You Lead Us, but Do You Really Know Us?

Facilitators:

• Abigail Elder, Hood River City Manager
• Matthew Klebes, The Dalles City Manager

Speakers:

• Ashley Cantlon, Gresham Sr. Engineer and Past President of APWA Oregon Chapter
• Bill Kirby, Beaverton City Attorney and President of Oregon City Attorneys Association
• Chris Heppel, Eugene-Springfield Deputy Fire Chief and President of Oregon Fire Chiefs Association
• Gloria Butsch, St. Helens Finance Director and Past President of OGFOA
• Mark Daniel, Mt. Angel City Manager and Chief of Police, President of Oregon Association of Chiefs of Police
• Nicholas Snead, Madras Community Development Director and President of the Oregon City Planning Directors Association

Hear from the leaders of our local government affiliate organizations on the hot topics facing their industries, how the chief administrator helps (and sometimes hinders) their work, and the advice they have for OCCMA members to be effective, connected, and responsive leaders to our most important resource: employees. 

2:45 pm - 3:00 pm

Snack Break

Sponsored by CIS

Hood River Waterfront Urban Renewal Tour

The City of Hood River has four urban renewal districts: Waterfront, Heights, Columbia-Cascade, and Westside. Learn about the City’s use of urban renewal and tour of the Waterfront.  Hood River’s Waterfront District was created in 2008 and has been a statewide model for the successful use of tax increment financing.

Cascade Locks Tour

Step into the captivating history of Cascade Locks, Oregon, with our immersive walking tour. Begin your adventure at the iconic Bridge of the Gods, where centuries of travelers have crossed the mighty Columbia River. Wander down Wa Na Pa Street, exploring charming historical buildings and the Cascade Locks Historical Museum, where the tales of the town come to life. Then, venture into the picturesque Cascade Locks Marine Park, where the Cascade Locks Canal once thrived, shaping the region's identity as a vital hub of trade and commerce. With stunning views of the Columbia River Gorge and the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape, our tour offers a glimpse into the rich heritage and scenic wonders of Cascade Locks. Join us for an unforgettable journey through time and discover the stories that have shaped this enchanting corner of the Pacific Northwest.

6:00 pm - 8:30 pm

Presidents Reception and Dinner on the Sternwheeler

Sponsored by Comcast

Cruise along the Columbia River through the Historic Scenic Gorge aboard this authentic Sternwheeler. Trip highlights include live narration from the captain and a three-course dinner. 

8:00 am - 9:00 am

Continental Breakfast

Sponsored by Business Oregon

9:00 am - 10:30 am

Keynote – United by Differences

Sponsored by PGE

Speaker: 

• Lou Radja, Social Entrepreneur 

A Social Entrepreneur, Lou Radja continues to work tirelessly to improve the lives of many across the globe. A recognized and award-winning inspirational speaker and founder of Lou Radja Enterprises, Mr. Radja has addressed and engaged global citizens all over the world on leadership, diversity, service, and personal development.

United by differences is an opportunity for attendees to come together, hold space and explore proven strategies to help us continue making strides in our own inclusive leadership journeys and in our professional lane. Mr. Radja will unpack specific themes and concepts, including:

• Increased fluency and comfort level around DEI
• Unconscious bias
• Exploring privilege
• Allyship
• Ubuntu – inclusive leadership

Supporting Your Latine Identifying Employees

Speakers:

• Guilian del Rio, Lake Oswego Equity Manager
• Danny Morato, Hillsboro Supplier Diversity Administrator

Join Oregon Latinos in Local Government Board Members, Guilian del Rio and Danny Morato as they discuss and explore the vibrant tapestry of "Latino" and "Hispano" identities in Oregon.  Discover the significance of newer terms like, “Latine” and “Latinx” sparking a meaningful conversation about their vital role in supporting Spanish-speaking communities in Oregon. Interested in better supporting your Latine Identifying employees? This session will provide insights into Oregon Latinos in Local Government, offering valuable opportunities within this empowering membership organization. Don’t miss this engaging journey into culture, inclusion, and professional support.

12:00 pm - 1:30 pm

ICMA and OCCMA Updates with Lunch

Sponsored by SSW Consulting

Join OCCMA President Dan Huff and others to hear updates on the OCCMA and ICMA.  

Support for Managers: What’s There, Where, and When?

