AGP Executive Report

Energy Costs: Georgia drivers are set to feel higher gas prices now that the state’s temporary gas tax break expired June 2, ending months of roughly 33 cents-per-gallon relief even as national prices ease. Health Policy: States are racing toward a Jan. 1, 2027 deadline for Medicaid work requirements after federal guidance came out, but Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek says the rollout is too complicated and could leave eligible people without coverage. Oregon Economy & Power: Avista says it has an agreement with a “large load” customer seeking up to 125 MW starting in 2029 and a path to 500 MW by 2032, raising questions about data-center growth and costs. Environment & Science: The Trump administration is dismantling the Ocean Observatories Initiative, meaning major ocean monitoring off Alaska, Washington, Oregon and elsewhere will go dark as instruments are recovered. Public Safety & Justice: Oregon’s drug decriminalization debate continues as a new study challenges the “failed experiment” narrative around Measure 110.

Ocean Monitoring Cuts: The Trump administration is dismantling the $368 million Ocean Observatories Initiative, with instruments off Oregon set to go dark as soon as June 16—sparking alarm among scientists who say the data is crucial for tracking climate and ocean change. Local Justice: A Portland-area man accused of killing women and dumping their bodies was arraigned on a fifth murder charge, with his defense entering a not-guilty plea. Housing & Costs: Oregon lawmakers and coastal officials are pushing DEQ to pause penalties tied to Pacific Seafood’s wastewater fines as the company appeals. Transportation Policy: A University of Oregon study finds cities regulate new shared mobility in wildly different ways, with fees and liability driving the biggest compliance burdens. Wildfire & Forest Work: Eastern Oregon’s Malheur National Forest signed a 20-year restoration deal aimed at reducing wildfire risk and improving habitat, including major timber and fuels work. Community & Safety: AAA warns Oregon teen drivers face the deadliest stretch of summer, and Oaks Park’s 2027 drop tower naming contest is underway.

Ocean Monitoring Cuts: The Trump administration is dismantling the Ocean Observatories Initiative, including a planned June 16 removal of a buoy off Oregon, threatening long-running climate and ocean data used for storm forecasting and fisheries. Local Business & Community: Caring for Others, a family-owned Oregon in-home care provider, is expanding with new locations in Medford (Rogue Valley) and Lincoln City (Central Coast). Oregon Culture & Events: Astoria’s Clatsop County Historical Society is bringing “Short Circuit” (Johnny 5) back for a two-day 40th anniversary celebration with cast appearances and a museum exhibit. State Politics & Policy: Oregon Gov. Kotek is sending her chief of staff to lead a troubled state transportation agency as lawmakers keep wrestling with road-funding and messaging after failed gas-tax efforts. Legal/Academia: Oregon Law professor Rebekah Hanley won a national award for innovative work in legal writing education, including early AI integration.

Energy & Cost of Living: Gas prices eased as crude fell on hopes of a U.S.-Iran deal, with Oregon’s average dropping 10 cents to $5.20 a gallon. Federal Policy & Environment: The Trump administration is moving to dismantle the $368 million Ocean Observatories Initiative, including in-water monitoring off Oregon and the Pacific Northwest, drawing vows from lawmakers to fight. Local Economy & Wildfire Prep: Lane County urged businesses to get ready for a potentially tougher 2026 fire season, pointing to dry fuels and low snowpack and recommending wildfire and smoke planning. Oregon Transportation Funding: Oregon’s road-funding crisis persists after Measure 120’s collapse, with ODOT warning emergency fixes only cover the current budget cycle. State Government: Gov. Kotek reappointed Roberta Lavadour to the Oregon Arts Commission. Business & Infrastructure: Avangrid finished its Tower Solar project in Morrow County and connected it to the grid. Community Updates: Sweet Home approved a $43.9 million budget and took first steps toward a sidewalk project on Mountain View Road. Sports & Local Talent: Sweet Home players Luke Rosa and Dillan Davis signed to play football at Lewis & Clark.

