Oregon Governor Kate Brown

900 Court Street, Suite 254

503-378-4582

About the Governor:

On November 8, 2022, Tina Kotek made history along with Maura Healey of Massachusetts, becoming the first openly lesbian governors elected in American history.

Throughout Tina’s professional career as an advocate for those in need, she has carried the value of service instilled in her by her parents to get real results for Oregonians.

Tina’s grandparents came from Eastern Europe in the early part of the last century to find opportunity and a better life. Her parents were proud first-generation Americans. They believed in hard work, being informed citizens, and encouraging their children to follow their dreams.

Tina moved to Oregon from the East Coast in 1987, and fell in love with the beauty of the state and the openness of the people. She finished her undergraduate degree at the University of Oregon, graduating without student debt because of a Pell grant, work study assistance, and affordable tuition.

Tina came out as a lesbian in her early twenties. While it wasn’t always easy, each experience coming out to others strengthened her resilience. While getting her graduate degree, Tina fought for and won domestic partnership rights for faculty and students at the University of Washington.

When Tina returned to Oregon after graduation, she took a job at Oregon Food Bank, attracted to their mission to end hunger, not just feed people. As a person of faith with a belief in the inherent value of everyone, she knew she had found her calling as an advocate for others. Tina continued her advocacy for children when she joined Children First for Oregon as their policy director.

Tina’s experience working at nonprofits on behalf of Oregon’s most vulnerable led her to run for public office and serve in the Oregon Legislature. In her first term, she rewrote the state’s poverty program for low-income families while also playing a key role in making historic progress for the LGBTQ+ community by passing statewide protections and access to benefits.

In 2013, Tina was honored to be elected by her peers to be the Speaker of the House — becoming the nation’s first openly lesbian House Speaker. In nearly a decade leading the Oregon House, she worked tirelessly to expand economic security for more families, combat climate change, and help Oregonians navigate an unprecedented pandemic. In 2022, she made history again, joining Maura Healey of Massachusetts in becoming the first openly lesbian governors elected in American history.

As Governor, Tina will be a leader who puts people first, who prioritizes justice and equity, who brings people together, and who inspires all of us to reach for a better future.

Governor Kotek and her wife Aimee Kotek Wilson, a social worker, have been together for 19 years and have one dog.

Governor Kotek Signs Executive Order on Use of Project Labor Agreements for State Construction Projects

On December 18, 2024, Governor Kotek signed Executive Order 24-31 (EO 24-31) to improve timeliness, lower costs, invest in high-skilled workers, and increase the quality of state construction projects in Oregon through the use of project labor…

Governor Kotek Releases 2025-2027 Budget, Urges Building on Progress

Recommended budget highlights investments in housing and homelessness, behavioral health, and education On December 18, 2024, Governor Tina Kotek unveiled her 2025-2027 recommended budget entitled Building on Progress. “My approach to…

Governor Kotek Signs Special Session Bill to Address 2024 Wildfire Costs

Funds will be immediately available to Oregon Department of Forestry and Oregon State Fire Marshal On December 13, 2024, Governor Tina Kotek signed Senate Bill 5801 passed in yesterday’s legislative special session to allocate $218 million…

Governor Kotek Releases 2025-2027 Budget, Urges Building on Progress

Recommended budget highlights investments in housing and homelessness, behavioral health, and education On December 2, 2024, Governor Tina Kotek unveiled her 2025-2027 recommended budget entitled Building on Progress. “My approach to…

Governor Kotek Visits Clatsop County Housing Providers Supported by Homelessness Initiatives

This past Monday, Governor Tina Kotek visited Astoria to meet with Clatsop County housing providers and local officials to discuss the progress the county has made nearly two years into the Governor’s housing and homelessness initiatives. …

Governor Kotek Appoints Judge to the Multnomah County Circuit Court

On Nov 27th, Governor Tina Kotek announced that she will appoint Jeffrey D. Auxier to the Multnomah County Circuit Court. Auxier fills the vacancy created by the resignation of Judge Amy Baggio. Auxier received the most votes in the November 2024…

Governor Kotek Calls Special Session to Cover Wildfire Season Costs

Governor Tina Kotek announced on Nov 26th, that she is using her constitutional authority to call a special session of the Oregon Legislature, to begin on Thursday, December 12, for lawmakers to appropriate funds to pay for the historic 2024…

Governor Kotek Declares Drought Emergency in Harney County

Governor Tina Kotek has declared a drought in Harney County through Executive Order 24-30, and directed state agencies to coordinate and prioritize assistance to the region. According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, portions of Harney County have…

Governor Kotek Issues Statement in Response to December Revenue Forecast: Stay the Course

On Nov 20th, Governor Tina Kotek issued a statement in response to the December revenue forecast: “This forecast calls for state leaders to stay the course on core programs and act strategically on issues of top concern for Oregonians. While…

Governor Kotek Attends Ribbon Cutting for Beaverton Year-Round Shelter

Leaders and advocates join the Governor to celebrate an additional 60 new beds to shelter Oregonians year round. On Nov 18th, Governor Tina Kotek joined Beaverton Mayor Lacey Beaty, Metro Council President Lynn Peterson, Washington County Chair…

Governor Kotek Submits List of Appointments for Senate Confirmation

On Nov 19th, Governor Tina Kotek submitted a list of state board and commission reappointments to the Oregon Senate for confirmation. The Senate Committee on Rules is scheduled to consider the nominations during December Legislative Days, which run…

Governor Kotek Takes Action to Secure Medical Abortion Following National Election Results

OHSU secures new supply of Mifepristone, extending the stockpile expiration date to September 2028. On Nov 18th, Governor Tina Kotek announced that following the national results of the general election, the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) and…

Governor Kotek Announces Multnomah County Circuit Court Vacancy

Governor Tina Kotek announced on Nov 14th, that she is accepting applications for a judicial vacancy on the Multnomah County Circuit Court created by the upcoming resignation of Judge Thomas M. Ryan. The Governor thanks Judge Ryan for his dedicated…

Governor Kotek Issues Statement in Response to 2024 Election Results

On Nov 6th, Governor Kotek issued a statement in response to the results of the 2024 election: “I know we are all feeling the weight of the moment following the results of Nov 5th’s national election. Regardless of who you supported in…

Governor Kotek, Oregon Health and Science University Board Announce Intent to Appoint Interim President

On Nov 1st, Governor Tina Kotek and the Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) Board of Directors announced the board’s intent to appoint Steve Stadum, J.D., interim president. If appointed, Stadum would hold the interim president role…

Governor Kotek Announces Top Staff for Housing Accountability and Production Office

Department of Land Conservation and Development (DLCD) and the Department of Consumer and Business Services (DCBS) to address the diverse housing needs of Oregon communities. On Oct 31st, Governor Tina Kotek, the Department of Land Conservation…

Governor Kotek Hosts 2024 Governor's Marketplace Conference and Tradeshow in Portland: 'Meaningful Engagement'