Facilitators:

• Sherilyn Lombos, Tualatin City Manager
• John Walsh, St. Helens City Manager

Our jobs are challenging; we’re called on to work with elected officials, be the CEO of the organization, be the face of the organization in the community, represent the city throughout the region and state, and much more. Who and what do you draw on for support as you navigate the highs and lows of this profession? In this highly interactive session, we will talk about what supports already exist and how you can access them when needed, as well as what resources you would like to see made available.

2:30 pm - 3:00 pm

Snack Break

Sponsored by Ring Bender

The Dalles Downtown Development Tour

Join city of The Dalles staff on a tour of Downtown The Dalles and learn about City and Urban Renewal efforts to revitalize historic buildings through an Incentive Program, construct new vertical housing, increase parking supply, and add streetscaping elements. Along the way, be sure to stop by at least a few of our 15 new murals painted as part of the Northwest MuralFest and the famous Walldogs.

Historic Columbia River Highway Tour

The original Historic Highway was 72 miles. During the construction of I-84, 22 miles were left abandoned or destroyed. Participants will get a behind the scenes look at the restoration of the Mitchell Point Tunnel. The original Mitchell Point Tunnel was built in 1915. The tunnel was closed in 1953 for safety and because it could no longer accommodate growing traffic volumes and increasing car sizes. It was ultimately destroyed in 1966 to widen I-84. Learn how ODOT was able to secure federal funds to design and rebuild the Mitchell Point Tunnel and connect the Historic Highway State Trail through a formidable mountain at Mitchell Point. When the tunnel opens in 2024, nearly 20 of the 22 miles will be open as a State Trail and will be available for non-motorized users. It will mirror the historic tunnel by re-constructing arched windows with views of the Columbia River. 

5:00 pm - 6:30 pm

Evening Mixer

Sponsored by Radcomp

As the day's sessions come to a close, join your colleagues from around the state for light food and drinks overlooking the Columbia River.

Dinner on Your Own

Hood River has many great local restaurants. Please visit: https://visithoodriver.com/dine/ to learn more about your dining options.

Governing Boards and the City/County Manager

Speakers:

• Pat Martel, ICMA West Coast Regional Director
• Tanya Ange, County Administrator, Washington County

Join us for an engaging and interactive session designed to empower city/county managers, administrators, and recorders with the knowledge, skills, and strategies needed to build stronger, more trusting, and collaborative relationships with your governing board driving success and progress for your organization and community.

Traversing Oregon’s Unique Land Use System

Speakers:

• Martha Bennett, Lake Oswego City Manager
• Dan Huff, Molalla City Manager

Oregon's land use system is renowned for its comprehensive approach to balancing development with conservation, ensuring sustainable growth while preserving the state's natural beauty. City and county managers must have skills to effectively collaborate with stakeholders, balance competing interests, all while ensuring sustainable development that aligns with your community’s goals and values. The panelists will give real world examples of how they have effectively navigated contentious land use issues in the communities they have worked for. 

Navigating Oregon’s Budget and Procurement Rules

Facilitator:

• Megan Messmer, Florence Assistant City Manager/PIO

Speaker:

• Erin Reynolds, Florence City Manager

This session will cover why Oregon’s budgeting system is considered one of the most progressive in the nation. It will provide an overview of best practices, tools, and strategies to optimize budgeting processes, community engagement, and procurement practices.  Whether you've created a dozen budgets or are new to the field, this session offers valuable insights and practical guidance to enhance your effectiveness in managing the municipal budgeting process.

Strategies for Effective Engagement and Social Media Management

Facilitator:

• Kenna West, Independence City Manager

Speaker: 

• Emmanuel Goicochea, Independence Communications Director

In today's digital age, the media landscape is constantly evolving, presenting both opportunities and challenges for local governments. This session will offer a comprehensive exploration of strategies for creating media, managing social media, and integrating the two as part of a cohesive communications plan. Whether you’re a communications professional or new to the world of social media, this session will equip you with the knowledge and tools needed to navigate the media landscape with confidence to achieve your organization’s communication goals.

Nurturing Your Network: Cultivating Meaningful Connections

Facilitator:

• Spencer Nebel, Newport City Manager

Speakers:

• Daphnee Legarza, Lincoln City, City Manager
• David Stockdale, Umatilla City Manager
• Scott Dadson, Executive Director, Mid-Willamette Valley Council of Government
• Allison Williams, Hood River County Administrator

The role of a city manager and county administrator can be isolating at times, who do you have to turn to for answers to your tough questions? Learn how managers from around the state are building their professional networks and support systems.