ICE Plates Fight in Oregon: Gov. Tina Kotek ordered Oregon to stop issuing undercover license plates to ICE agents, following a DOJ lawsuit and citing concerns about “chaos, violence and even death.” The DMV had paused new plates in April and said ICE has 51 sets still in circulation. Oregon Economy Watch: Oregon’s unemployment rate held steady at 5.2% through early 2026, with jobs largely “moving sideways” as growth concentrates in private healthcare and social assistance. Higher Ed Budget Pressure: The University of Oregon Board of Trustees discussed $65 million in budget cuts over coming years, with officials not ruling out impacts to tenured faculty. New Oregon Laws Start June 5: A package of measures kicks in to push back on federal overreach, including minimum-wage protections for homecare and domestic workers and limits on data sharing with immigration enforcement. Water Worries in the Gorge: Poor snowpack is raising stakes for irrigation this summer, with some districts urging conservation as reservoir-fed streams face low flows. Tech & Jobs Angle: A report highlights surging demand for “physical security” workers at AI data centers as opposition to new facilities grows. Local Events: Eugene Beer Week returns as a 10-day Lane County celebration starting May 29.

ICE License Plates Fight: Gov. Tina Kotek ordered Oregon DMV to stop issuing undercover plates to ICE, saying the practice violates law and has fueled “unwarranted chaos,” with a likely court fight after DOJ sued Oregon and other states. Ballot Push on Hunting/Fishing: Animal-rights backers of Oregon Initiative Petition 28 cleared the signature threshold for the November ballot, aiming to remove exemptions that currently protect hunting, fishing, research, pest control, and livestock practices. Rural Health Funding: The Senate unanimously passed a bill to extend Medicare rural hospital payment testing for five more years, with Oregon’s rural access concerns echoing nationwide pressure on hospital margins. Cyberattack Lawsuits: Clackamas Community College faces student and staff lawsuits after a 2025 data breach exposed sensitive personal information for more than 33,000 people. Energy Costs & Consumer Access: Summer on-peak electricity rates kick in for Consumers Energy, while Oregon-area coverage argues real-time power data should be a basic consumer right. Oregon Culture & Sports: Eugene’s Prefontaine Classic earned an Oregon Heritage Tradition designation as it nears its 51st year. Local Development: La Pine rejected a proposed data center after residents raised concerns about water, air, and grid capacity.

Local Courts & Health: An Oregon couple sued a neighbor for more than $200,000 after a tiny mobile home’s stench allegedly became so strong they needed gas masks, with claims tied to raw sewage and chemical fumes. Public Health: Oregon reported a record low compliance with kindergarten vaccine requirements, with nonmedical exemptions rising to 10.9% statewide and health officials warning about measles and other preventable outbreaks. Wildlife & Tourism Funding: Oregon is set to dedicate a 1.25% increase in the transient lodging tax to wildlife, starting June 5, as part of new corridor funding. Environment & Community Resilience: In Blue River and the McKenzie Valley, “naturescaping” is spreading as a watershed-and-fire-resilience landscaping approach, including fire-resilient yard practices. Local Government: Lane County approved its 2026-27 budget, but the future of the room tax and whether it should fund public safety remains a live debate. Tech & Security: A new report warns midterms could bring elevated cyber threats, with election-themed domains growing ahead of November. Business & Growth: Cresa Portland expanded its Pacific Northwest footprint via a merger with BC Group, boosting owner’s representation and project management services. Arts & Education: A commentary argues arts education is under attack as schools close and institutions shift toward market-driven models.

Oregon Ballot Fight: Oregon’s IP 28 (the PEACE Act) would ban hunting, fishing, and livestock farming, with backers reporting 126,115 signatures as the measure heads toward the November ballot. Education Cuts in Eugene: 4J’s 2026-27 budget ends South Eugene High’s Integrated Outdoor Program, laying off two teachers and closing a class that blended English and PE through outdoor learning. Public Safety Tragedy: A chemical tank implosion at a Washington paper mill killed 11 workers, with contamination confirmed in the Columbia River. Tribal Fisheries Clash: Quinault officials met to press a bid to expand fishery boundaries, a move condemned by other tribes and likely headed for court. Politics & Redistricting: A new report warns Democrats may struggle to redraw House maps in 2026 due to procedural hurdles and court risks. Sports (Oregon-linked): NCAA Nationals in Eugene are set for June 10-14 after Indiana qualifiers earned spots at the East Prelims.

