SDAO provides legislative representation and advocacy services on behalf of its members on issues that come before the Oregon Legislature and various state administrative agencies. The majority of these services are delivered through contracts with Western Advocates, Inc., SDAO's legislative representative, with supplemental support from SDAO staff. Policy direction and guidance is provided by the SDAO Board of Directors, SDAO Legislative Committee, and the Tri-County Water Districts Association Legislative Committee.

Legislative services include:

• The SDAO Legislative Committee, composed of representatives from the major groups of special districts. This committee works throughout the year educating the Oregon Legislature and various agencies about the needs of local governments and special districts.
• Periodic interaction with Oregon's congressional delegation, and limited contact with federal agencies.
• Activity on regional issues including Metropolitan Area Boundary Commission, urban growth boundary issues, regional service delivery, and resource allocation issues that affect a large number of association members.
• Assistance with the Oregon's Land Conservation and Development Department's Periodic Review process, for member districts throughout Oregon.
• Actively taking positions on statewide ballot measures and providing educational materials about the impacts of the measures on special districts.

Contact:
Hasina E. Squires, Government Affairs Director
P.O. Box 1745
Lake Oswego, OR 97035
Phone: 503-906-7228, Fax: 503-620-9817
hasina@sdao.com