On Oct 28th, Governor Tina Kotek, the Department of Administrative Services (DAS) and Business Oregon, hosted the Governor’s Marketplace 2024 Conference and Tradeshow in Portland. Over 600 attendees convened to learn about public contracting…

Governor Kotek Statement on Presidential Apology for Indian Boarding Schools

On Oct 28th, Governor Tina Kotek released a statement following President Joe Biden’s presidential apology on Friday for the Indian Boarding School era. President Biden issued his apology during a speech at the Gila Crossing Community School…

Governor Kotek Declares Drought Emergency in Wallowa County

Governor Tina Kotek has declared a drought in Wallowa County through Executive Order 24-29, and directed state agencies to coordinate and prioritize assistance to the region. “Water scarcity has become the new normal for our state,”…

Governor Kotek Requests Federal Major Disaster Declaration Following 2024 Wildfire Season

The declaration potentially unlocks Federal Emergency Management Agency resources to impacted Oregon communities. Salem, OR – On Monday, Governor Tina Kotek sent a letter to President Joe Biden requesting a federal major disaster…

Governor Kotek Issues Statement on $42 Million Investment for Water Infrastructure to Oregon

Salem, OR — On Oct 24th, Governor Kotek released a statement in response to the announcement of a $42 million investment to the state of Oregon under the Biden-Harris Administration’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to upgrade water…

Governor Kotek Wraps Ups Visits to the Nine Federally Recognized Tribal Nations within Oregon's Borders

Governor delivers on commitment to visit with nine Tribal nations in her second year in office On Oct 18th, Governor Kotek announced that she fulfilled her commitment to visit with all nine federally recognized Tribal nations in 2024,…

Governor Kotek Releases Statement on $25 Million Award for Port of Coos Bay

On Oct 16th, Governor Kotek released a statement on the $25 million award to the Oregon International Port of Coos Bay from the Nationally Significant Multimodal Freight & Highway Projects program (INFRA) through the U.S. Department of…

Governor Kotek Joins School District Phone Bank to Encourage School Attendance

Attendees at Waldo Middle School called 265 families to encourage school attendance On Tuesday night, Governor Tina Kotek attended a phone bank event hosted by Waldo Middle School and the Oregon Department of Education (ODE) to encourage school…

Governor Kotek Announces Oregon Court of Appeals Vacancy

Governor Tina Kotek announced on Oct 11th, that she is accepting applications to fill a judicial vacancy on the Oregon Court of Appeals created by the upcoming resignation of Judge Josephine H. Mooney. The Governor thanked Judge Mooney for her…

Governor Kotek, Oregon Health Authority Announce 465 Added Treatment Beds by End of 2026

Washington, D.C. -- On Oct 9th, Governor Tina Kotek and the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) announced a residential treatment capacity dashboard to track the state’s progress towards additional behavioral health residential treatment beds and…

Governor Kotek Announces Actions Following Oregon Motor Voter Program Data Errors

On Oct 7th, Governor Tina Kotek announced a set of actions following an Oregon Driver and Motor Vehicles Services After-Action Report detailing errors within the Oregon Motor Voter Program. The report was among an initial set of actions the Governor…

Governor Kotek, Oregon Housing and Community Services Announce Current and Projected Homelessness Initiative Outcomes

On Oct 3rd, Governor Tina Kotek and Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) announced current and projected outcomes as a result of the Governor’s homelessness initiative work since her first day in office. This includes her Emergency…

Governor Kotek Affirms State Commitments to Columbia Basin Restoration Initiative

State agencies directed to chart a path forward to restore healthy and abundant salmon and steelhead fisheries in the Columbia and Snake rivers On Sep 30th, Governor Tina Kotek announced that she is directing state agencies to take all actions…

Governor Kotek Solicits Applications to Fill Gilliam County District Attorney Vacancy

Kara Davis to Resign as District Attorney After Winning Election for Wasco County District Attorney On September 25, 2024, Governor Tina Kotek announced she will be filling an upcoming vacancy for the Gilliam County District Attorney position…

Governor Kotek Visits the Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians

Visit to Cow Creek completes Governor’s commitment to visit all nine federally recognized Tribal nations this year Last week, Governor Tina Kotek and First Lady Aimee Kotek Wilson spent the day with the Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of…

Governor Kotek Appoints Yamhill County District Attorney

On September 24, 2024, Governor Tina Kotek announced that she will appoint Kathryn Lynch as District Attorney of Yamhill County. Lynch will fill a vacancy created by the upcoming retirement of Bradley Berry. Lynch (she/her) received 99% of the vote…

Governor Kotek Releases Clean Tech Manufacturing Task Force Recommendations

Governor Kotek, Senator Wyden, and Daimler Truck North America President and CEO John O’Leary co-convened Clean Tech Manufacturing Task Force to advance Oregon’s transition to a clean energy economy On September 24, 2024, Governor Tina…

Governor Kotek Directs DMV to Take Action to Protect Integrity of Oregon Motor Voter Program

On September 23, 2024, Governor Tina Kotek directed Oregon Driver and Motor Vehicle Services (DMV) to take additional proactive steps to protect the integrity of Oregon’s Motor Voter program. Her new directive follows an already-resolved data…

Governor Kotek Statement on New WNBA Team Coming to Portland

On Sep 18th, Governor Tina Kotek released a statement following the announcement from the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) that it has awarded Portland, Oregon, the league’s 15th franchise. “The decision to choose…

Governor Tina Kotek Declares Drought Emergency in Lake County

Governor Tina Kotek has declared a drought in Lake County through Executive Order 24-26, and directed state agencies to coordinate and prioritize assistance to the region. According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, Lake County has been in moderate…

Governor Kotek Orders Flags Lowered to Half-Staff in Observation of 9/11

On Sep 11th, Governor Tina Kotek ordered all flags at Oregon public institutions to be flown at half-staff until sunset September 11, pursuant to President Biden’s Presidential Proclamation of September 11, 2024 as Patriot Day and National Day…

Governor Kotek Invokes Conflagration Act for Service Fire

Governor Tina Kotek invoked the Emergency Conflagration Act on the evening of Monday, September 9 for the Service Fire in Wheeler County. The Wheeler County Fire Defense Board requested assistance with life, safety, and structural fire protection…

Governor Kotek Hosts Demobilization Ceremony

On Sep 9th, Governor Tina Kotek led a Demobilization Ceremony at the Oregon State Library for nine soldiers of the Alpha Minus, Second Battalion, 641st Aviation Regiment. The fixed-wing aviation unit deployed to the Horn of Africa on July 14, 2023…

Governor Kotek Invokes Conflagration Act for Rail Ridge and Shoe Fly Fires

Fires in Crook, Grant, and Wheeler counties mark the fifteenth and sixteenth conflagrations this wildfire season On Sep 6th, Governor Tina Kotek invoked the Emergency Conflagration Act for two fires on September 6, 2024, the Rail Ridge Fire in…

Governor Kotek Signs Attendance Awareness Month Proclamation

On Sep 6th, Governor Tina Kotek signed a proclamation declaring the month of September 2024 as Attendance Awareness Month. She was joined by Oregon Department of Education (ODE) Director Charlene Williams, Senator Suzanne Weber, education advocates,…

