What We’re Watching & How We’re Engaged
At the Washington County Chamber, our advocacy work is centered on ensuring local businesses have a voice in decisions that impact their operations, growth, and workforce. As we move deeper into the 2025 legislative session and County budget season, we’re actively engaged at both the state and county levels—tracking proposals, submitting testimony, and staying connected with lawmakers and partners.
In Salem: Top Priorities and Legislative Activity
Throughout the 2025 Legislative Session, the Chamber has actively engaged with our legislative delegation in Salem, meeting several times to discuss key bills and policy initiatives impacting our business community. We’ve submitted testimony on many bills and budget proposals, ensuring the voice of Washington County businesses is well-represented in the legislative process. Our lobbyist, Proxy, has been at the Capitol every day on our behalf, tracking developments, engaging with lawmakers, and reinforcing the Chamber’s priorities. From economic development to workforce needs, we continue to advocate for policies that support a strong and vibrant local economy.
Our highest priority this session is SB 916 A, a bill that would allow workers engaged in labor strikes to receive unemployment insurance benefits. The Chamber has taken a strong position in opposition to this bill, citing the additional financial burden it would place on employers and the disruption it could bring to labor negotiations. We’ve submitted both written and video testimony and joined a coalition of business organizations working to prevent this bill from advancing. The bill is up for a work session in the House Committee On Labor and Workplace Standards this afternoon at 3:00 PM. There is still time to contact your legislators and urge them to vote NO on SB 916 A. Find your legislators here.
- View Chamber testimony before the House Committee here.
- View the coalition opposition one-pager here.
We’ve also weighed in on several other key pieces of legislation:
- SB 426 – This bill would create new mandates for employer-run safety committees and reporting structures. While safety remains a priority, we’re concerned about the one-size-fits-all approach and the potential administrative strain on small and mid-sized businesses. This bill was voted out of the House committee on Labor and Workplace Standards on Monday and will advance to the House floor for a vote.
- HB 2977 and HB 3962 (-2 Amendment) – These bills would allow local governments to divert Transient Lodging Tax (TLT) revenue from its intended purpose—supporting tourism and economic development. We’ve strongly opposed these changes and continue to advocate for preserving dedicated TLT funding that helps drive local business. Both of these bills have been referred to the House Committee on Revenue.
- Transportation ReInvestment Package (TRIP) – We are currently awaiting the formal release of the Transportation Bill. The Chamber’s Transportation Council and Public Policy Committee has reviewed the proposed TRIO framework, but we’re closely watching for final language, particularly any new fees on delivery-based businesses, which could disproportionately affect our members.
- 2025 Priority Bills:
- HB 2138 A – Governor’s housing production bill (W&M) – Watching
- HB 2277 A – Oregon CHIPS grants (W&M) – Support
- HB 2322 A – Fostering Innovation and Strength at Home (Ways &Means) – Support
- HB 2548 – Ag Workplace Standards Board (House Rules) – Oppose
- HB 2950 – Goal 1 reform (dead) – Opposed
- HB 2977 & HB 3962 – State and Local Transient Lodging Tax (House Revenue) – Oppose
- HB 3062 – Industrial development near sensitive uses (dead) – Opposed
- SB 174 – Insurance subject to UTPA (on president’s desk) – Oppose
- SB 426 – Project owner and general contractor joint and several liability (Headed to the House Floor) – Oppose
- SB 916 A – Unemployment Benefits for striking workers (House Labor and Workplace Standards) – Oppose
Important Date: The Legislature’s second chamber deadline is May 23 deadline. We anticipate a busy final stretch of the session.
Leadership Changes in Salem
On May 7, 2025, Courtney Neron Misslin, a four-term state representative from Wilsonville, was appointed to the Oregon Senate to fill the vacancy left by the passing of Senator Aaron Woods. Courtney Neron Misslin’s appointment was made by Commissioners from Washington, Clackamas, and Yamhill counties.
With Neron Misslin’s transition to the Senate, her seat in the House of Representatives for District 26 is now vacant. The process to appoint her successor is underway, with Democratic Party officials nominating three candidates to fill the vacancy. The final appointment will be made by County Commissioners from the districts encompassed by House District 26, ensuring continued representation for constituents in Wilsonville, Sherwood, and parts of King City.
The Chamber will continue to monitor these developments.
County Budget Watch
Washington County’s Fiscal Year 2025–2026 budget was approved by the Budget Committee on May 20, totaling approximately $2.07 billion, including a General Fund of $333.7 million. Despite a 2% increase from the prior year, the General Fund faces a $20.5 million shortfall—marking the fifth consecutive year of deficits. This structural imbalance is driven by constrained revenue growth under Measures 5 and 50, population growth, and rising service demands. To address the gap, departments submitted 10%, 13%, and 17% reduction scenarios, with final approved reductions totaling $26.1 million. The result was the elimination of 83 positions countywide, with significant impacts to Public Safety, Juvenile Services, and internal departments like Economic Development and Sustainability.
One budget amendment was incorporated into the approved plan: a one-time $70,000 allocation from contingency funds to support the Salmonberry Trail Intergovernmental Agency (STIA) and the Salmonberry Trail Foundation. This investment signals the County’s continued commitment to regional recreation and trail development even amid fiscal constraints. This funding will come from the County’s contingency fund.
Looking ahead, the County is also considering public safety and library levy increases for the November 2025 ballot to help stabilize long-term funding.
Despite cuts, the budget includes targeted investments to support long-term infrastructure and operational improvements. Over $8 million has been allocated to Scoggins Valley Park for a new Visitor Center and Campground. The County also continues to invest in Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) technology for improved efficiency and data security. Strategic planning for the library system is underway, aimed at ensuring sustainable service delivery across Washington County.
The Washington County Board of Commissioners has scheduled a public hearing on the budget for June 17. The Board is expected to formally adopt the FY 2025–2026 budget at this meeting.
Whether in Salem or here at home, the Chamber is working every day to represent your interests, promote a business-friendly environment, and ensure that Washington County remains a great place to do business.
Have questions about the Washington County Chamber’s advocacy efforts?
Contact Jen Little, Vice President of Public Affairs at 503-726-2149 or jenl@wcchamber.org.