Washington County's government relations team presented proposed federal and state legislative agendas on Nov. 4 and asked the Board of Commissioners for feedback on modest changes ahead of a Dec. 2 update and final adoption Dec. 16.

Senior Government Relations Manager Erin Doyle told the board the county planned limited edits to the 2026 federal guiding principles and the addition of language supporting Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME program investments. "We are proposing some really modest changes for the 2026 legislative agenda," Doyle said, noting the federal agenda emphasizes principles to guide the county's lobbying rather than a detailed list of outcomes.

Key federal ask: mid-size transportation grants. The team said current federal programs can leave a funding "doughnut hole" between programs that cap at about $25 million and others that begin at $100 million, and proposed adding language to advocate for grant options that serve mid-size capital projects.

State short session constraints. Staff warned commissioners the 2026 Oregon short session is limited (about five weeks) and the state faces an estimated $700 million to $800 million revenue shortfall, making new investments unlikely and raising the risk of cost shifts to counties. "What we're hearing from legislators is new investments are pretty much off the table," the GR team said.

Commissioners' concerns and direction: Several commissioners urged more emphasis on economic development and workforce retention in the county agenda, arguing that state leadership and policy should help make Oregon more competitive for jobs and investment. Commissioner Jerry Willie framed the need as both a jobs and recruitment issue; other commissioners said the county should be prepared to partner in state efforts while guarding against unfunded mandates and cost-shifts.

Next steps: GR staff said they will incorporate the board's feedback, adjust the guiding principles and priorities as directed, and return Dec. 2 with revised language. The board is scheduled to adopt final 2026 state and federal legislative agendas on Dec. 16.

Context: Staff emphasized that the county will carry forward 2025 priorities including funding for community corrections and timber revenue restoration, but will refine language to highlight accessibility and equity alignment and the need for federal funds that can support mid-size infrastructure projects.