Governor Kotek Invokes Conflagration Act for Copperfield Fire

Governor Tina Kotek invoked the Emergency Conflagration Act on the evening of September 1, 2024 in response to the Copperfield Fire in Klamath County. The Klamath County Fire Defense Board requested assistance with life, safety, and structural fire…

Governor Kotek Submits List of Appointments for Senate Confirmation

On Aug 30th, Governor Tina Kotek submitted a list of state board and commission appointments to the Oregon Senate for confirmation. The Senate Committee on Rules is scheduled to consider the nominations during September Legislative Days, which run…

Governor Kotek, Agency and Federal Partners Provide Wildfire Update

On Aug 29th, Governor Tina Kotek visited the Northwest Interagency Coordination Center (NWCC) in Portland. Following a fire season briefing, the Governor and representatives from the Pacific Northwest Coordinating Group (PNWCG) provided a wildfire…

Governor Kotek Issues Statement in Response to September Revenue Forecast

On Aug 28th, Governor Tina Kotek issued a statement in response to the September revenue forecast: “It is encouraging to see that our economy continues to be stable, with healthy workforce participation in key sectors. The forecast urges an…

Biden-Harris Administration Awards Oregon Company Hewlett-Packard up to $50 million from CHIPS and Science Act

On Aug 27th, Governor Tina Kotek joined National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Director Laurie E. Locascio in Corvallis to announce up to $50 million to Oregon company Hewlett-Packard (HP) from the CHIPS and Science Act. “HP…

Governor Kotek Tours Modular Home Factory

On Monday, Governor Tina Kotek toured Blazer Industries’ modular homes factory in Aumsville. The modular homes, which are at various phases of construction, will be headed to a wildfire recovery project in Lane County. “We simply need…

Governor Kotek Leads Mobilization Ceremony

On Aug 16th, Governor Tina Kotek led a Mobilization Ceremony for the 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team (IBCT) at the Salem Armory. The Oregon Army National Guard Soldiers will be deploying to the Kosovo Force (KFOR) Mission. The 41st IBCT will be…

Governor Kotek Convenes Summer and After School Learning Summit

On Aug 15th, Governor Tina Kotek co-convened a Summer and After School Learning Summit sponsored by the Oregon Community Foundation and Gray Family Foundation. The daylong summit is an essential step in shaping a long-term plan and roadmap for…

Governor Kotek Appoints Benton County District Attorney

On Aug 15th, Governor Tina Kotek announced that she will appoint Ryan S. Joslin as District Attorney of Benton County. Joslin will fill a vacancy created by the upcoming retirement of John Haroldson. Joslin received nearly 99% of the vote in the…

Governor Kotek Invokes Conflagration Act for Dixon Fire

Governor Tina Kotek invoked the Emergency Conflagration Act on the afternoon of August 10, 2024 in response to the Dixon Fire in Douglas County. The Douglas County Fire Defense Board requested assistance with life, safety, and structural fire…

Governor Kotek Attends New Terminal Housewarming Celebration

This week, Governor Tina Kotek celebrated the Housewarming Celebration of Portland International Airport’s (PDX) new main terminal ahead of the grand opening. “I’m excited to celebrate the grand opening of Portland International…

Governor Kotek, State Land Board Celebrate 50th Anniversary of South Slough Reserve

On Aug 13th, Governor Kotek, Secretary of State LaVonne Griffin-Valade, and State Treasurer Tobias Read, who together make up the State Land Board which oversees the Department of State Lands (DSL) celebrated the 50th anniversary of the South Slough…

Governor Kotek Invokes Conflagration Act for Town Gulch Fire

Fire in Baker County marks twelfth invocation of Conflagration Act this wildfire season Governor Tina Kotek invoked the Emergency Conflagration Act on the evening of August 6, 2024 in response to the Town Gulch Fire in Baker County. The Baker…

Governor Kotek Visits Klamath Tribes

Visit marks eighth of Governor’s commitment to visit all nine federally recognized Tribal nations of Oregon this year Last week, Governor Tina Kotek and First Lady Aimee Kotek Wilson visited the Klamath Tribes. The visit is part of Governor…

Governor Kotek Invokes Conflagration Act for Elk Lane Fire

Oregon State Fire Marshal mobilizes resources to Elk Lane Fire in Jefferson County Governor Tina Kotek invoked the Emergency Conflagration Act on the morning of August 5, 2024, in response to the Elk Lane Fire in Jefferson County. The Jefferson…

Governor Kotek Visits Burns Paiute Tribe

Visit marks seventh of Governor’s commitment to visit all nine federally recognized Tribal nations of Oregon this year. Last week, Governor Tina Kotek and First Lady Aimee Kotek Wilson visited the Burns Paiute Tribe. The visit is part of…

Governor Kotek Invokes Emergency Conflagration Act for Telephone Fire

Governor Tina Kotek invoked the Emergency Conflagration Act for the eighth time of the fire season on the evening of August 1, 2024, in response to the Telephone Fire in Harney County. The resources necessary for protecting life and property from…

Governor Kotek Celebrates New Spirit Village Grand Opening

This week, Governor Tina Kotek and First Lady Aimee Kotek Wilson attended the grand opening of New Spirit Village, a new housing development dedicated to fire-victim families in Southern Oregon. They were joined by Representative Pam Marsh…

Governor Kotek Orders Flags Lowered in Memory of James Bailey Maxwell

On July 30th, Governor Tina Kotek ordered flags at Oregon public institutions to be flown at half-staff between sunrise on July 31 to sunset on August 1. Maxwell, an Idaho resident, was piloting a single engine air tanker (SEAT) in the vicinity of…

Governor Kotek Appoints Judge to the Benton County Circuit Court

On July 26th, Governor Tina Kotek announced that she will appoint Keri J. Smith Church to the Benton County Circuit Court. Smith fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Locke Williams. The appointment is effective immediately. …

Governor Kotek Convenes 2024 Tribal-State Government-to-Government Summit

Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians co-hosts return of annual summit This week, Governor Tina Kotek convened the 2024 Tribal-State Government-to-Government Summit, co-hosted by the Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians, in Canyonville at…

Governor Kotek Invokes the Emergency Conflagration Act for Durkee and Battle Mountain Complex Fires

Governor Tina Kotek invoked the Emergency Conflagration Act on the morning of July 20 in response to the Durkee Fire and on the afternoon of July 21 in response to the Battle Mountain Complex, which includes the Monkey Creek, Snake and North Fork…

Oregon to Receive $197 Million Climate Pollution Reduction Grant Award

On July 23rd, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that it has awarded the State of Oregon $197 million from the federal Climate Pollution Reduction Grant (CPRG) program. This is the largest award announced in the…

Governor Kotek Visits Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw Indians

Visit marks sixth of Governor’s commitment to visit all nine federally recognized Tribal nations of Oregon this year This past week, Governor Tina Kotek and First Lady Aimee Kotek Wilson visited the Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua…

