AGP Executive Report

Election Pressure on Oregon: Secretaries of state are condemning a reported Trump DHS plan to withhold homeland security grants unless states overhaul election rules and voter rolls, including shifting to hand-marked paper ballots and running rolls through the SAVE database—an approach critics say endangers voters and democracy. Portland Arena Funding: Mayor Keith Wilson is pushing for a transparent, long-term plan for Moda Center renovation financing, with the city’s share tied to a larger package including state, county, and rental-car-tax dollars. Mental Health Compliance: Oregon State Hospital is back in compliance with a federal court order after Judge Adrienne Nelson tightened rules on transfers and holding times for defendants with acute mental illness. Gas Prices & Travel: Pump prices keep sliding ahead of the July 4 rush; AAA projects 72.2 million Americans will travel, including about 877,000 Oregonians. Public Safety & Power: PGE is burying about seven miles of power lines near Government Camp to cut wildfire risk, while Douglas County’s forest protective association runs live-fire drills this week. Housing Moves: Salem approved its 2027 budget with expanded homeless-camp cleanup and mobile crisis services, and Grants Pass broke a tie to approve 100+ low-income apartments. Health & Research: OHSU-led research finds adjuvant pembrolizumab for stage IIB/IIC melanoma doesn’t raise second melanoma rates, and Oregon Pacific Bank promoted Joe Carmichael to lead Eugene commercial lending.

Gorge Discovery: A new spider species, Trogloraptor tulishpun, has been named for the Columbia River Gorge after years of study, with local Tribes helping choose the name. Downtown Development: Tualatin is moving ahead with its downtown reinvestment plan, including future park and mixed-use “catalyst” projects around Lake at the Commons. Health Care Expansion: Construction has started on a 4,400-square-foot urgent care clinic in Bethany (near Safeway), with an opening expected later this year. Rural EMS Pressure: Lane County leaders are weighing how to keep ambulance service viable in remote areas like Oakridge and the Upper McKenzie, where response times can stretch long. Wildfire Liability Rules: Hawaii’s utility wildfire liability cap is heading toward rulemaking, with other states watching closely as the framework could shape future disaster costs. Oregon Environment & Pollution: A new study highlights tire wear as a major source of microplastics harming marine life. Mail Woes: Oregon is among states with high search interest in lost mail, tied to online shopping and delivery volume. Tech & Connectivity: AT&T expanded 400G wavelength service to include Portland, aiming to support AI-heavy business demand.

Salem Politics: Salem Mayor Julie Hoy will formally proclaim winners in five city races Monday, including the mayoral contest between Hoy and Councilor Vanessa Nordyke, after Marion and Polk county clerks certified results. Public Records: Oregon’s appeals court sided with OPB, ruling that criminal-investigation documents aren’t automatically exempt from state public records law just because they’re shared with law enforcement. Rural Health: Oregon is distributing $37.5 million to rural hospitals to stabilize labor-and-delivery services ahead of looming Medicaid changes, though officials warn it may only be a short-term fix. Housing Costs: Oregon reached a $7 million settlement with a property management company accused of hiking rent prices using revenue-management software. Wildfire Safety: BLM fire restrictions remain in effect across Oregon and Washington, banning fireworks and other ignition sources on public lands. Ocean Science: The NSF reversed course on dismantling the Ocean Observatories Initiative, keeping major ocean monitoring equipment in place off Oregon and elsewhere. Tech & Politics: AI-backed super PAC ad spending is ramping up in congressional races nationwide, while a federal judge blocked Trump’s citizenship verification plan ahead of midterms.

Oregon Politics & Health Care: Oregon’s abortion access gets a boost as Gov. Tina Kotek backs Planned Parenthood in Eugene-Springfield, while OHSU’s neonatal ICU expansion is flagged as a top priority with no clear timeline. State Budget & Services: Oregon education officials recommend repealing and replacing compulsory school attendance rules, and Medicaid payment data across Oregon communities keeps spotlighting how state and federal dollars flow into local care. Public Safety & Courts: Oregon courthouses are getting security upgrades, and a judge dismisses a case involving Lake Oswego’s “Street of Dreams” developer. Environment & Climate: A new study finds heat waves sharply worsen wildfire risk across the West, with Oregon and nearby states among the areas facing higher danger. Consumer & Fraud: Job scams are rising and getting harder to spot, and a push grows for more states to use tools that prevent fraud before payments go out. Business & Growth: HB Protein Smoothies signs a multi-unit franchise deal adding Boise, Phoenix, and Portland to its expanding footprint.

