All Western legislators are members of CSG West and are invited to attend the Annual Meeting.
For all questions about the Annual Meeting, please contact csgwam@csg.org.
(Schedule as of June 14, 2024)
Tuesday, July 9
| Time | Event |
|---|---|
| 2:00-6:00 p.m. | Registration Opens Attendees are asked to check in at the registration desk to receive meeting information and credentials. |
| 3:30-5:30 p.m. | CSG West Nominating Committee (Invite Only) Based on the bipartisan rotation, the Nominating Committee will consider Democratic candidates for the 2025 vice chair position, which will rotate to the role of chair in 2027. Applicants must be members of the Executive Committee. Reach out to Edgar Ruiz to learn more. |
| 3:30-5:00 p.m. | The Oregon Legislative Commission on Indian Services and Tribal Consultation This session will inform attendees about a unique office in Oregon, the Legislative Commission on Indian Services (LCIS), and its role in maintaining the relationship between the State of Oregon and Oregon’s tribal governments. |
| 3:30-6:00 p.m. | Housing Forum: Meeting State Housing Needs Part 1: State-Level Actions: Boosting Housing Supply and Affordability Housing costs are skyrocketing nationwide, affecting renters and homeowners alike. Fast-growing regions, like the West, are creating numerous jobs but need more housing to relieve cost pressures and attract the workforce essential for continued growth. This session will focus on specific actions that state leaders can take to improve the housing supply and affordability in their communities. Part 2: Necessity Breeds Innovation The world’s most pressing problem is our call to action to collaborate and innovate. An “us and them” mentality won’t solve today’s housing crisis—unprecedented shortages in skilled labor and housing call for both conventional and modular companies to collaborate and innovate. There’s plenty of work to go around. Working together, we can innovate better ways to automate, standardize, develop new materials, and benefit from the many time-proven methods we rely on. Forty-plus-year veteran Rick Murdock shares ideas based on recent successes bringing together people and robots, as well as offsite and onsite methods. Part 3: Housing Policy: Developments and Outcomes As unprecedented housing costs continue to cause significant damage to family finances throughout the U.S. and the economy overall, states are stepping in to ease rigid land-use requirements that are a prime driver of high rents, home prices, and homelessness. Travis Plunkett with the Pew Charitable Trusts will outline the steps that states and municipalities – particularly in the West – are taking to revise zoning rules and provide the most up-to-date evidence currently available about their effectiveness.  Led by Idaho Senator Melissa Wintrow and Oregon Senator Daniel Bonham, the CSG West Housing Committee hosts this session. |
| 6:00-8:00 p.m. | Explore the Extraordinary! Welcome to Oregon Dinner Event CSG West Chair Sen. Bill Hansell, alongside Oregon host committee co-chairs Sen. Janeen Sollman and Rep. Bobby Levy, and members Sen. Daniel Bonham, Sen. Elizabeth Steiner, Rep. Ben Bowman, Rep. Lisa Reynolds will welcome legislative colleagues, experts, and guests at this extraordinary kickoff of the 77th CSG West Annual Meeting. |
| 8:00-10:00 p.m. | Networking Event–Oregon Night (Invite Only) A special event hosted by Oregon for legislators and meeting sponsors. |
Wednesday, July 10
| Time | Event |
|---|---|
| 7:15 a.m.-6:00 p.m. | Registration Open Attendees are asked to check-in at the registration desk to receive meeting information and credentials. |
| 7:30-8:15 a.m. | Opening Ceremony and Breakfast Open to all registered attendees and guests, this morning’s breakfast will feature the Annual Meeting Opening Ceremony. Following the posting of the colors, pledge of allegiance, and national anthem, CSG West Chair, Senator Bill Hansell will offer an official welcome to kick off the meeting activities. |
| 8:30-10:00 a.m. | Chairs’ Forum: Supporting Children’s Mental Health Needs Concerns about children’s mental health have been top of mind among policymakers across the Western region. These concerns include assessing existing mental health support systems and programs within states, providing adequate funding, and establishing partnerships with key institutions to meet the dramatic mental health needs of children. This session will allow policymakers to learn about innovative approaches to improving children’s mental health and various regional policy. |
| 8:30-10:00 a.m. | Strengthening Interbranch Cooperation Building lasting, effective policy solutions for our communities across the West takes coordinated efforts from all three branches of state government. For this year’s Annual Legislative Training Assembly, join Western Legislative Academy President, Representative Karlee Provenza, for an interactive panel discussion on efforts to build more streamlined channels of communication and strengthen relationships between the Wyoming Legislature, Executive Branch and Judiciary. Speakers: Wyoming Supreme Court Chief Justice, Kate Fox; Wyoming Senator Eric Barlow; Wyoming Department of Health Director, Stefan Johansson |