Governor Kotek Invokes The Emergency Conflagration Act in Response To Series Of Fires In Umatilla County

Several fires burn in Umatilla County Salem, OR - Governor Tina Kotek invoked the Emergency Conflagration Act on the evening of July 17, in response to several fires in Umatilla County. The resources necessary for protecting life and property from…

Governor Kotek Appoints Judges to the Jackson County Circuit Court

Salem, OR - On July 18, 2024, Governor Tina Kotek announced that she will appoint Christine K. Herbert and Matthew A. Rowan to the Jackson County Circuit Court. Herbert fills position 5, the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Timothy…

Governor Kotek Orders Flags Lowered in Memory of Former Senate President Peter Courtney

On July 17, 2024, Governor Tina Kotek ordered flags at Oregon public institutions to be flown at half-staff effective immediately until sunset on Thursday, July 18, in memory of the life and service of Peter Michael Coleman Courtney, the former…

Governor Kotek Unveils Proposal to Boost State School Fund

Plan to boost funding by estimated $515 million over current service level follows through on commitment to address K-12 education funding On July 17, 2024, the Office of Governor Tina Kotek unveiled a proposal to boost the current service level…

Governor Kotek Invokes the Emergency Conflagration Act in Response to Falls and Lone Rock Fires

State Fire Marshal partners with Washington state fire service for additional resources to battle Falls Fire Governor Tina Kotek invoked the Emergency Conflagration Act on the morning of July 14, in response to the Falls Fire in Harney County.…

Governor Kotek Issues Statement in Response To Passing of Former Oregon Senate President Peter Courtney

On July 16, 2024, Governor Tina Kotek announced the passing of former Oregon Senate President Peter Courtney. He passed this morning from complications related to cancer at his home in Salem surrounded by his family. Courtney was the longest serving…

Governor Kotek Declares Extended State of Emergency Due to Imminent Threat of Wildfire

Emergency declaration permits use of all necessary and appropriate resources of the State of Oregon to support wildland fire response On July 15, 2024, Governor Tina Kotek declared a state of emergency because of the imminent threat of wildfire…

Governor Kotek Joins I-84 Sullivan's Gulch Trash and Graffiti Clean Up

Clean up is part of $20 million graffiti abatement and trash investment, a recommendation from the Portland Central City Task Force On Sunday morning, Governor Tina Kotek joined the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT), Multnomah County, the…

Governor Kotek Appoints Columbia County Justice Of The Peace

On July 12, 2024, Governor Tina Kotek announced that she will appoint James Gibson to the Columbia County Justice Court. Gibson will fill a vacancy created by the upcoming resignation of Diana M. Shera Taylor. Gibson (he/him) received nearly 98% of…

Governor Kotek Joins F-15EX Eagle II Fighter Jet Unveiling at Portland Air National Guard

The 142nd Wing of the Oregon Air National Guard is the first operational unit to receive the F-15EX On July 12, 2024, Governor Tina Kotek joined the National Guard Bureau, and the Oregon Military Department for the unveiling of the first F-15EX…

Governor Kotek Invokes Emergency Conflagration Act in Response to Cow Valley Fire

Cow Valley Fire burning in Malheur County, northwest of Vale Governor Tina Kotek invoked the Emergency Conflagration Act on the morning of July 12, 2024, in response to a wildfire in Malheur County: the Cow Valley Fire. The resources necessary for…

Governor Kotek Appoints Judge To The Multnomah County Circuit Court

July 10, 2024, Governor Tina Kotek announced that she will appoint Michael J. Riedel to the Multnomah County Family Court. Riedel fills the vacancy created by the upcoming retirement of Judge Susan Svetkey. Riedel (he/his) received 98% of the…

Governor Kotek invokes the Emergency Conflagration Act in response to Larch Creek Fire

Governor Tina Kotek invoked the Emergency Conflagration Act on the evening of July 9, 2024, in response to a wildfire in Wasco County: the Larch Creek Fire. The resources necessary for protecting life and property from the Larch Creek Fire are…

Governor Kotek Appoints Judge To The Washington County Circuit Court

July 5, 2024, Governor Tina Kotek announced that she will appoint Elizabeth R. Lemoine to the Washington County Circuit Court. Lemoine will fill the 16th judicial position created by Senate Bill 1541. The appointment is effective immediately. …

Governor Kotek Declares Extreme Heat Emergency

July 5, 2024, Governor Tina Kotek declared a statewide extreme heat emergency as the state prepares for high temperatures, both day and night, currently forecasted through next Tuesday. “Extreme weather events are now the new normal for…

Governor Kotek Announces State Preparedness in Advance of Excessive Heat Warnings

In advance of excessive heat warnings for most of the state this holiday week from noon Thursday through Sunday evening, Governor Tina Kotek is reminding Oregonians to take extra precautions to stay safe. State agencies are mobilizing resources and…

Governor Kotek Visits Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs

On July 1, 2024 - Visit to Warm Springs Reservation marks fifth of Governor’s commitment to visit all nine federally recognized Tribal nations of Oregon this year Last week, Governor Tina Kotek and First Lady Aimee Kotek Wilson visited…

Governor Tina Kotek Declares Drought Emergency in Jefferson County

On June 27, 2024 - Governor Tina Kotek has declared a drought in Jefferson County through Executive Order 24-08 and directed state agencies to coordinate and prioritize assistance to the region. According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, Jefferson…

Governor Kotek Invokes the Emergency Conflagration Act in Response to Darlene 3 Fire

Governor Tina Kotek invoked the Emergency Conflagration Act in the afternoon of June 25, 2024, in response to a wildfire in Deschutes County: the Darlene 3 Fire burning in east Deschutes County near La Pine. The resources necessary for protecting…

Governor Kotek Appoints Judge to the Columbia County Circuit Court

On June 25th, Governor Tina Kotek announced that she will appoint Nickolas A. Brajcich to the Columbia County Circuit Court. Brajcich will fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Cathleen B. Callahan. The appointment is effective…

Governor Kotek Appoints Lane County District Attorney

On June 21st, Governor Tina Kotek announced that she will appoint Christopher J. Parosa as District Attorney of Lane County. Parosa will fill a vacancy created by the upcoming retirement of Patricia Perlow. Parosa received nearly 67% of the vote in…

Governor Kotek Appoints Lincoln County District Attorney

On June 21st, Governor Tina Kotek announced that she will appoint Jenna Wallace as District Attorney of Lincoln County. Wallace will fill a vacancy created by the upcoming resignation of Lanee Danforth. Wallace received 55% of the vote in the May…

Governor Kotek Observes Juneteenth

On June 19th, Governor Tina Kotek issued a proclamation honoring June 19, 2024 as Juneteenth across Oregon. Governor Kotek also joined Oregon Black Pioneers, Just Walk Salem Keizer and the Willamette Heritage Center for their annual Juneteenth In…

Early Literacy Educator Preparation Council Releases Final Recommendations

On Monday, Governor Tina Kotek joined the Early Literacy Educator Preparation Council for their final meeting to offer gratitude to council members for their work over the past year and provide comments on their final recommendations to strengthen…