School Tech Debate: A new book, “The Digital Delusion,” is fueling a push to cut screen time in Oregon schools, with parents and educators citing test-score declines tied to laptops and tablets. Capitol Payout Fight: Trump’s nearly $1.8B “anti-weaponization” fund is drawing backlash as Jan. 6 rioters seek payouts even as a judge freezes the fund’s formation. Water Access & Invasives: Oregon’s new permit requirement for small nonmotorized boats is now in effect, with supporters saying fees target invasive mussel prevention and opponents calling it an infringement on liberty. War Zone Surveillance: Oregon Sen. Ron Wyden highlights Pentagon concerns that U.S. troops in active war zones were targeted using commercial location data. Public Safety Tragedy: Longview, Washington identified all 11 victims after a paper mill chemical tank implosion, including several from Oregon. Local Politics: Oregon lawmakers are ramping up debate over IP 28 and education policy ahead of November, with candidates trading sharp critiques over jobs, taxes, and school standards. Environment & Infrastructure: Federal work is moving to speed up rebuilding at Idaho’s Albeni Falls Dam by replacing spillway gates. Business & Community: Winnebago Coins opened in Minnesota, run by an Oregon family returning to small-town roots.

Medicaid Fight: Gov. Tina Kotek is leading a multi-state pushback against a chaotic federal Medicaid mandate, warning Oregon could face major eligibility and technology overhaul problems without clear federal guidance. Health Insurance Shakeup: PacificSource plans to cut 97 Oregon jobs and exit the ACA marketplace in Oregon, Idaho and Montana after 2026, leaving about 60,000 members needing new coverage. Data Center Backlash: La Pine residents rejected a proposed data center after hours of public comment over water, power strain, and environmental risks. Public Safety Response: Salem and Marion County launched the REACH team to handle mental health and substance crises in the field, aiming to reduce jail or hospital trips. Housing & Home Loans: VA home purchase loans in Oregon fell in Q1 (879 loans, $401.4M), and the average long-term U.S. mortgage rate rose to 6.51%. Education & Elections: State Rep. E. Werner Reschke urged voters to back changes to Oregon education and took positions on IP 28 and Gov. Drazan. Local Culture: Oregon State Fair added Walker Hayes and Ben Fuller to its 2026 concert lineup. Sports: Oregon baseball beat Yale 14-2 in its NCAA regional opener.

Oregon Power Crunch: A new Pacific Northwest utility study warns the region could face growing electricity shortages and possible blackouts unless states speed clean-energy timelines, expand transmission, and plan for backup power—projecting a gap that could reach 9 gigawatts by 2030 and 14 to 18 gigawatts by 2035. Portland Housing Push: Portland City Council voted 11-0 to add $2.5 million to help subsidize home purchases for Black families in two affordable developments, aiming to expand ownership and address displacement. Federal Security Concern: The Pentagon told Sen. Ron Wyden that adversaries have used commercial location data to target U.S. service members in war zones, raising risks from missiles and drones to counterintelligence. Local Environment Enforcement: Oregon regulators fined a Prineville property owner $10,709 for keeping hundreds of waste tires without a permit, ordering a cleanup plan. Public Safety/Health: A JAMA proposal argues states should treat primary care like a public utility via a pooled “common fund” model. Community & Culture: Oregon’s Gordon House (Frank Lloyd Wright’s only Oregon design open to the public) hosts its Open Museum June 6.

Education & Costs: Eastern Oregon University’s board approved a 2.7% tuition increase for 2026-27, plus changes to room/board rates and student fees, including a shift tied to community-based student healthcare. Youth & Schools: Parkrose High’s debate team—built through a nonprofit and city partnership—sent two students to the prestigious Tournament of Champions after major local funding hurdles. State Parks: Oregon State Parks and Recreation Commission will hold a virtual public meeting June 9-10, with a business session streamed online and public comment registration required. Health & Safety: Oregon’s bee pesticide poisoning complaints show a downward trend, with OSU training for applicators credited for better label understanding and fewer confirmed bee kills. Public Health: Oregon’s kindergarten vaccine exemptions hit a record high, raising concern as measles and pertussis cases climb nationally. Mental Health: Oregon’s agriculture, forestry, and fishing workers face suicide rates about five times the state average, with support lines highlighted for people under extreme stress. Environment & Agriculture: Cherry growers in the Columbia Gorge are dealing with a tomato ringspot virus outbreak that stunts fruit and is hard to treat once established. Housing & Government Ops: Gov. Kotek is leading a multi-state pushback against a chaotic federal Medicaid rollout that could force states to overhaul systems without clear guidance. Local Economy: Salem is considering a new north-downtown urban renewal area that could redirect future tax growth to development projects like housing and street upgrades. Ballot Watch: Oregon Initiative Petition 28 is drawing attention ahead of 2026, aiming to overhaul animal cruelty rules and potentially reshape hunting and fishing.