| 8:30-9:30 a.m. | Leveraging AI for Legislative Staff: Benefits and Challenges This session centers around initiating an open conversation with legislative staff on the inevitable integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in the workplace by exploring its practical applications, benefits, and challenges. The session will focus on the aspects of AI that most impact legislative staff on the day-to-day, such as hiring practices, job retraining, ways it could improve research and functionality, as well as address security and ethical concerns. It will also highlight successful (and perhaps, not so successful) implementations by legislative staff in other states/countries. The goal is to provide legislative staff with a better understanding of the knowledge and tools necessary to leverage AI effectively in their roles. |
| 8:30-9:20 a.m. | Decarbonizing Aviation The U.S. airline industry is on a path to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. To meet this ambitious goal, airlines like Pacific Northwest-based Alaska Airlines will require access to large amounts of affordable sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). Join Alaska to learn about the important role of SAF in aviation’s decarbonization journey and how states are using policy to advance SAF production and availability in the U.S. This Legislative Learning Lab session is sponsored by Alaska Airlines |
| 8:30-9:30 a.m. | Friends & Family Meet n’ Greet Get to know your hosts and meet fellow guests! See everything Travel Portland offers for the week ahead of you. |
| 9:30-10:20 a.m. | Reimagining Our Clean Energy Future This session will explore the ways in which natural gas utilities and their partners are deploying advanced hydrogen and carbon capture technologies. Policymakers will hear from technical experts about the innovative pilot projects already underway in the region, as well as learn how they can support leveraging these technologies to reduce emissions and address our shared decarbonization goals. This Legislative Learning Lab session is sponsored by the American Gas Association |
| 10:00-10:30 a.m. | Refreshment Break at the Capitol Connections Café A great place to connect with colleagues, the Capitol Connections Café welcomes attendees to sit, sip, and recharge between sessions. |
| 10:30-12:30 p.m. | Housing Forum: Meeting State Housing Needs Part 1: Housing Market Insights from Zillow’s Chief Economist Dr. Skylar Olsen, Zillow’s Chief Economist, will discuss economic and housing market trends, looking at both the rental and for-sale markets. She’ll provide her insights on the current affordability challenges, including opportunities to address them. The session will include time for discussion and questions from the audience. Part 2: Top Trends in Housing Innovation In this session, Hannah Gable will highlight top trends in housing innovation across construction, finance, and policy, and the most ambitious and creative startups, nonprofits, and policymakers tackling them. The session will introduce tools that public sector leaders can use to encourage and foster more housing innovation in their regions. Part 3: Tenant Protections and Housing Security Colorado Representative Junie Joseph and Washington Senator Patty Kuderer will discuss recent legislative actions concerning tenant rights and protections – offering perspectives on key steps, challenges, and successes. Led by Idaho Senator Melissa Wintrow and Oregon Senator Daniel Bonham, the CSG West Housing Committee hosts this session. |
| 10:30-11:20 a.m. | Understanding Clean Transportation Fuel Credit Markets Learn how clean fuels, made of sustainable materials such as slash, forest waste, used cooking oil, and other waste products are transforming the transportation sector. Individuals will learn about the effect that Clean Transportation Fuel Credit Markets have had along the West Coast and how this proven framework has been effective at statewide carbon reductions. This Legislative Learning Lab Session is sponsored by Neste |
| 10:30-12:30 p.m. | Trending Issues in the West Small Module Nuclear Reactors: The International Energy Agency asserts that renewables are increasing, and nuclear power is on track to reach a new all-time high next year. Where is the development of small module reactor (SMR) in the U.S. today, and how quickly will it advance? Critical Rare Minerals: Explore why rare minerals are critical to achieving the energy transition, spurring economic development, and strengthening national security.  Led by New Mexico Senator Liz Stefanics, the CSG West Westrends Board hosts this session. |
