Issues & Updates / Policy Sessions - April 28, 2026

This Clackamas County government meeting on April 28, 2026, included several procurement and budget-related discussions. The county's fiscal year 2024-25 audited financial reports were presented by the finance director and audit vendor Baker Tilly, highlighting compliance findings including a procurement-related issue where a public improvement project was not properly advertised in a newspaper as required. The Recovery Campus project update covered ongoing property development, funding status, and upcoming contract awards, noting some delays in federal grant processing and construction bidding. The Fairgrounds multi-purpose building project was discussed, including a $2.5 million loan from Business Oregon, an intergovernmental agreement amendment, and concerns about cost escalations and project management, with county staff stepping in to stabilize the project. Additionally, the Board approved appointments to the Community Road Fund Advisory Committee and reviewed upcoming business meeting agendas. Policy sessions included a request for $5,000 in lottery funds to support a regional Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy study focused on industrial land readiness and economic growth. Finally, a detailed discussion on a proposed syringe exchange safety buffer ordinance considered three policy options, weighing public health benefits against enforcement costs and potential state preemption, with no final decision made but interest expressed in further analysis and funding options.