Reproductive Rights in Oregon: Gov. Tina Kotek visited Planned Parenthood in Eugene-Springfield to highlight Oregon’s abortion protections, including broad access rules and state support that helps cover gaps left by federal funding. Wildlife & Climate: Scientists at the University of Oregon say Oregon Coast landslides may store far more carbon than expected, adding a new piece to how mountainous regions slow climate change. Local Environment: Another gray whale stranded on the Oregon coast, with officials noting heavy decomposition and concerns that malnourishment may be driving the die-offs. Oregon Business & Jobs: A vineyard automation story shows growers in Oregon and beyond using tech to survive contract losses and virus pressure. State Politics & Policy: Oregon’s lawmakers are also weighing ballot and policy moves tied to ranching and hunting, while other states debate major constitutional and budget changes that could ripple into national programs. Consumer Watch: A national consumer report highlights how some gyms make cancellation nearly impossible, leaving members stuck with ongoing charges.

Abortion Access: Gov. Tina Kotek visited Planned Parenthood’s Eugene-Springfield clinic to back abortion access, highlighting Oregon’s broad protections ahead of the Dobbs anniversary. Wildfire Preparedness: An Oregon State Fire Marshal “defensible space” visit challenged common wildfire assumptions and offered practical ways to reduce risk around homes. Housing & Taxes: A teen policy advocate argues the tax system discourages saving, making homeownership harder for younger Oregonians and others nationwide. Retirement Savings: A new “Auto-IRA” push and the Saver’s Match aim to help workers without employer plans build retirement savings. Voting Rights: A national piece warns millions of 18-year-olds aren’t registered, leaving young voters out of elections. AI Regulation: States are moving ahead with targeted AI laws even as Trump tried to limit state regulation. Politics & Money: Super PACs tied to major AI firms are flooding congressional races with ads. Local Courts: Lane County’s Katina Saint Marie defeated incumbent Judge Amit Kapoor in a rare challenge to a sitting circuit judge. Health Care Costs: Medicaid billing data shows sharp local spending changes across Oregon communities, including big jumps in certain service categories. Oregon Higher Ed: Southern Oregon University approved a provisional plan to cut its budget and sunset three majors to reach solvency. Community Grant: Jackson County Library Services received a $15,000 grant to help patrons with transportation via repair kits and transit tokens/passes. Environment: NOAA warns El Niño marine heatwaves could raise disease and death risks for ocean animals.

Juneteenth in Oregon: Hundreds gathered in Vance Park in Gresham for Juneteenth celebrations, with residents describing the day as “freedom” and a chance to build community across the Pacific Northwest. AI for safer cities: Experts at FUTA’s African Symposium on Big Data urged using AI plus satellite and sensor data to improve emergency guidance, traffic flow, and early wildfire detection. Portland queer history: “Just Out” is spotlighted through interviews with key founders and leaders, tracing how the long-running Portland LGBTQ newspaper became a lifeline before social media. Medicaid spending watch (Oregon): New local Medicaid billing totals show big swings in multiple categories, including Salem’s $489,069 for procedures/professional services in 2024 and Eugene’s 10.8% jump in the same category. Health care capacity: OHSU President Shereef Elnahal says a neonatal ICU expansion is a top priority, but won’t set a timeline until finances improve. Ocean monitoring reversal: The Trump administration backed off dismantling the Ocean Observatories Initiative, keeping buoys operating off Oregon and other coasts after a Senate vote. First Amendment fight: Sens. Ron Wyden and Ted Cruz introduced the JAWBONE Act to make it easier to sue the federal government over speech pressure on private companies. Local impact: Jackson County Library Services won a $15,000 grant to help patrons with transportation tools like bike repair kits and transit tokens.

Ocean Monitoring Reversal: The Trump administration is backing off plans to dismantle the Ocean Observatories Initiative, after bipartisan pushback. The NSF says it will halt removals and redeploy instruments, including Oregon coastal sensors that track ocean health, acidification, and marine heatwave signals. Public Safety Funding: Oregon lawmakers approved nearly $1.2 million in emergency help for courthouse security upgrades and threat protection, citing rising risks and staffing needs. Housing & Community: Redmond is planning a big Fourth of July celebration for America’s 250th, with free food and a major fireworks show. Local Economy & Agriculture: OSU researchers found native microbes that may help protect Oregon wine grapes from Botryosphaeria dieback, and OSU Malheur is hosting a crop field day showing impacts from low snowpack and dry spring conditions. Homebuyers: Redfin reports median monthly housing payments hit a one-year high, keeping affordability pressure on Oregon families. Crime Watch: Asian American households in Eugene and Springfield are again being warned about organized burglary targeting.

