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News & Announcements

  • Recreational Immunity Success - Read More
  • Weekly Update for 3/5/24 - Read More.
  • Weekly Update for 2/27/24 - Read More.
  • Oregon's Department of Land Conservation and Development Survey - Read More.
  • SDAO Analysis of Federal Emergency Response Proposed Rules - Read More.
  • Internship Grant Program Announcement - Read More.
  • Weekly Update for 2/20/24 - Read More.
  • Weekly Update for 2/13/24 - Read More.
  • Weekly Update for 2/6/24 - Read More.
  • Weekly Update for 1/30/24 - Read More.
  • Community Project Funding Requests - Read More.
  • Weekly Update for 1/23/24 - Read More.
  • Weekly Update for 1/16/24 - Read More.
  • Regence - Providence Agreement - Read More.
  • Weekly Update for 12/27/23 - Read More.
  • SDAO's Proposed Bylaws ChangesRead More.
  • EPA Proposes Lead and Copper Rule - Read More.
  • Week Update of 12/5/23 - Read More.
  • Weather Update - Read More.
  • Weekly Update for 11/28/23 - Read More.
  • Weekly Update for 11/21/23 - Read More. 
  • Weekly Update for 11/14/23 - Read More.
  • Weekly Update for 11/7/23 - Read More.
  • Recreational Immunity Ends - Read More.
  • 2023 SDAO Legislative Report is Ready for Download - Read More.
  • Weekly Update for 10/31/23 - Read More.
  • Updated Oregon Government Employee Handbook Template - Read More.
  • Weekly Update for 10/24/23 - Read More.
  • NSDC Update 10/20/23 - Read More.
  • Changes to Oregon OSHA Penalties and Inspection Planning Process - Comments due November 3rd. Read More.
  • Weekly Update for 10/17/23 - Read More.
  • HB 2110 Signed by Governor Kotek! Read More.
  • Changes to SDAO Workers' Compensation: Consent to Group Rate Form is due by January 31, 2023. Read more.
  • NSDC Special Alert: Recent Federal Action and Proposed Regulation on PFAS: Comments are due November 7, 2022. Read more.
  • NSDC Marks Success with First Advocacy Fly-In to Capitol HillThe National Special Districts Coalition (NSDC) completed its first formal advocacy fly-in to Washington, DC to engage on priority federal issues facing the nation’s 35,000+ special districts. Read more.
  • National Special Districts Coalition (NSDC) Names Federal Advocacy Director: The National Special Districts Coalition (NSDC) has announced its selection to oversee Coalition advancement, grassroots engagement, and federal advocacy actions in a full-time capacity. Read more.
  • Be Prepared for an Oregon OSHA Visit: If they arrived at your location today, how would you handle it?  Do you have a plan for this unexpected visit?  Read more.
  • Proposed Partnering Between SDAO, SDIS and SAIF: We are pleased to announce that we are in talks with SAIF to create a group workers’ compensation program through SAIF. Read more.
  • Nextdoor Expands Public Agency Policy to Accommodate Special Districts on PlatformNextdoor, the popular neighborhood-based social media network, has announced a shift in its guidelines that will allow special districts to establish a formal Nextdoor for Public Agencies page on the platform, fostering enhanced community and public relations. Read more.
  • Paid Leave Oregon: Benefits Begin 9/3/2023: Beginning January 1, 2023, employers with workers based in Oregon will be assessed a payroll tax called Paid Leave Oregon (formerly known as PFMLI) so the state can provide a family and medical leave benefit to all eligible workers. For most Oregon employers, participation is mandatory. Learn more.
  • Fire, Water Agencies Call on Federal Lawmakers to Address Infrastructure Gaps for Fire Suppression: Local agencies providing water and fire protection services in communities across the nation struggle to provide and access adequate resources for fire suppression. Read more.
  • Call for Submission of Legislative Issues: The SDAO Legislative Committee is beginning the process of identifying legislative issues for the upcoming Legislative Session. Learn more.