| 11:30-12:20 p.m. | Accessing Earned Wages Explore earned wage access (EWA)- an innovative financial technology that helps people save money by reducing reliance on predatory lending and other high-cost alternatives. It will specifically provide an overview of three important developments occurring in the industry: (1) recent and on-going research and user results; (2) 2024 state legislative and regulatory activity licensing EWA as its own financial product; and (3) likely 2025 state legislative and regulatory actions. This Legislative Learning Lab is sponsored by DailyPay |
| 12:30-2:15 p.m. | General Session Lunch with Keynote – Samantha Jordan Before the keynote, join us in congratulating the Fahrenkamp Award recipient. The award recognizes leaders whose legislative careers display an ability to see and work beyond the borders of their own states in the interest of the West. Samantha Jordan is a futurist on a mission to spread “plausible optimism” about the possibilities of emerging technologies. As a consultant with the Future Today Institute (FTI), a leading foresight and strategy firm founded by world-renowned futurist Amy Webb, Jordan helps organizations dissect the complexities of upcoming opportunities, while also factoring the inherent risks. Her analysis of the data and trends in the ever-changing tech landscape gets organizations unstuck and ready to develop and implement their own customized, future-focused strategies for evolving their businesses. |
| 2:30-3:20 p.m. | Reviewing the Federal 340b Program This session will provide an in-depth overview of the federal 340b program and the intended purpose of the program when it was enacted in 1992. Panelists will also discuss reforms needed to prevent further abuse of the program and allow it to better serve patients and support low income populations. This Legislative Learning Lab session is sponsored by PhRMA |
| 2:30-4:30 p.m. | Reducing Violent Crime CSG’s Justice Center will lead a conversation about concerns regarding the increase in violent crimes, and strategies for legislating more proactively. Attendees will learn about current trends and data, followed by a moderated discussion on how states in the West are addressing this uptick in violence.  Led by Alaska Senator Matt Claman and Oregon Senator David Brock Smith, and hosted by the CSG West Public Safety Committee. |
| 2:30-4:30 p.m. | Prioritizing Agricultural Needs and Innovations Part 1: Food Security While the west produces more than enough dairy, produce, grains and legumes meat and poultry to feed the nation and beyond, food security, waste and hunger remain in many communities. We will look at current programs and initiatives that aim to eliminate hunger and waste, and improve nutrition for everyone. Part 2: AI, Robotics, and Autonomous Vehicles in Agriculture With agriculture and ranching among the largest economic sectors, Western states are adopting new strategies to manage water and other inputs effectively. Experts in the field will present and share out some of the new approaches and innovative measures taken to ensure that agriculture remains strong, worker safety and workforce development align with 21st Century agriculture and ranching, and water supplies sustainable.  Led by Montana Senator Wendy McKamey and California Assemblymember Lori Wilson, and hosted by the CSG West Agriculture and Water Committee. |
| 3:30-4:20 p.m. | Improving Equity and Outcomes in Kidney Health Care Kidney disease is a global health problem disproportionately affecting minority populations. During this session, we will discuss ways to improve health equity and health outcomes for kidney patients. In addition, we will explore how dialysis fits into the overall healthcare infrastructure and discuss efforts to increase access to treatment and provide more upstream care that will prevent and/or slow progression of kidney disease to kidney failure. This Legislative Learning Lab is sponsored by Fresenius |
| 5:00-6:00 p.m. | Receptions – American Clean Power – American Gas Association – Government of Canada |
| 6:00-8:30 p.m. | Evening Event and Dinner at the World Forestry Center Located in Portland’s forested Washington Park, World Forestry Center’s Discovery Museum invites visitors to examine forests and consider all the ways they impact our lives. The dramatic 20,000-square-foot wooden building has been a Portland icon since 1971. Visitors get a bird’s-eye view of a northwest forest, explore society’s connection to the woods, and learn about the challenges and opportunities facing this critical natural resource. Through interactive and featured art exhibits, visitors can learn how the way forests are managed affects everyday lives and how they are crucial to the forestry conversation.  |
Thursday, July 11
| Time | Event |
|---|---|
| 7:30 a.m.-6:00 p.m. | Registration Open Attendees are asked to check in at the registration desk to receive meeting information and credentials. |
| 7:30-8:15 a.m. | General Breakfast Start your day of sessions with a delicious breakfast open to all registered attendees. |
| 7:30-8:15 a.m. | Leadership Coffee Talk Breakfast (invite only) |
