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.
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…
Read More »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…
Read More »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…
Read More »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…
Read More »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…
Read More »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…
Read More »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…
Read More »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…
Read More »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…
Read More »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…
Read More »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…
Read More »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…
Read More »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…
Read More »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…
Read More »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…
Read More »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…
Read More »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…
Read More »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…
Read More »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. …
Read More »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…
Read More »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…
Read More »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…
Read More »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…
Read More »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…
Read More »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…
Read More »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…
Read More »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…
Read More »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.…
Read More »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…
Read More »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…
Read More »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…
Read More »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…
Read More »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…
Read More »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…
Read More »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…
Read More »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…
Read More »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. …
Read More »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…
Read More »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…
Read More »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…
Read More »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…
Read More »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…
Read More »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…
Read More »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…
Read More »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…
Read More »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…
Read More »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…
Read More »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…
Read More »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…
Read More »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…
Read More »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…
Read More »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…
Read More »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…
Read More »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…
Read More »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…
Read More »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. …
Read More »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…
Read More »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…
Read More »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…
Read More »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…
Read More »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…
Read More »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…
Read More »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…
Read More »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…
Read More »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…
Read More »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,…
Read More »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…
Read More »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…
Read More »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…
Read More »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…
Read More »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…
Read More »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…
Read More »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.…
Read More »$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,…
Read More »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…
Read More »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…
Read More »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…
Read More »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…
Read More »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…
Read More »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…
Read More »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…
Read More »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…
Read More »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…
Read More »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…
Read More »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…
Read More »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…
Read More »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…
Read More »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.…
Read More »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…
Read More »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…
Read More »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…
Read More »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…
Read More »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…
Read More »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…
Read More »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…
Read More »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…
Read More »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…
Read More »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…
Read More »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…
Read More »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…
Read More »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…
Read More »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,…
Read More »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.…
Read More »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…
Read More »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…
