The West Linn City Council convened on October 21, 2024, to discuss critical upcoming legislative priorities and the implications of the upcoming elections on local governance. The meeting highlighted the significant turnover in the Oregon legislature, with approximately 60% of legislators having less than two full terms, which is expected to influence decision-making in the next session.

The council anticipates that the 2025 legislative session, which will run from late January to mid-June, will focus on four main areas: transportation, education, behavioral health, and infrastructure. The session will be particularly important as it will involve crafting the budget for the 2025-2027 biennium, heavily influenced by the May revenue forecast.

Transportation emerged as a pressing issue, with the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) reporting a $1.8 billion deficit for maintaining existing projects and operations. The council noted a potential disagreement between ODOT and legislators regarding the size of the funding package needed to address this shortfall, especially as the state grapples with evolving transportation funding mechanisms due to increased vehicle efficiency and the rise of electric vehicles.

Education funding was also highlighted as a critical concern, with K-12 advocates warning of falling enrollment and rising costs. This situation could lead to significant funding deficits for school districts, prompting calls for state intervention to address the financial gap.

Behavioral health remains a priority, particularly in light of ongoing challenges related to homelessness and mental health issues. The council discussed the need for comprehensive strategies to tackle these pressing community concerns.

Lastly, infrastructure, including housing and transportation, was underscored as a top priority by the League of Oregon Cities. The council emphasized the importance of collaboration with local cities and Clackamas County to address regional issues, including the Willamette Falls Locks Authority.

The meeting concluded with a call for active participation from council members in advocating for these issues at the state level, reinforcing the notion that collective efforts are essential for effective representation and support for the community's needs.