The Oregon Public Employee Retirement System (PERS) investment returns for 2012 were a robust 14 percent, reducing the overall system liabilities by $2 billion. This has reduced the overall deficit from $16 billion to $14 billion. However, the strong 2012 returns follow essentially flat 2011 returns and thus it's too soon to tell whether this is the beginning of a positive trend or simply another swing in the see-saw stock market. In order to mitigate the losses sustained in the 2008 crash, the system would need a series of years similar to 2012.

On the legislative front, reform concepts continue to be the subject of intense discussion among stakeholders though very few substantive bills have been introduced at this point. Rest assured, they are coming in the next several weeks. Additionally, two legal opinions have materialized that will influence work on this issue. One is from attorneys at the Department of Justice, which indicates there are possible arguments that might allow a Cost-of-Living-Adjustment (COLA) cap to survive judicial scrutiny. The other is from Legislative Counsel, which appears to be more skeptical.

The Legislature moved closer to an agreement on the Columbia River Crossing with the formation of the Joint Committee on the I-5 Bridge Replacement Project co-chaired by Sen. Bruce Starr (R-Hillsboro), Sen. Lee Beyer (D-Springfield), Rep. Cliff Bentz (R-Ontario) and Rep. Tobias Read (D-Beaverton). These co-chairs are the chief sponsors of HB 2800 which was introduced today.

Jada Rupley, Director of the Early Learning Council, released this message earlier in the week:

Dear supporter of Oregon children,

We have talked with over 1200 Oregonians through input sessions, comment periods, public meetings, and presentations on the need to integrate services across the state, ensuring our children enter kindergarten ready to succeed.

The Early Learning Council, advised by the Hub Workgroup, have developed and released the Hub Report to the Legislature. We wanted to share the report with you, and thank you for your participation and engagement throughout. The report outlines the process, characteristics, timeline, and general roadmap for Hub implementation.

Please take a second to review.

Best,

JADA RUPLEY

Director

Early Learning System

Follow @OREarlyLearning

AOC is working closely with the ELC on the transition period between the end of the local commissions and the beginning of the local "hubs."

Business Oregon is accepting applications for regular enterprise zones to be sponsored by cities, ports and counties.

There are five never-before-designated zones available under 2012 legislation, two of which must be rural, originally.

There will also be one or two enterprise zones available due to premature termination effective December 31, 2012, as yet to be confirmed. This is because more than six years will have elapsed since the zone was designated but no investment in qualified property has been completed. This statutory provision currently applies to all non-tribal enterprise zones. The sponsor of such a zone may reapply in this round or in the future.

Bike/Pedestrian Advisory Committee Seeks New Members 

The Oregon Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee is seeking new members. The eight-member committee, appointed by the governor, acts as a liaison between the public and ODOT. It advises ODOT in the regulation of bicycle and pedestrian traffic and the establishment of bikeways and walkways. Members serve four-year terms, and the makeup of the group must include:

•          An employee of a unit of local government employed in land-use planning
•          A representative of a recognized environmental group
•          A person engaged in the business of selling or repairing bicycles
•          A member designated by the Oregon Recreation Trails Advisory Council
•          At least one member under the age of 21 at the time of appointment
•          Three members at large.

The committee meets up to six times per year, with several of those meetings in locations outside of the Salem area. Throughout the year, the committee gathers input from residents, officials and ODOT Region staff as it considers bicycle and pedestrian transportation-related issues. Travel expenses are reimbursed and non-public employees qualify for a modest stipend. Upcoming work items include input on development of the new Oregon Bicycle and Pedestrian Modal Plan, ODOT's new Active Transportation Section, and the department's new intermodal policies. 

 For questions about the committee contact Sheila Lyons, ODOT Bicycle & Pedestrian Program manager, 503-986-3555.

OPRD Local Government Grant Program

Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) is announcing the opening of the 2013 Local Government Grant Program (LGGP) grant cycle. The LGGP is a State Lottery funded reimbursement grant program designed to assist agencies to provide outdoor park and recreation areas and facilities, acquisition of property for park purposes, trails, bicycle recreation opportunities, and non-motorized water-based recreation. The 2013 grant Manual and Online Grant Application are now available. 

Technical assistance workshops are scheduled for:

• Monday, February 25, 1:00-4:00 PM at Cascade Hall, Oregon State Fairgrounds, 2330 17th St NE  Salem, OR 97303
• Tuesday, February 26, 1:00-4:00 PM - Webinar 

Registrationfor workshops is required as space is limited. To register and receive workshop notification please send contact information to Mark Cowan.

Scenic Bikeways

The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department will accept applications for state designation of scenic bikeways by e-mail until March 15. Scenic bikeways are the best of the best road bicycle rides in all of Oregon and are on existing roads and paths.

Applicants are also responsible for writing and implementing a bikeway plan if the route is accepted into the program. Local involvement in the process is critical to the success of the bikeway. Any person or organization interested in applying is encouraged to contact bicycle recreation coordinator Alex Phillips or 503-986-0631.

An application consists of a proposed route and letters of support from all road jurisdictions which the route uses and other items. The handbook and application are posted at www.oregonscenicbikeways.org.