Ocean Policy: The Trump administration reversed course on dismantling the National Science Foundation’s deep-ocean monitoring system after bipartisan backlash, keeping key ocean data equipment in place. Public Safety & Water: Oregon lawmakers approved emergency funding for wildfire evacuation notification, well repairs for drought-hit households, and Southern Oregon University support. Economy & Jobs: Oregon’s Prosperity Council is set to recommend a major overhaul of Business Oregon after the agency missed job-creation goals nine of the past 10 years. Crime: Eugene and Springfield officials warn Asian American households may again be targeted by an organized burglary ring. Local Spotlight: Florence honored community leaders at the Siuslaw Awards, while Redmond announced a big Fourth of July celebration for America’s 250th anniversary. Science & Agriculture: OSU researchers found native microbes that could help protect Oregon wine grapes, and OSU Malheur hosted crop trials showing impacts from low snowpack and dry spring conditions. Infrastructure: Winston won a $2.3M grant to earthquake-proof its police station.

Ocean Monitoring Fight: Oregon lawmakers and Northwest researchers scored a win as the Trump administration backed off plans to dismantle the Ocean Observatories Initiative, with the National Science Foundation saying it will stop further removal and redeploy equipment off Washington and Oregon. Local Governance: Southern Oregon University’s board approved the “Vitality Plan,” cutting about one-fifth of the budget, eliminating three majors and roughly 66 full-time positions to avoid running out of cash next June. Community & Culture: Oregon Humanities is hosting “Talking About Values Across Political Divides” in La Grande on June 26 as part of the Beyond 250 series. Housing: Klamath Falls opened 72 affordable homes—Mountainview Townhomes—supported by state and federal housing credits and grants, including help for solar installations. Business & Jobs: The Portland metro’s biggest SBA 7(a)/504 loan recipients for Q1 2026 were released, highlighting which local counties drew the most small-business financing. Public Safety: A barn fire at Coleman Ranch in Molalla drew multiple units; no injuries were reported.

Ocean Monitoring Fight: The Trump administration backed off plans to dismantle the Ocean Observatories Initiative after intense bipartisan pressure, with the NSF saying it will stop further removals, redeploy equipment already pulled, and keep the network running while it reviews future needs. Housing in Klamath Falls: Mountainview Townhomes opened with 72 fully affordable homes, backed by OHCS tax credits and grants, plus construction and permanent financing from US Bank and Network for Oregon Affordable Housing. SOU Financial Overhaul: Southern Oregon University trustees approved the Vitality Plan to cut more than $20 million and reshape operations, with implementation aimed at long-term stability. Oregon Health Care: OHSU president says a neonatal ICU expansion is a top priority, but won’t offer a timeline until finances improve. Local Economy & Jobs: US weekly jobless claims fell, but stayed slightly elevated, hinting hiring is slowing. Rent-Fixing Case: LivCor is set to pay $7 million to settle an illegal rent-fixing lawsuit tied to anticompetitive pricing practices. Community & Culture: Salem’s Make Music Day returns as the 11th annual event, honoring late co-founder Mark Green. Public Health: Oregon tick-safety warnings continue after rare tick-borne infections were reported in California.

Housing Affordability: Washington and Oregon both bombed Realtor.com’s affordability report card, with Washington earning a C- (38th) and Oregon a D (45th), as home prices outpace incomes and permit-to-population ratios lag. Federal Funding for Fisheries: NOAA says $123.6 million is headed to Oregon and other West Coast fisheries for fishery resource disasters from 2019-2023, including Oregon ocean commercial salmon. Civil Rights and Free Speech: An Oregon minister is drawing attention after urging Regal Theaters to stop running a U.S. Department of War promo, calling it propaganda; meanwhile, a First Amendment push is gaining traction with a new bill aimed at making it easier to sue when government pressures companies to censor speech. Higher Ed Cuts: Southern Oregon University released a plan to cut about 66 jobs, eliminate three majors, and overhaul operations to qualify for a $15 million legislative lifeline. Local Watch: Bend’s new Central Library is already drawing 63,000 visitors in its first month, with 80,000+ items checked out.