Governor Kotek, Director Castle Announce Department of Public Safety Standards and Training Eliminates Backlog

On June 17th, Governor Tina Kotek and Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST) Director Phil Castle announced the department eliminated the police training backlog, which reached up to seven months at its peak. This was achieved…

Governor Kotek Visits Coquille Tribe

Visit with Coquille Indian Tribe marks fourth visit of commitment to visit all nine federally recognized Tribal nations of Oregon this year This week, Governor Tina Kotek and First Lady Aimee Kotek Wilson spent the day with the Coquille Indian…

Governor Kotek Hosts Digital Equity Event in Coos Bay

Oregon’s Digital Equity Plan was recently approved with an allocation of $9.9 million in initial federal funding to implement the Digital Equity Plan On June 13, 2024, Governor Tina Kotek hosted a roundtable event in Coos Bay to foster…

Governor Kotek Announces Additional Finalized Oregon CHIPS Contracts

Analog Devices, Inc. (ADI), Lam Research, and Siltronic contracts finalized On June 12th, Governor Tina Kotek announced that Analog Devices, Inc. (ADI), Lam Research, and Siltronic have finalized their Oregon CHIPS Act contracts. The funding, which…

Governor Kotek Proclaims LGBTQ+ Pride Month

On June 11th, Governor Tina Kotek issued a proclamation declaring the month of June 2024 as LGBTQ+ Pride Month in Oregon. “Pride is about love, acceptance, and community,” Governor Kotek said. “Great joy and great struggle have…

Governor Kotek Appoints Cris Patnode as Gilliam County Commission Judge

On June 4th, Governor Tina Kotek announced that she will appoint Cristina S. Patnode, former Gilliam County Justice of the Peace, to the vacant position of Gilliam County Commission Judge, pursuant to ORS 236.210. Patnode received nearly 62% of the…

Governor Kotek, Senator Wyden, Congresswoman Bonamici, Other Leaders Kick Off Clean Tech Manufacturing Task Force

Governor and Senator Wyden co-convene Clean Tech Manufacturing Task Force to advance Oregon’s transition to a clean energy economy. On Thursday, Governor Tina Kotek, Senator Ron Wyden, Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici, and leaders in the…

Governor Kotek Issues Statement in Response to June Revenue Forecast

On May 29th, Governor Tina Kotek issued a statement in response to the June revenue forecast: “Oregon’s economy continues to be stable and productive. We have made meaningful progress on issues of top concern for Oregonians and worked…

Governor Kotek Orders Flags Lowered in Honor of Memorial Day

On May 24th, Governor Tina Kotek ordered all flags at Oregon public institutions to be flown at half-staff pursuant of 4 U.S.C. 7m and the President's Proclamation, on Memorial Day, Monday, May 27, 2024, from 12:01 am until noon the same day. …

Governor Kotek Visits the Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde

Visit to Grand Ronde marks third visit of Governor’s commitment to visit all nine federally recognized Tribal nations of Oregon this year. Last Friday, Governor Tina Kotek and First Lady Aimee Kotek Wilson spent the day with the Confederated…

Governor Kotek Proposes $40 Million State Investment to Continue Container Service at Port of Portland Terminal 6

On May 16th, Governor Tina Kotek announced that she is proposing a $40 million state investment to allow container service to continue at Port of Portland’s Terminal 6. Of the total $40 million proposed, $35 million will come from the…

Governor’s Office, State Agency Leaders Provide Wildfire Briefing

On May 15th, the Office of Governor Tina Kotek and state agency leaders who manage wildfires and conflagrations provided a briefing as the 2024 wildfire season approaches, including steps Oregonians should take to prepare. “Wildfires will…

Governor Kotek Orders Flags Lowered to Half-Staff in Honor of Peace Officers Memorial Day

On May 14th, Governor Tina Kotek ordered flags at Oregon public institutions to be flown at half-staff pursuant to a Presidential Proclamation in honor of Peace Officers Memorial Day. The flag should be flown at half-staff from midnight until sunset…

Governor Kotek Issues Statement in Response to Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission Investigation

On May 13th, Governor Tina Kotek issued a statement in response to the Oregon Department of Justice’s findings related to former Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission leaders and employees setting aside specialty liquors for personal use. The…

Governor Kotek Appoints New Directors for Oregon Water Resources Department, Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board

On May 8th, Governor Tina Kotek announced that she has appointed new directors for the Oregon Water Resources Department (OWRD) and the Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board (OWEB). Ivan Gall, who most recently served as the interim deputy director of…

Governor Kotek Announces Statewide Launch of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library

On May 8th, Governor Tina Kotek hosted a celebration to announce the statewide expansion of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. The announcement means that the state will work toward its goal to make books from the program available to all…

Governor Kotek Submits List of Appointments for Senate Confirmation

On May 8th, Governor Tina Kotek submitted a list of state board and commission appointments to the Oregon Senate for confirmation. The Senate Committee on Rules is scheduled to consider the nominations during May Legislative Days, which run from May…

Governor Kotek Hosts Event to Commemorate Progress on Housing and Homelessness in Legislative Session

On May 6th, Governor Tina Kotek hosted a signing ceremony for a package of bills that passed during the 2024 session that are aimed at addressing the housing and homelessness crises. “Across the state — from big and mid-size cities to…

Governor Kotek Declares May 5 as Missing or Murdered Indigenous Persons Awareness Day

On May 4th, Governor Tina Kotek issued a proclamation declaring May 5, 2024, as Missing or Murdered Indigenous Persons (MMIP) Awareness Day. “For far too long, the unsolved deaths and disappearances of Indigenous persons, especially women,…

Governor Kotek Issues Statement In Response To Criminal Activity In Portland Thursday

Governor Tina Kotek issued a statement in response to criminal activity in Portland on Thursday: ”I fully condemn the criminal actions taken Thursday morning that resulted in the burning of 15 Portland Police Bureau cars, endangering first…

Governor Kotek Issues Statement On Role of First Spouse

On May 1st, Governor Tina Kotek issued the following statement regarding the role of the First Spouse: “Fellow Oregonians, I want you to know that my focus is doing the best job possible for you and your families. I take responsibility for…

Governor Kotek Announces Benton County Circuit Court Vacancy

Governor Tina Kotek announced on April 30th, that she is accepting applications for a judicial vacancy on the Benton County Circuit Court created by the planned retirement of Judge Locke A. Williams. The Governor thanked Judge Williams for his…

Governor Kotek Visits the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation

Visit to CTUIR marks second visit of Governor’s commitment to visit all nine federally recognized Tribal nation of Oregon this year. On April 25th, Governor Tina Kotek and First Lady Aimee Kotek Wilson spent the day with the Confederated…

Governor Kotek Celebrates Decade of Regional Solutions Program, Resets Advisory Committees

Governor calls on Oregonians to submit applications for advisory committee membership On April 24th, Governor Tina Kotek issued a proclamation celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Regional Solutions Program being established and recommitting to…