National Security & Tech: The Pentagon says U.S. troops in war zones have been targeted using commercially available location data, with Oregon Sen. Ron Wyden warning the ad-tech industry should be treated like a national security threat. Local Governance & Tribes: The Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde broke ground on tumwata village, a 23-acre Willamette Falls redevelopment plan bringing housing, a hotel, retail and public natural areas. Courts & Immigration Enforcement: DOJ sued Washington and three other states over limits on undercover license plates for federal immigration agents, arguing the policies violate the Constitution and endanger covert operations. Education & Accountability: An AP investigation finds special education money still flows to for-profit residential treatment centers despite scrutiny, helped by gaps in oversight and contracting. Oregon Health & Aging: Oregon received an AARP Age-Friendly State designation, with leaders pointing to priorities like aging-in-place, transportation, and affordable housing. Public Safety: A Coos Bay woman was indicted after allegedly stealing about $1.9 million as a bank manager. Housing & Veterans: VA home-loan data shows Oregon ranked 21st by total value in Q1 2026, at about $934.2 million.

DOJ vs. Oregon on undercover plates: The Trump administration’s Justice Department sued Oregon (along with Washington, Maine and Massachusetts) over state limits on confidential undercover license plates for federal immigration agents, arguing the moves block federal authority and endanger agents. Public Safety & Environment: A Troutdale woman was sentenced to federal prison for allegedly dumping about 500,000 gallons of industrial wastewater with hydrofluoric acid and heavy metals into Hillsboro’s sewer system. Transportation: Oregon and Washington transportation commissions will meet June 5 to review I-5 bridge toll rate options and discount analysis for the Columbia River crossing. Wildlife & Ballot Politics: An Oregon initiative petition targeting animal cruelty exemptions has cleared a signature threshold and could effectively ban hunting and fishing if it qualifies for the November ballot. Health & Science: Oregon State University reports pesticide applicator training is linked to fewer bee poisonings and rare confirmed bee deaths. Local Business: Emerald Packaging says it’s expanded with its first acquisition and a second Southern California factory to meet growing demand. Regional Disaster: Longview’s paper mill implosion has left multiple workers dead or missing and contaminated the Columbia River with white liquor.

Oregon Energy & Utilities: The Oregon Public Utility Commission denied PacifiCorp’s interim rate hike request for about 600,000 customers, signaling regulators want a fuller review before any higher bills. Local Government & Public Safety: Portland City Council passed a “Right To Know Who’s Policing You” ordinance requiring visible officer identification and limiting facial coverings, with exceptions for undercover work and safety risks. Arts & Housing Equity: Portland also advanced major reforms to the Arts Education and Access Tax, aiming to protect arts funding for schools while easing burdens on low-income residents. Ballot Watch: Oregon’s petition to criminalize hunting and fishing cleared a signature threshold for the November ballot, setting up a major fight over how the measure defines “animal” and what it would change for hunters, anglers, and ranchers. Health & Community: Oregon’s Thayer won a state accounting award, while Oregon households must complete interviews to receive SNAP benefits starting June 1. Regional Disaster: Across the river in Washington, the Longview paper mill chemical tank rupture has now claimed two confirmed deaths, with nine workers still missing.

Salem Watch: The Oregon Public Utility Commission denied PacifiCorp’s request for an interim rate increase while it reviews the utility’s broader case, saying PacifiCorp didn’t meet the high bar for emergency hikes and noting steps already taken to strengthen its finances. Energy & Environment: Oregon DEQ issued 13 enforcement actions in April totaling more than $3.4 million, including major penalties tied to wastewater and hazardous waste violations. Conservation Breakthrough: Two Mazama newts at the Oregon Zoo laid 52 eggs in human care, a first for the species in captivity as researchers monitor early development to help prevent extinction. Tech in Schools: Bend-La Pine schools are tightening rules around education technology and gamified apps, aiming for intentional use while addressing parent concerns about screen time and AI. Local Business: Dark Horse Comics is closing its Things From Another World retail stores, including Oregon locations, as it shifts focus back to publishing and creators. Public Safety: A chemical tank rupture in Longview, Washington killed at least one and left nine missing, with crews resuming recovery efforts amid hazardous conditions.