Housing & Disaster Recovery: Oregon Housing and Community Services picked five factory-produced housing projects to build 117 affordable homes statewide, including 40 modular, fully accessible units in Phoenix to replace Almeda Fire losses. Consumer Protection & Competition: The Legislature’s Emergency Board approved 16 new Oregon Department of Justice positions to investigate and fight corporate mergers and monopoly practices as lawmakers cite rising costs for families. Education Funding Fight: Oregon lawmakers voted against key Quality Education Commission appointments, signaling major school funding changes may be coming in 2027. Jobs Watch: Oregon’s unemployment rate held at 5.2% in May as payrolls rose by 3,600 jobs, but manufacturing kept shedding jobs. Drought Response: Gov. Kotek urged more emergency well-repair funding as drought pushes counties toward depleted resources. Local Business & Growth: DSV broke ground on a 750,000-square-foot Hillsboro warehouse hub to support Oregon’s semiconductor industry. Public Safety: A man was arrested after deputies say a dog was left in a hot truck for hours and dumped behind a Marion County bar. Environment: Oregon’s barred owl control plan is drawing renewed scrutiny as officials move to reduce the invasive species’ spread.

Health Care Fight: Senate Democrats, including Oregon’s Ron Wyden and Tammy Baldwin, are pushing a Congressional Review Act vote to block a Trump administration rule they say will make it harder to enroll in Affordable Care Act plans and could raise out-of-pocket costs, with estimates warning up to 2 million people could lose coverage. Oregon Politics & Policy: Oregon’s Ron Wyden is also tied to the push, underscoring how national health rules are turning into a campaign issue. Local Business & Culture: Portland’s Waterfront Blues Festival is lining up major sponsors, including Airbnb, as local companies invest in keeping the long-running event going. Oregon Community & Economy: Lane County is grappling with “orphaned” roads—public access roads no agency wants to adopt—leaving residents to manage potholes themselves. Tech & Health Startup Watch: A Stanford-founded wearable company, Clair Health, raised $11.6 million to infer hormone signals from existing body data, aiming for a November 2026 launch. Public Safety & Infrastructure: Metro is seeking bids for demolition of a Portland home at 2815 SE 90th Place, with bids due July 14.

OHSU Leadership: OHSU says Amy Shlossman will become executive vice president and CEO of the OHSU Health system, starting Aug. 31, 2026. Local Infrastructure: Lane County will advance $200,000 to help the Blue River Park reconstruction move forward, bridging grant reimbursements. Community & Housing: Dallas opened Carson Commons, a 20-unit affordable housing project for veterans, young adults aging out of foster care, and others. Wildfire Readiness: Idaho Gov. Brad Little says the state is staffed for a tough wildfire season even as its wildfire suppression fund balance hits $0. Health Insurance: Oregon regulators issued a cease-and-desist to ClearShare Health; HealthCare.gov opened a special enrollment period, with coverage ending Sept. 1 unless canceled earlier. Water & Drought: Gov. Kotek is pushing the Emergency Board for $1 million more for well repairs and replacements as drought pressures mount. Ocean Science Fight: Oregon-linked lawmakers are urging the NSF to reverse plans to dismantle parts of the Ocean Observatories Initiative, with removals off Oregon expected soon. Public Safety Rules: Lebanon’s pool board notes a new state requirement for kids under 14 to have adult supervision, while OHA reviews how it will be enforced. Business & Everyday Life: Gas prices fell again, and a new Umatilla shop, C2 Fashion, opened with mother-and-son fashion offerings.

Ocean Monitoring Fight: Oregon Sen. Jeff Merkley and other lawmakers are pushing the National Science Foundation to stop dismantling the Ocean Observatories Initiative, warning the cuts could hurt coastal safety and research as the program removes hundreds of sensors off Oregon and beyond. Local Tech & Telecom: AT&T Business is expanding 400G wavelength services into more metro markets, including Oregon, aiming at enterprise AI data-center demand. Consumer Watchdog: A Consumer Reports test found Uber and Lyft can charge different prices for the same ride requested at the same time, including a Portland volunteer test. Oregon Courts & Lending: Lender groups sued to block Oregon’s federal rate opt-out law, arguing states can’t cap interest rates on out-of-state online lenders. Business & Energy: A Portland startup, Panthalassa, is developing floating data centers at sea, pitching power and cooling from the ocean as a cheaper alternative to space-based plans. Health & Policy: Hawaiʻi consumer officials joined a coalition opposing the federal SECURE Data Act, saying it would weaken state privacy protections.