  • I thought we were done with COVID restrictions?: I have heard that statement a lot recently and no more so than when I mention that Oregon OSHA is going to be proposing what is termed “permanent rules”. Read more.
  • Heat and Smoke Rules – What You Need to Know: As you may have seen, OR-OSHA adopted rules for heat illness prevention and exposure to wildfire smoke. You need to be in compliance with them on or before their effective dates. Learn more.
  • Renewable Energy Funding Opportunities Announcement: Energy Trust of Oregon is now accepting applications from eligible renewable energy projects. Learn more.
  • State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program Announced: The Infrastructure Investment Jobs Act (H.R. 3684) Division G Title VI Subtitle B establishes the State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program to award grants to eligible entities to address cybersecurity risks and cybersecurity threats to information systems owned or operated by, or on behalf of, State, local, or Tribal governments. Learn more.
  • National Special Districts Coalition to Establish Water Infrastructure for Firefighting Working Group: The National Special Districts Coalition Legislative Committee authorized during its March 2022 meeting a working group provide solutions to issues pertaining to firefighting infrastructure. Read more.
  • Details Announced on FY23 Earmarks: How Districts can Prepare Requests: Earmarks are officially back for the federal Fiscal Year 2023 appropriations process, and details are beginning to trickle in from top appropriators. Read more.
  • NSDC Supports Bill to Create Non-Flushable Wipes Labeling Standards: The National Special Districts Coalition supports federal legislation that would create labeling standards for non-flushable wet wipes and foster public awareness of the wipes' impacts on wastewater infrastructure. Learn more.
  • Coalition Lauds Bill to Enhance Firefighter Grant Programs, Address Staffing Crisis: NSDC signaled its approval Thursday for legislation to boost critical funding resources for firefighter assistance that also proposes policies to address short staffing in America's fire agencies. Learn more.
  • Grant Opportunities for Distribution: The Bureau of Reclamation’s WaterSMART program is now accepting applications for their FY 22 Drought Contingency Planning (DCP) Grant. Learn more.
  • Federal Wildland Fire Commission Nominations Open for Limited Time: The application period is now open to join a federal commission focused on developing recommendations to policymakers on wildfire mitigation and recovery. Read more.
  • Important: Cybersecurity Advisory on Russian Cyber Threats to U.S. Critical Infrastructure: Rapidly escalating tensions in Eastern Europe have increased concerns about the risk of cyber threats that can disrupt essential services in the United States and potentially result in impacts to public safety Read more.
  • Districts Make the Difference 2022 Student Video Contest: High school students are invited to create a fun and informative short video (60 seconds max) highlighting the ways special districts ‘Make the Difference’ in local communities across the US for a chance to win a scholarship. Learn more.
  • NSDC Supports Bills to Enhance DHS Cybersecurity Programs for State, Local Governments: The National Special Districts Coalition on Monday communicated to the House Homeland Security Committee its support for the bipartisan State and Local Government Cybersecurity Act of 2021. Read more.
  • Warning of Potential for Cyber Attacks Targeting the United States in the Event of a Russian Invasion of Ukraine: We assess that Russia would consider initiating a cyber attack against the Homeland if it perceived a US or NATO response to a possible Russian invasion of Ukraine threatened its long-term national security. Read more.
  • Timelines for OR-OSHA’s New Heat and Smoke Rules Get Pushed Out: We are still working out some details on the drafts and anticipate proposing the rules in January and Oregon OSHA is working with the Governor’s Office to keep them up to date on the progress of the drafts. Learn more.
  • Remote Access Required for All Public Meetings – Beginning January 1, 2022: During the 2021 session, the Oregon Legislature passed House Bill 2560 which requires governing bodies to make meetings accessible remotely. Read more.
  • Update: Federal OSHA Workplace Vaccination Standards Back in Motion: The federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) announced over the weekend that they would continue forward with the Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS) effective January 10. Read more.
  • Federal OSHA Workplace Vaccination Standards Back in Motion: The federal Occupational Health and Safety Administration's (OSHA) emergency temporary standard (ETS) requiring workplace vaccinations for certain employers has been re-instated. Read more.
