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• Oregon's Transportation Issues: What's Driving Them

  • When
    26 Mar 2026
  •  
    12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
  • Location
    Willamette Heritage Center, Dye House, 1313 Mill St Salem Oregon, 97301

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  A major focus of Oregon's transportation debate is the legislative process behind the state's current transportation funding bill.  Lawmakers have been working to address a growing funding gap for road maintenance, transit and other critical infrastructure needs across the state.  The proposed package includes potential increases to revenue sources such as the gas tax, vehicle registration fees, and other transportation related funding mechanisms.  As the bill moves through the legislative process, it has prompted significant discussion among policymakers, industry leaders, and community stakeholders about how to best fund and maintain Oregon's transportation system.

  
  

  On Thursday March 26th, Salem City Club will sponsor an in-depth look at the infrastructure status of the Oregon transportation system, including the complicated relationships with the legislative and public policy processes.  How can we understand the upcoming transportation-related referendum on the May 2026 ballot?  How does this affect both rural and urban Oregon?  Join us as we host Rick Metsger, certainly one of the most qualified persons in the State to offer an informed overview and discussion of these and other related important transportation issues.

  
  

  Rick Metsger

  Vice President, Legislative and Public Affairs, PacWest Lobby Group

  
  

  Rick Metsger was an award-winning print and broadcast journalist prior to serving in the Oregon Senate from 1999-2011, where he served as the Senate Pro Tempore and chair of the key Business and Transportation Committee.  He then served as the Chairman of the National Credit Union Administration in Washington D.C. for both the Obama and Trump Administrations.  He now serves as Vice President of Legislative and Public Affairs for the PacWest Lobby Group, where he maintains a strong consulting and advising role in legislative affairs and transportation, along with many other duties.

  
  

  
  

  Event Details:

  Doors open at 11:30

  Program starts at 12:00

  Show details