| 8:30-10:00 a.m. | Chairs Forum: Trending Issues in Artificial Intelligence The CSG West Chair’s Forum on Artificial Intelligence (AI) will provide Western policymakers and other stakeholders an opportunity to learn about the latest applications of AI that are rapidly transforming industries and driving innovation across a wide array of fields. The session will also highlight legislative actions across Western states to address the potential misuses or unintended consequences of AI while balancing the need for technological innovation. Policymakers will learn about the latest applications of AI that are rapidly transforming industries and driving innovation across a wide array of fields. |
| 8:30-10:00 a.m. | The Pivotal Role of the Sub National Relationships Between the United States and China A senior Chinese diplomat will illustrate the importance and vitality of the sub national relations between CSG West members and China. What can be accomplished in a changing world. |
| 8:30-9:20 a.m. | Addressing the Health Care Affordability Crisis As health care spending nears one-fifth of the American economy, finding solutions to address rising health care costs is a priority among policymakers regardless of the state’s political landscape. This legislative learning lab will provide lawmakers an overview of the different strategies states are taking to address rising costs. This session will highlight various cost containment strategies including cost growth initiatives set by Oregon and Washington and other policy solutions to encourage competition, promote transparency, and advance access to affordable health care. This Legislative Learning Lab is sponsored by Regence Blue Cross Blue Shield of Oregon |
| 9:30-10:20 a.m. | Treating the Chronic Disease of Obesity Learn how the stigma and bias associated with overweight and obesity precludes patients from getting needed treatments. Hear about the science of obesity, the comorbidities resulting from a lack of treatment, and the tools available to treat the mother of all chronic diseases. Understand the significant costs associated with failing to provide treatment options to patients in a manner consistent with all other chronic diseases. Get ready to learn and to check your bias! This Legislative Learning Lab session is sponsored by Novo Nordisk |
| 10:00-10:30 a.m. | Refreshment Break at the Capitol Connections Café A great place to connect with colleagues, the Capitol Connections Café welcomes attendees to sit, sip, and recharge between sessions. |
| 10:30-11:20 a.m. | Enabling Right to Repair Right to Repair legislation, whereby consumers have the right to directly or select a service provider to repair their devices instead of returning them to a manufacturer, is being introduced throughout the US and within the EU. In February, the Oregon Legislature passed comprehensive Right to Repair legislation with broad, bipartisan support. This session will highlight how proponents worked with the tech industry and the business community to better protect intellectual property, ensure consumer privacy and address anti-consumer practices that hinder access to repair. This Legislative Learning Lab session is sponsored by Google |
| 10:30-12:30 p.m. | Strengthening the Canada-U.S. Relationship Created three years ago, attendees will revisit The Roadmap for a Renewed U.S.-Canada Partnership, a shared plan to collaborate on several shared issues such as climate, health, defense, security, and diversity and inclusion. Participants will also discuss the current state of transboundary water management and unpack the international mechanisms of water governance.  Led by Alberta MLA Grant Hunter, the Canada Relations Committee hosts this session. |
| 10:30-12:30 p.m. | Legislating for Employee Wellness and Success As collective stress, burnout, and other behavioral health challenges continue to increase throughout the U.S. population, approaches are evolving to address these challenges. Workplace behavioral health company, R3 Continuum, noted in its 2024 Workplace Behavioral Health Trends report that “behavioral health support in the workplace is no longer an option but an imperative. Workers need and expect more support from their employers, and a mentally healthy organizational culture contributes to retention, recruitment, and overall performance.”  Led by Nevada Senator Rochelle Nguyen, the CSG West Health Committee hosts this session. |
| 11:30-12:20 p.m. | Connecting the Unconnected The once-in-a-generation investment in broadband presents a unique opportunity to chart the path of connectivity in our states. In this session, we discuss approaches to ensuring broadband networks are meaningfully deployed and adopted to maximize long-term sustainability and success, including digital equity and skills-training initiatives. Our goal is to spotlight best practices to help accelerate connecting the unconnected. This Legislative Learning Lab session is sponsored by the Oregon Cable and Telecommunications Association |