Read More »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…
Read More »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…
Read More »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…
Read More »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…
Read More »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…
Read More »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…
Read More »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…
Read More »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…
Read More »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…
Read More »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…
Read More »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…
Read More »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…
Read More »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…
Read More »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…
Read More »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…
Read More »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…
Read More »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…
Read More »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…
Read More »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. …
Read More »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. …
Read More »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.…
Read More »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…
Read More »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…
Read More »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…
Read More »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…
Read More »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…
Read More »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…
Read More »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…
Read More »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…
Read More »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…
Read More »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.…
Read More »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…
Read More »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…
Read More »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…
Read More »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…
Read More »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…
Read More »Portland, OR—Announcement includes Deputy Chief of Staff, General Counsel, and Directors to Lead Communications, Legislative Affairs and Racial Justice Work Portland, OR — Today Governor-Elect Tina Kotek announced several senior staff…
Read More »Salem, OR—[Salem, OR] Today Tina Kotek was sworn in as the 39th Governor of the State of Oregon. After taking the oath of office, Governor Kotek delivered her inaugural address before a Joint Session of the Oregon Legislative Assembly. In…
Read More »Salem, OR—Media availability to be held on Tuesday, Kotek’s first full day in office [Salem, OR] - Tina Kotek will be sworn in as the 39th Governor of the State of Oregon on Monday, January 9, 2023. Chief Justice Meagan A. Flynn will…
Read More »Salem, OR—Governor Kate Brown today announced five appointments to fill judicial vacancies, all effective January 1, 2023. The Governor appointed Judge Stephen Bushong and Judge Bronson James to the Oregon Supreme Court, Judge Megan Jacquot to…
Read More »State of Oregon Ultimate Gift Guide 2022 State agencies offer an ultimate gift guide. Check out these last minute gift ideas! Read More How Indigenous Communities are Reclaiming Knowledge and Relationships to First Foods in Southern Oregon …
Read More »Salem, OR—Governor Kate Brown today issued an order that remitted uncollected court fines and fees associated with certain traffic violation cases that resulted in debt-based driver’s license suspensions. This action creates a path for…
Read More »Salem, OR—Governor Kate Brown issued the following statement today, after the U.S. Senate confirmed President Biden's appointment of Oregon Department of Agriculture Director Alexis Taylor as the Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign…
Read More »Salem, OR—Governor Kate Brown announced today that she will appoint judges to the Jackson and Klamath County Circuit Courts. Governor Brown will appoint Jeremy Markiewicz to the Jackson County Circuit Court to fill the vacancy created by Judge…
Read More »Salem, OR—Governor Kate Brown today announced that she will use her executive clemency powers to commute the sentences of the 17 individuals on Oregon’s death row to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole. “I have…
Read More »Salem, OR—Governor Kate Brown today is exercising her executive authority under ORS Chapter 401 in response to a surge of adult and pediatric cases and hospitalizations of respiratory viruses––including Respiratory Syncytial Virus…
Read More »Salem, OR—Governor Kate Brown today ordered all flags at Oregon public institutions to be flown at half-staff in honor of National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day from sunrise to sunset on Wednesday, Dec. 7. "We benefit every day from the…
Read More »Governor Kate Brown Signs Agreement to Continue Building Trade Partnerships at Vietnam-U.S. Trade Forum 2022 The Governor led Oregon's trade mission to Vietnam this month, focused on opportunities to promote trade, exports, education, and…
Read More »Salem, OR—Governor Kate Brown today ordered all flags at Oregon public institutions to be flown at half-staff until sunset today, November 29, in honor and remembrance of United States Representative Donald McEachin. "I was saddened to learn…
Read More »Salem , OR—Governor Kate Brown today announced a pardon for prior Oregon offenses of simple possession of marijuana, an act that will impact an estimated 45,000 individuals across the state and forgive more than $14,000,000 in associated fines…
Read More »Salem, OR—(posted from Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam) –– At the opening of the Vietnam-U.S. Trade Forum 2022 on Thursday, Governor Kate Brown signed a memorandum of understanding with Vice Minister Do Thang Hai of the Ministry of…
Read More »Salem, OR—(posted from Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam) — Governor Kate Brown today issued the following statement on the state’s November revenue forecast: "Our latest revenue forecast shows that, thanks to the continued fiscally…
Read More »Salem, OR— (posted from Hanoi, Vietnam) — Governor Kate Brown today is exercising her executive authority under ORS Chapter 401 in response to a surge of pediatric cases and hospitalizations of respiratory viruses, including Respiratory…
Read More »Salem, OR—Governor Kate Brown today announced details of her upcoming travel to Vietnam to attend the Vietnam-U.S. Trade Forum 2022. The Governor will be in Vietnam from November 11 - 18, 2022. While there, she will promote trade, exports,…