  • Special Districts Association of Oregon, NSDC Advance Federal Priorities for Special Districts in Series of Congressional Meetings: Special Districts Association of Oregon (SDAO) joined the National Special Districts Coalition (NSDC) in virtually meeting with key Congressional stakeholders including the offices of Senators Wyden and Merkley, Representative McCarthy, and Speaker Pelosi. Read more.
  • NSDC Urges Senate to Consider Crucial Hazard Mitigation Reform Legislation: The National Special Districts Coalition is urging Senate leaders to move bipartisan legislation to reform federal hazard mitigation programs to better facilitate completion of much-needed mitigation projects. Learn more.
  • NSDC: Infrastructure Bill Passes, OSHA Mandate Stayed, EPA Webinars, and More! Sharing with you a few updates covering the latest (and greatest!) on the bipartisan infrastructure bill passing, a quick hit on the Fifth Circuit’s action on workplace vaxxing, info on EPA programming, and updates on next week’s Congressional meetings. Learn more.
  • Rep. Defazio Leads Effort to Send Landmark Infrastructure Bill to President Biden's Desk: Congressman Peter A. DeFazio (OR-04) yesterday voted in support of the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), landmark legislation that will invest in America’s roads and bridges, water infrastructure, resilience, internet, and more. Read more.
  • NSDC Blog: Nation’s Special Districts Support Transit, Disaster Use of ARPA Recovery Funds: The National Special Districts Coalition (NSDC) expressed Thursday support to House Leadership for legislation that would expand the use of state and local government recovery funds to include transit infrastructure and response to natural disasters. Read more.
  • NSDC - U.S. EPA Announces 'Strategic Roadmap' to Address PFAS: The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced Monday its plan to address per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contaminants impacting water and air quality across the country. Read more.
  • NSDC - Congress Punts on FY22 Appropriations, Stalls on Infrastructure Amidst Intra-Party Differences: President Joe Biden signed on September 30 Congress’ continuing resolution, just hours ahead of a midnight deadline, as the House twice missed its self-imposed deadlines to pass a landmark bipartisan infrastructure package. Read more.
  • Amending Rules Addressing the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency in All Oregon Workplaces: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and in-line with public health recommendations, the hearings will be held virtually. Oregon OSHA offices remain closed to the public. Read more.
  • Congress Votes to Avert Government Shutdown: The U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate passed Thursday a continuing resolution to continue federal appropriations through December 3. Learn more.
  • National Special Districts Support, Urge Congress to Pass Bipartisan Infrastructure Package: The Special Districts Association of Oregon joined the National Special Districts Coalition (NSDC) on a letter sent Tuesday to Congressional leadership outlining its support for the Senate-passed Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, Read more.
  • FEMA Issues Notice of Funding Opportunity for Infrastructure Resiliency Grant: The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) issued a notice of funding opportunity for the new Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) grant. Read more.
  • Regulation of Public Property in a Rise of Homelessness: Local ordinances prohibiting camping on public property and sleeping on city streets and sidewalks were once commonplace. But in 2018, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals raised a red flag that began to affect the enforcement of these ordinances everywhere. Read more.
  • Oregon Government Employee Handbook Template – Complimentary Copy and Training: Are you in charge of putting together your district’s employee handbook? Or is your handbook in need of an update Learn more.
  • SDAO Consulting Services Program: Board Practices Assessment and Board Governance Questionnaire: During times of crisis, all eyes look to the special district’s board to figure out where things went wrong. Boards that strive to improve their governance practices are less likely to subject themselves to a calamity. Learn more.
  • COVID-19: Coronavirus Outbreak: Stay up to date with our page dedicated to COVID-19 resources and an FAQ.
  • New Program for Members: SDAO AcademyLearn more about SDAO's newest program designed to prepare special district employees for leadership roles.
  • SDAO Board Member Recruitment Toolkit: Are you recruiting for a new board member? Our new Board Member Recruitment Toolkit can help!
  • HR ResourcesLearn more about the recent changes to policies and legislation.

 

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