| 12:30-1:30 p.m. | Lunch Open lunch to all registered attendees. |
| 12:30-1:30 p.m. | Private Sector Forum (Invite Only) The Private Sector Forum joins invited public and private sector representatives to discuss CSG West programs and services as well as engage on ways to marshal private sector support of the organization’s mission. |
| 12:30-1:30 p.m. | WLA Focus Group (Invite Only) |
| 1:30-5:30 p.m. | Policy Tours Policy tours will provide an opportunity to experience hands-on facilities and innovations in the Portland area for a greater understanding of specific issues and/or industries. Oregon Beverage Recycling Cooperative: Small deposit. BIG return. Depart: 1:45 p.m. Return: 4:30 p.m. Oregon’s first-in-the-nation Bottle Bill established an industry-responsibility program to curb beverage container litter and improve recycling outcomes. Oregon’s system has evolved over the past five decades but remains the most convenient system in the United States with the highest redemption rate in the nation. It’s no accident that 9 of the 10 top recycling states have adopted deposit-return-systems for beverage containers. The Oregon Beverage Recycling Cooperative (OBRC) serves as the industry steward operating Oregon’s system, and their Clackamas processing plant is a “Willy Wonka” experience for recycling enthusiasts! On this tour, you’ll learn about the evolution of Oregon’s Bottle Bill and will get a behind the scenes look at some of the technological advancements that make Oregon’s system so successful. Did you find the golden ticket? Oregon Manufacturing Innovation Center (OMIC) & Portland Community College (PCC) OMIC Training Center Depart: 1:30 p.m. Return: 5:30 p.m. OMIC R&D is one of five designated Oregon Centers of Innovation and leads in additive and advanced manufacturing. OMIC R&D is a collaborative composed of 3 research university members and 37 industry members from five countries and across the United States, develops cutting-edge, innovative solutions that allow manufacturers to advance. OMIC R&D inspires and educates the next generation of manufacturing professionals and develops new approaches to learning. The Portland Community College (PCC)/OMIC Training Center, part of the Oregon Manufacturing Innovation Center initiative, unites industry, academia, and government to solve problems facing Oregon manufacturers through applied research, development, and workforce training. This collaborative model fosters innovative technologies and a skilled workforce for advanced manufacturing jobs. The Training Center offers various programs, from traditional technical education to apprenticeships combining on-the-job training with classroom instruction. Emphasizing craftsmanship, professionalism, and job placement, students can earn an apprenticeship, associate’s degree, or certificate leading to an advanced degree. Oregon Beer & Wine Distributors Association – Embark on The Oregon Beverage Trail Depart: 1:30 p.m. Return: 4:45 p.m. Limited to 21+ years of age with valid I.D. Oregon is home to 400 breweries, 1,000 wineries, 1,300 vineyards, 70 cideries, 100 distilleries, 73 distributors and 10,000 restaurants, creating hundreds of thousands of good-paying jobs, several billion dollars in wages and more than $17 billion in economic activity for the state. Learn about the birth of Oregon’s iconic craft beverage industry and what makes it successful today. The tour includes presentations from local wineries, cideries, breweries, distributors and their hospitality partners and a chance to taste the beverages that put Oregon on the map. Genentech’s Commitment to Oregon, Commitment to Patients Depart: 1:45 p.m. Return: 4:30 p.m. Limited to legislators only. Must have valid I.D. Join Genentech for a roundtable discussion and a day in the life at Access Solutions in Portland – one of three Genentech Facilities in Oregon where there are approximately 900 employees between the two locations. In 2022, Genentech was named one of the top 5 “Best Places to Work” in Oregon.” We are an established & committed employer with a growing and diverse Oregon workforce. Access Solutions was opened in 2019 in the Lloyd Center and serves as the biotech company’s resource for patients and providers across the United States, to assist with patient support services; disease education; understanding insurance; and access to medicines. Additionally, tour participants will learn about Genentech’s Patient Foundation (https://www.gene.com/patients/patient-foundation). New PDX Main Terminal – Mass Timber Roof Depart: 2:00 p.m. Return: 4:30 p.m. Requires I.D. and valid email address for TSA screening. Take a sneak peak of the new PDX Main Terminal. Behind this $2 billion investment is a commitment to sustainability, shared prosperity, earthquake resilience and traveler wellbeing. The centerpiece is a stunning, 400,000 square foot mass timber roof that pays homage to the Pacific Northwest’s rich natural beauty while also highlighting Oregon’s growing wood innovation sector. |