Governor Kotek Announces State Commitment to National Semiconductor Technology Center

Coalition of industry, state and local government, and higher education representatives will coordinate the development of a proposal to the U.S. Department of Commerce On April 22nd, at an event celebrating Intel's plans to invest more than $36…

Governor Kotek Announces Chief of Staff, New Office Leadership

Governor expands executive team and names new Housing and Homelessness Initiative Director On April 18th, Governor Tina Kotek announced Chris Warner as her permanent Chief of Staff and named additional staff to her executive leadership team.…

Governor Kotek Announces Investment in New CHIPS Child Care Fund

$5 million from Oregon CHIPS Act to be allocated to new Child Care Fund On April 17th, Governor Tina Kotek announced that $5 million from the Oregon CHIPS Act will be allocated to the new Oregon CHIPS Child Care Fund created by House Bill 4098,…

Governor Kotek Hosts Signing Ceremony to Commemorate $30 Million for Summer Learning

Legislators and advocates join the Governor at Washington Elementary School in Woodburn to mark the signing of House Bill 4082 On April 17th, Governor Tina Kotek hosted a signing ceremony for House Bill 4082, which legislators passed and the…

Governor Kotek Announces Final Veto Decisions, Signing Letters

Governor provides signing letters for policy and budget bills On April 17th, Governor Tina Kotek provided a full list of signing letters for budget and policy bills from the 2024 legislative session, confirming she will not make any line-item…

Governor Kotek Announces President Biden Approves Major Disaster Declaration for January Winter Weather Emergency

On April 14th, Governor Tina Kotek announced that President Joe Biden approved her request for a federal major disaster declaration pursuant to the Robert T. Stafford Act on behalf of the State of Oregon and the Confederated Tribes of the Siletz…

Got Your Waterway Access Permit?

The Oregon State Marine Board’s Waterway Access Permit Program has entered the fifth year of implementation; however, compliance is still low compared to other boating requirements. In 2019, the Oregon Legislature approved the waterway…

Governor Kotek Issues Notice of Potential Vetoes

The notice relates to budget items in Senate Bill 1530 and Senate Bill 5701 Salem, OR – On April 8th, pursuant to Article V, section 15b, of the Oregon Constitution, Governor Tina Kotek provided notice to the Legislature that she is…

Governor Kotek Hosts Signing Ceremony to Commemorate Historic Campaign Finance Reform Bill

Today, Governor Tina Kotek hosted a signing ceremony for House Bill 4024,* which legislators passed and the Governor signed this year to establish campaign contribution limits. “Often, the word ‘historic’ can feel overused. But I…

Oregon Commission for Women Announces 2024 Women of Achievement Awardees

Today, the Oregon Commission for Women (OCFW) announced the following recipients of their annual Women of Achievement Awards 2024: Sarah Koski, Emerging Leader Award; Solome Mekbib, Professional Achievement Award; Liani Reeves, Lifetime…

OACO Presents Interim Health Equity Report to the House Committee on Behavioral Health and Health Care

Mika Ingram, Health Equity Team Lead, delivered an informational update to highlight key pieces of the HB 4052 interim report, submitted in late 2023, to the House Committee on Behavioral Health and Health Care at the State Capitol. Joined by…

Governor Tina Kotek Orders Flags Lowered to Half-Staff in Honor and Remembrance of Allen, Texas Victims

Salem, OR—Today, Governor Tina Kotek ordered all flags at Oregon public institutions to be flown at half-staff immediately in honor and remembrance of the victims of the horrific tragedy in Allen, Texas. The order is in accordance with a…

Governor Tina Kotek Visits Union, Wallowa Counties on One Oregon Listening Tour

Joseph, OR—Governor Tina Kotek and First Lady Aimee Kotek Wilson visited communities in Union and Wallowa counties as part of the One Oregon Listening Tour on Thursday, May 4 and Friday, May 5. They met with a wide range of leaders, community…

Governor Tina Kotek Orders Flags Lowered to Half-Staff in Recognition of National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service

Salem, OR—Today, Governor Tina Kotek ordered all flags at Oregon public institutions to be flown at half-staff on Sunday, May 7, in recognition of National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service in Emmitsburg, Maryland. The order is in…

Governor Tina Kotek Visits Morrow and Umatilla Counties on One Oregon Tour

Elgin, OR—Governor Tina Kotek and First Lady Aimee Kotek Wilson visited communities in Morrow and Umatilla counties on Wednesday, May 3, and Thursday, May 4, including stops in Boardman, Echo, Hermiston, and Pendleton. On Wednesday, the…

Governor Kotek Announces Marion County Circuit Court Vacancy

Pendleton, OR—Governor Tina Kotek announced today that she is accepting applications for a judicial vacancy on the Marion County Circuit Court created by the planned retirement of Judge David E. Leith. The Governor thanked Judge Leith for his…

Governor Tina Kotek Issues Statement on Secretary of State Shemia Fagan's Resignation

Salem, OR—Today, in response to Secretary of State Shemia Fagan’s resignation, Governor Tina Kotek issued the following statement: “This morning, Secretary Fagan informed me of her decision to resign. I support this decision.…

Governor Tina Kotek Visits Multnomah County on One Oregon Listening Tour

Portland, OR—Today, Governor Tina Kotek and First Lady Aimee Kotek Wilson visited Multnomah County for the ninth stop of her One Oregon Listening Tour. “Returning to Multnomah County today provided an opportunity to hear from people…

Governor Kotek Announces Clackamas County Circuit Court Vacancy

Salem, OR—Governor Tina Kotek announced today that she is accepting applications for a judicial vacancy on the Clackamas County Circuit Court created by the planned retirement of Judge Thomas J. Rastetter. The Governor thanked Judge Rastetter…

Governor Kotek Announces Homelessness State of Emergency Funding Agreements Signed

Salem, OR—Today, Governor Tina Kotek and Oregon Housing and Community Services announced that funding contracts for the Homelessness State of Emergency have been signed and funding will start being distributed to the regional multi-agency…

Housing Production Advisory Council Releases Framework for Action Plan

Salem, OR—Today the Housing Production Advisory Council, which Governor Tina Kotek established to ramp up home construction across Oregon, released its next steps for reaching the state’s housing production goals. “Oregonians…

Governor Tina Kotek Requests Expedited Declaration of a Fishery Resource Disaster

Hood River, OR—In response to the recent Pacific Fishery Management Council’s (PFMC) recommendation to close all commercial ocean fisheries for Chinook Salmon from Cape Falcon (on the north Oregon coast) to the California border through…

Governor Tina Kotek Announces Action to Protect Access to Mifepristone for Abortion and Miscarriage Management

Salem, OR—As the U.S. Supreme Court delays issuing a decision on a lower-court ruling that would limit access to medication abortion, Governor Kotek today announced that the state of Oregon has partnered with Oregon Health and Science…