Read More »Governor Kate Brown Promotes Trade, Tourism, and Foreign Investment in Trade Mission to South Korea and Japan The Governor led Oregon's trade mission to Asia this month, focused on opportunities to expand exports, investments, and tourism as…
Read More »Salem, OR—(posted from Tokyo, Japan) –– Governor Kate Brown today finished her trade mission to Asia after several days of productive meetings in Japan, with a focus on expanding Oregon’s semiconductor industry, agricultural…
Read More »Salem, OR—(From Tokyo, Japan) — Governor Kate Brown today finished several days of trade meetings in South Korea, with a focus on expanding Oregon’s agricultural exports, identifying opportunities for Oregon businesses to…
Read More »Salem, OR—(From Seoul, South Korea) — Governor Kate Brown announced today that she intends to fill a judicial vacancy on the Oregon Supreme Court created by the planned retirement of Chief Justice Martha Walters. The Governor thanked the…
Read More »Salem, OR—Governor Kate Brown announced today that she is accepting applications for a judicial vacancy on the Multnomah County Circuit Court created by the planned retirement of Judge Eric Bloch. The Governor thanked Judge Bloch for his…
Read More »Salem, OR—Governor Kate Brown today announced her intention to use the pending, previously announced appellate judicial appointment process to build a pool of candidates that the Governor can draw from to fill any further vacancies that may…
Read More »Salem, OR—Governor Kate Brown today announced details of Oregon’s upcoming trade mission to South Korea and Japan, focused on promoting foreign investment and business expansion in Oregon as the two countries reopen fully to tourism,…
Read More »Salem, OR—Governor Kate Brown today ordered all flags at Oregon public institutions to be flown at half-staff from sunrise to sunset on Sunday, October 9 in recognition of National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Day. "Firefighting is often…
Read More »San Francisco, CA—In the latest of several climate agreements among Pacific Coast governments, Oregon, California, Washington, and British Columbia signed a new partnership today recommitting the region to climate action. The Statement of…
Read More »Salem, OR—Governor Kate Brown announced today that she is accepting applications for a judicial vacancy on the Jackson County Circuit Court created by the planned retirement of Judge Lorenzo A. Mejia. The Governor thanked Judge Mejia for his…
Read More »Salem, OR—Governor Kate Brown announced today she is accepting applications to fill a vacancy on the Oregon Supreme Court created by the upcoming retirement of Justice Thomas Balmer. The Governor thanked Justice Balmer for his dedicated…
Read More »Oregonians Advised to Continue Practicing Wildfire Prevention as Weather Changes The Oregon Department of Forestry wants to remind all Oregonians that even with the weather transitioning to fall, fire season is still in effect. Oregon continues to…
Read More »Salem, OR—Governor Kate Brown today announced that she has dedicated $3.3 million for school safety and violence prevention throughout Oregon. The funding will come from federal Governor’s Emergency Education Relief Fund (GEER) dollars,…
Read More »Hermiston, OR—Governor Kate Brown today joined the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Administrator Chiquita Brooks-LaSure to announce that Oregon will receive $1.1 billion in new federal funds to address the health-related…
Read More »Salem, OR—Governor Kate Brown this week visited wind and solar energy sites that are putting Oregon on track to having 100% clean electricity, reducing carbon emissions, and growing Oregon’s clean energy economy. "Under my…
Read More »Salem, OR—Governor Kate Brown announced today that she is extending the application deadline for the previously announced Klamath County District Attorney vacancy. Interested applicants should address their completed application forms to…
Read More »Salem, OR—Governor Kate Brown today requested that the Legislature approve $2 million to help the residents of the City of Wallowa recover from damage sustained in August’s devastating hailstorm. “This community has been left…
Read More »Salem, OR—Governor Kate Brown today appeared before the House Interim Committee on Economic Development and Small Business to urge support of the recommendations brought forward by the Oregon Semiconductor Competitiveness Task Force, which she…
Read More »Salem, OR—Governor Kate Brown announced today that she is accepting applications for a judicial vacancy on the Klamath County Circuit Court created by the planned retirement of Judge Dan Bunch. The Governor thanked Judge Bunch for his…
Read More »Milwaukee, OR—As students across the state return for a new school year, Governor Kate Brown visited two schools today that are taking innovative approaches to addressing student health and wellness, in addition to academic success. The…
Read More »Salem, OR—Governor Kate Brown announced today that she is inviting applications for the position of Klamath County District Attorney, to fill a vacancy occasioned by District Attorney Eve Costello’s resignation, which will be effective…
Read More »Salem, OR—Governor Kate Brown issued the following statement today on her request to President Joseph R. Biden, Jr., to approve a federal emergency declaration for the State of Oregon — under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and…
Read More »Salem, OR—Governor Kate Brown today joined the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Administrator Chiquita Brooks-LaSure to announce the approval of a Medicaid state plan amendment (SPA) for Oregon to provide qualifying…
Read More »Portland, OR—Governor Kate Brown invoked the Emergency Conflagration Act this afternoon as a preemptive measure in response to the Cedar Creek Fire burning in the National Forest east of the community of Oakridge in Lane County. This…
Read More »Portland, OR—Governor Kate Brown ordered that flags flying at half-staff at all public institutions throughout Oregon on Sunday, September 11 shall also honor Patriot Day. “Twenty-one years later, September 11 remains a day we will…
Read More »Salem, OR—Governor Kate Brown today provided an update on how the state and partners are preparing and responding to the wildfire situation in Oregon. She was joined by Oregon Department of Forestry Fire Chief Mike Shaw, Oregon State Chief…
Read More »Salem, OR—Governor Kate Brown today invoked the Emergency Conflagration Act in response to the Sturgill Fire burning south of the community of Lostine in Wallowa County. This declaration allows the Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM) to…
Read More »Double Creek Fire is burning 10,000 acres in Wallowa County Salem, OR—Governor Kate Brown today invoked the Emergency Conflagration Act in response to the Double Creek Fire burning near the community of Imnaha in Wallowa County. This…
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