| 5:30-6:30 p.m. | –Leadership Excellence for Nonpartisan Staff (LENS) Reception (invite only) –Western Legislative Academy Alumni Reception |
| 5:30-7:00 p.m. | Finding and Fine-Tuning Your Leadership Style Join Women In Government for an interactive discussion with western legislative leaders about different paths to serving as an effective leader. Whether serving in a formal leadership role in your caucus or chamber or becoming the kind of legislator that others look to for guidance and direction, you will benefit from this conversation about ways to channel your personal leadership philosophy into practical tools and techniques. Following the dialogue, attendees are invited to “Wind Down with WIG” during a short reception. |
| 8:30-10:00 p.m. | SGAC Late Night Event Join our friends of the State Government Affairs Council for a late-night reception. |
Friday, July 12
| 7:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m. | Registration Open Attendees are asked to check in at the registration desk to receive meeting information and credentials. |
| 7:30-8:30 a.m. | Breakfast Grab a tasty breakfast before sessions! Open to all registered attendees. |
| 8:00-10:00 a.m. | Improving Legislative Oversight Lawmakers will share oversight ideas, roadblocks, and successes from their respective states. This feedback will inform a working group on the next steps for updating the Western Legislative Oversight Handbook, which serves as a quick reference and list of resources for best practice. The group will also hear a real-life success story from Oregon State Senator Sara Gelser Blouin, the 2021 recipient of the Carl Levin Award for Effective Oversight. To conclude, members will take what they learned from the success story and determine what they can use to supplement the previous discussion on updating the handbook for more effective use. Led by Utah Senator Todd Weiler, and hosted by the CSG West Legislative Oversight Working Group.  |
| 8:30-10:00 a.m. | Chairs Forum: Safeguarding the West from Wildfires The wildfire crisis in the United States is urgent, severe, and far reaching. Wildfire is no longer simply a land management problem. The drivers of wildfire crisis are numerous and complex and influenced by multiple forces and factors at all scales. Catastrophic wildfires are posing ever-greater threats to human lives, livelihoods, and public safety. This session will address critical issues that policymakers are tackling in their states, including the protection and sustainability of forests and critical infrastructure. |
| 8:30-9:20 a.m. | Boosting Housing Supply and Affordability The cost of housing has skyrocketed across the country for both renters and homeowners. Fast-growing regions like the West that are creating large numbers of new jobs need more housing supply to alleviate those cost pressures for existing residents, while ensuring they can continue to attract the workforce needed to remain competitive and support strong growth. This session will focus on the role of the states and the specific actions that state leaders can take to improve the housing supply and affordability in their communities. This Legislative Learning Lab session is sponsored by The Network |
| 8:30-12:30 p.m. | Leadership Excellence for Nonpartisan Staff Workshop 1 (invite only) CSG West in partnership with The Robert D. and Billie Ray Center at Drake University, offers these workshops for nonpartisan staff aimed at strengthening legislative institutions and providing the next generation of leadership with foundational skills and a network of colleagues. |
| 10:00-10:30 a.m. | Refreshment Break at the Capitol Connections Café A great place to connect with colleagues, the Capitol Connections Café welcomes attendees to sit, sip, and recharge between sessions. |
| 10:30-11:20 a.m. | Capacity Building Innovations in Health and Human Services The need for health and human services by constituents has grown in unprecedented ways throughout the pandemic, while workforce shortages continue to challenge state employees who are doing their best to meet demand. We endeavor to share and discuss ways we can accelerate ways to build capacity to serve the needs of our beloved residents in our respective US Western States. This Legislative Learning Lab session is sponsored by Deloitte |