Governor Tina Kotek Declares Drought Emergency in Wasco and Harney Counties

Salem, OR—Governor Tina Kotek has declared a drought in Wasco County through Executive Order 23-10, and a drought in Harney County through Executive Order 23-11 and is directing state agencies to coordinate and prioritize assistance to both…

Governor Tina Kotek Marks 100 Days in Office, Urges Legislature to Invest in Housing, Homelessness, Behavioral Health, Education

Salem, OR—Governor Tina Kotek today marked her 100th day in office by highlighting the progress made – and the investments that are needed this session – to deliver on her top three priorities: housing and homelessness, mental…

State Approves Updated Plan for Multnomah County Homelessness Emergency Funding

Salem, OR—Today, Governor Tina Kotek announced that the State has accepted Multnomah County’s updated plan for use of emergency homelessness funding. The plan details how the area will rehouse 275 households and create 140 new shelter…

Governor Tina Kotek Issues Statement in Response to Nyssa Police Department Reserve Officer Line of Duty Fatality

Salem, OR—Today, Governor Tina Kotek issued a statement in response to the death of Nyssa Police Department Reserve Officer Joseph Johnson, who was killed in the line of duty. Officer Johnson was also an Oregon Department of Corrections…

Governor Tina Kotek Visits Polk County on One Oregon Listening Tour

Independence, OR—Today, Governor Tina Kotek visited communities in Polk County for the sixth stop of her One Oregon Listening Tour. Governor Kotek traveled to Dallas, Monmouth and Independence to hear diverse perspectives on housing and…

Governor Tina Kotek Signs Oregon CHIPS Act into Law

Salem, OR—Today, Governor Tina Kotek signed Senate Bill 4 – the Oregon CHIPS Act – into law during a ceremonial bill signing after both bills passed with bipartisan support last week. The Governor was joined by lawmakers and…

Governor Kotek Announces Funding Amounts, Specific Local Goals for Homelessness State of Emergency

Portland, OR—Today Governor Tina Kotek announced how much funding each region within Oregon's homelessness state of emergency will receive from the state, as well as the specific outcomes local communities are expected to achieve with the…

Governor Tina Kotek Affirms Coordinated Response to Groundwater Contamination in the Lower Umatilla Basin

Salem, OR—In response to the ongoing groundwater contamination in the Lower Umatilla Basin, today Governor Tina Kotek reiterated her commitment to coordinating an inter-agency response that includes testing and treatment of affected wells,…

Governor Tina Kotek Issues Statement Condemning Court Ruling in Mifepristone Case

Salem, OR—Today, Tina Kotek issued the following statement in response to the Alliance for Hippocratic Medicine v. U.S. Food and Drug Administration ruling. The ruling stems from a lawsuit filed last November by anti-abortion groups in Texas.…

Governor Kotek, U.S. Commerce Secretary Tour Oregon Semiconductor Workforce Programs

Hillsboro, OR—As the Oregon Legislature nears the passage of Senate Bill 4 to maximize federal funds from the Creating Helpful Incentives to Produce Semiconductors (CHIPS) and Science Act of 2022, Governor Tina Kotek today joined United States…

Oregon State Government to End Pandemic-Era Reimbursement Standards for Remote Work

Salem, OR—The Oregon Department of Administrative Services (DAS) today announced its plan to end reimbursement standards for remote work that were established during the COVID-19 pandemic. The reinstated policy, which comes at the direction of…

Governor Tina Kotek Signs Emergency Homelessness Response Package into Law

Salem, OR—Today, Governor Tina Kotek signed House Bills 5019 and 2001 into law during her first ceremonial bill signing as Governor after both bills passed with bipartisan support last week. The Governor was joined by lawmakers and advocates…

Governor Tina Kotek Orders Flags Lowered to Half-Staff in Honor of the Victims and Survivors of the Nashville School Shooting

Salem, OR—Today, in accordance with the Presidential Proclamation ordering the lowering of flags to half-staff, Governor Tina Kotek ordered all flags at Oregon public institutions to be flown at half-staff until sunset March 31 to honor the…

Governor Tina Kotek Declares Drought Emergency in Grant and Deschutes Counties

Salem, OR—Governor Tina Kotek declared a drought in Grant and Deschutes counties through Executive Order 23-08, and directed state agencies to coordinate and prioritize assistance to the region. Both counties have portions of extreme drought…

Governor Tina Kotek Visits Lincoln County on One Oregon Listening Tour

Lincoln City, OR—Today, Governor Tina Kotek visited communities in Lincoln County for the fifth stop of her One Oregon Listening Tour. Governor Kotek and First Lady Aimee Kotek Wilson participated in four activities to hear diverse…

Governor Tina Kotek Responds to Co-Chairs Budget

Corvallis, OR—I appreciate the co-chairs’ thoughtful approach in developing this budget framework. We share a mission-focused vision: rather than scores of new programs, we need to prioritize investments that will deliver meaningful…

Governor Tina Kotek Visits Benton County on One Oregon Listening Tour

Corvallis, OR—Today, Governor Tina Kotek visited communities in Benton County for the fourth stop of her One Oregon Listening Tour. Governor Kotek and First Lady Aimee Kotek Wilson participated in three sessions with community members to…

Governor Tina Kotek Visits Columbia County on One Oregon Listening Tour

St. Helens, OR—Today, Governor Tina Kotek visited communities in Columbia County on the third stop of her One Oregon Listening Tour. Governor Kotek participated in three community conversations on the topics of education, mental health and…

Governor Tina Kotek Commends Legislature for Passing Affordable Housing And Emergency Homelessness Response Package

Salem, OR—Today, Governor Tina Kotek issued a statement commending the Oregon Legislature for passing bipartisan legislation to address the state’s housing and homelessness crisis, including the urgent funding she proposed in response to…

Governor Tina Kotek Announces Malheur County Included in Homelessness State of Emergency

Salem, OR—Today, Governor Tina Kotek announced that Malheur County meets the criteria to be included in the Homelessness State of Emergency she declared on her first day in office, January 10, 2023. “Malheur County has an overwhelming…

60 Highlights from the First 60 Days: Governor Tina Kotek Marks Two Months in Office

Salem, OR—Today, Oregon Governor Tina Kotek announced 60 highlights of her administration to mark her first 60 days on the job. Governor Kotek and her team have hit the ground running to work on delivering results that will improve the…

Governor Kotek Appoints Dave Baden as Interim Director of the Oregon Health Authority

Salem, OR—Today, Governor Tina Kotek announced that she will be appointing Dave Baden as Interim Director for the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) effective March 17th. Dave Baden is currently OHA’s chief financial officer (CFO) and has a…

Governor Tina Kotek announces Housing Production Advisory Council members

Salem, OR—On her first full day in office, Governor Tina Kotek signed an executive order that set an ambitious housing production goal of 36,000 homes per year and established a council of leaders charged with developing an action plan to meet…

Governor Tina Kotek Urges Legislature to Pass $155 Million to Reduce Homelessness Statewide

Salem, OR—Today, in her first legislative testimony since her inauguration, Governor Tina Kotek urged the legislature to pass $155 million to reduce homelessness in all regions of Oregon. On her first full day in office, Governor Kotek…

Governor Kotek Approves $1 Million to Help Small, Mid-Sized Oregon Companies Compete for CHIPS Act Funding

Salem, OR—Oregon is aggressively pursuing opportunities to bring home a portion of the $52 billion for semiconductor manufacturing and research made available under the federal CHIPS and Science Act. To that end, today Governor Tina Kotek…

Governor Kotek Declares State of Emergency in Multnomah County due to Severe Cold Weather

Salem, OR—Governor Tina Kotek today declared a state of emergency in Multnomah County due to ongoing severe cold and inclement weather. This declaration comes at the request of Multnomah County Chair Vega Pederson and is based on the…

Governor Kotek Launches Emergency Response Infrastructure to Implement Homelessness State of Emergency

Salem, OR—In a significant step following her executive order declaring a homelessness state of emergency ( EO 23-02 ), today Governor Tina Kotek kicked off the first meeting of the regional multi-agency group that will support the emergency…

Governor Tina Kotek issues statement in response to first revenue forecast of 2023

Salem, OR—Today, Governor Tina Kotek made the following statement in response to the first state revenue forecast of 2023. “As inflation continues to slow, this revenue forecast shows that we can anticipate having more predictability…

Governor Tina Kotek Visits Douglas County on Second Stop of One Oregon Listening Tour

Roseburg, OR—Today Governor Tina Kotek visited communities in Douglas County for the second stop of her “One Oregon Listening Tour,” marking the first tour stop since her inauguration. Governor Kotek and First Lady Aimee Kotek…

Governor Tina Kotek Declares Drought Emergency in Crook and Jefferson Counties

Salem, OR—Governor Tina Kotek declared a drought in Crook and Jefferson counties through Executive Order 23-05 , and directed state agencies to coordinate and prioritize assistance to the region. This is the first drought declaration of 2023. …

Governor Tina Kotek recommends Craig Prins as Interim Director of Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission

Salem, OR—Today, Governor Tina Kotek announced she is recommending that the Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission appoint Craig Prins as interim director. The commission will meet on Wednesday, February 15, to consider this recommendation. …

Governor Tina Kotek Orders Flags Lowered to Half-Staff in Honor of Fallen Gresham Firefighter Brandon Norbury

Salem, OR—Governor Tina Kotek today ordered all flags at Oregon public institutions to be flown at half-staff until sunset February 15 to honor Gresham Firefighter Brandon Norbury, who died after suffering cardiac arrest while on duty.…

Governor Tina Kotek Visits Washington, D.C. for National Governors Association Winter Meeting

Salem, OR—Governor Tina Kotek traveled to Washington, D.C. to participate in the 2023 Winter Meeting of the National Governors Association, which was held from February 9 to 11 and included meetings with President Joe Biden and Vice President…

Governor Tina Kotek Marks One Month in Office, Repeats Call for Legislative Action on $130 Million Package to Reduce Unsheltered Homelessness

On January 10, 2023, Oregon Governor Tina Kotek marked her first full day in office by signing three executive orders aimed at tackling the state’s housing and homelessness crisis. Today, Governor Kotek reflected on the progress made in her…

Governor Kotek Announces Jackson County Circuit Court Vacancy

Salem , OR—Governor Tina Kotek announced today that she is accepting applications for a judicial vacancy on the Jackson County Circuit Court created by the planned retirement of Judge Joseph M. Charter. The Governor thanked Judge Charter for…

Governor Tina Kotek Seeks Diverse Membership to Statewide Housing Production Advisory Council

Salem, OR—Today, Governor Tina Kotek announced that she is accepting applications for her newly created Housing Production Advisory Council. The council was established through an executive order on January 10, the Governor’s first full…

Governor Tina Kotek Releases "Mission Focused" Budget Recommendations

Salem, OR—Today, Governor Tina Kotek unveiled her budget recommendations for the 2023-25 biennium, titled “Mission Focused” because of its focus on three top priorities: building more housing and reducing homelessness; improving…

Governor Tina Kotek Announces New Communications Staff Joining Administration

Salem, OR—Today, Governor Tina Kotek announced three new staff members who are joining her Communications Team: Elisabeth Shepard joins the administration as the Governor’s new Press Secretary. Shepard brings nearly a decade of…

Governor Tina Kotek Announces Details of Urgent $130 Million Budget Package to Reduce Unsheltered Homelessness in 2023

Salem, OR—Today, Governor Tina Kotek announced details of her urgent request to state lawmakers to invest $130 million toward reducing the number of unsheltered Oregonians in 2023. Currently, there are approximately 18,000 Oregonians…

Governor Kotek Invites Applications to Fill Klamath County District Attorney Vacancy

Salem, OR—Governor Kotek announced today that she is inviting applications for the position of Klamath County District Attorney, to fill a vacancy created by the resignation of Eve Costello. Governor Kotek intends to fill the District Attorney…

Governor Tina Kotek Announces Coos County Circuit Court Vacancy

Salem, OR—Governor Tina Kotek announced today that she is accepting applications for a judicial vacancy on the Coos County Circuit Court created by the elevation of Judge Megan L. Jacquot to the Oregon Court of Appeals. The Governor thanked…

Governor Tina Kotek Orders Flags Lowered to Half-Staff in Honor of Victims and Survivors of the Horrific Tragedy in Monterey Park, California

Salem, OR—Governor Tina Kotek today ordered all flags at Oregon public institutions to be flown at half-staff to honor the victims and survivors of the senseless acts of violence perpetrated on January 21, 2023, in Monterey Park, California.…

Governor Kotek Honors Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Joins East Multnomah County Community Clean Up

Portland, OR—Governor Tina Kotek pledged to take urgent action addressing community safety and livability issues, and in her first week in office, she delivered on multiple fronts. On her first full day, Gov. Kotek declared a homelessness…

Governor Kotek Sends New Expectations to Agency Leaders

Salem, OR—Governor Tina Kotek is launching her new administration by setting ambitious goals for improving customer service and delivering on a focused agenda. Yesterday, she sent a letter to all agency leaders outlining new expectations that…

Governor Tina Kotek Announces Key Hires to Lead New Office of Public Administration

Salem, OR—Today Governor Tina Kotek announced key hires who will stand up a new Office of Public Administration within the Governor’s Office. The new office structure aims to strengthen partnerships between Governor Kotek and agency…

Governor Tina Kotek Officially Declares Homelessness State of Emergency, Signs Executive Order to Increase Housing Construction

Salem, OR—[Salem, OR] — On her first full day in office today, Governor Tina Kotek signed three executive orders aimed at tackling the state’s housing and homelessness crisis: setting an ambitious state target to increase home…

Governor-Elect Tina Kotek Announces New Education Policy Staff, New Behavioral Health Director at Oregon Health Authority

Portland, OR—Colt Gill, Director of the Oregon Department of Education, to Retire After Legislative Session [Portland, OR] — Today Governor-Elect Tina Kotek announced two new staff members who will join her administration to lead…

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