| 10:30-12:30 p.m. | Approaching Student Achievement Beyond Academics Part 1: BARR: A Comprehensive, K-12 Strengths-Based Approach to Boosting Student Achievement BARR is a K-12 coaching and training partner with a quarter-century track record of raising student math and reading scores, decreasing chronic absenteeism, increasing teacher satisfaction and retention, and decreasing student disciplinary incidents and suspensions. It is the first and only school improvement intervention to successfully climb the three tiers of evidence required under the U.S. Department of Education’s Investing in Innovation (i3) program with 20 areas of statistically significant outcomes for students and educators. Part 2: Examining Idaho LAUNCH: Connecting Students with In-Demand Careers Idaho has committed $75 million per year to help high school students go-on to postsecondary education, aligned with in-demand careers, in a unique offering that includes public and private, traditional and non-traditional offerings. Idaho Representative Lori McCann will discuss the implementation of Idaho LAUNCH, providing a sneak peek into how the program may be attracting a diverse pool of high school seniors to obtain the training needed to support Idaho’s rapidly growing economy.  Led by Colorado Representative Cathy Kipp and Idaho Representative Lori McCann and hosted by the CSG West Education Committee. |
| 10:30-12:30 p.m. | Managing Energy and the Environment Across the West Part 1: Energy Financing Utilities and states are grappling with the rising costs of maintaining and modernizing energy infrastructure, protecting communities from wildfires and other extreme weather events. Financing these critical functions cannot be borne by ratepayers alone. Energy costs and price volatility would create hardships across the West, especially for low and fixed-income households. Legislators will hear how securitization addresses these financing and cost recovery challenges while minimizing impacts on families, small businesses and producers in their states. Part 2: Producer Responsibility States are looking to extend producer responsibility laws and programs as one new approach to managing waste in our food supply chain.  Led by Wyoming Senator Eric Barlow and Hawaii Representative Nicole Lowen and hosted by the CSG West Energy & Environment Committee. |
| 11:30-12:20 p.m. | Organizing Workers in New Ways Policymakers will gain insights into the impacts of new forms of worker organization, such as California’s Fast Food changes and Minnesota’s Long Term Care Board, and how states can create worker organization that helps stabilize traditionally low-income jobs without creating unfair competition. This Legislative Learning Lab is sponsored by SEIU |
| 12:30-2:15 p.m. | General Session Lunch with Keynote – Daniel James Brown Before the keynote kicks off, help us also congratulate the SCAG Chair’s Award recipient, the LENS graduating class of 2023, and look out for some exciting information about Annual Meeting 2025. Daniel James Brown is The New York Times bestselling author of The Boys in the Boat: Nine Americans and Their Epic Quest for Gold at the 1936 Berlin Olympics, now being made into a movie directed by George Clooney and Grant Heslov. Brown’s other books include Under a Flaming Sky: The Great Hinckley Firestorm of 1894, which traces the personal stories and social, economic, and environmental causes of the Great Hinkley Fire, The Indifferent Stars Above: The Harrowing Saga of a Donner Party Bride, which follows the footsteps of Sarah Graves, a young bride who left her home in Illinois in the spring of 1846, only to become one of a handful of the ill-fated Donner Party members who attempted to hike out of the Sierra Nevada to save herself and her family, and his second New York Times bestseller, Facing the Mountain: A True Story of Japanese American Heroes in World War ll, a gripping World War II saga of patriotism, highlighting the contributions and sacrifices that Japanese immigrants and their American-born children made for the sake of the nation. |
| 2:45-4:30 p.m. | Executive Committee Session |
| 2:30-4:00 p.m. | Ensuring Safe, Secure, and Transparent Elections The 2024 General Election is in a few short months, and elections officials are ready. Hear how election officials have provided training and support to protect election security and officials. You will also receive a briefing from security experts on what they are anticipating in the run up to the election and how the entire election community is working to ensure safe, secure, transparent elections this November. |
| 2:30-4:30 p.m. | Leadership Excellence for Nonpartisan Staff Workshop 2 (invite only) CSG West in partnership with The Robert D. and Billie Ray Center at Drake University, offers these workshops for nonpartisan staff aimed at strengthening legislative institutions and providing the next generation of leadership with foundational skills and a network of colleagues. |
| 5:00-6:00 p.m. | 2025 Annual Meeting Wyoming Kick-Off Reception CSG West Chair-Elect, Wyoming Representative Mike Yin, invites you to kick off the 2025 Annual Meeting, scheduled for September 2025 in Jackson. |
| 6:00-8:30 p.m. | Evening Event and Dinner at the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) Join us for the last evening event with a dinner at the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI). OMSI wants to help you explore the connections between the big wide world and our individual impacts. Attendees will have a chance to explore the Turbine Hall, where there is an amazing Tyrannosaurs exhibit, and even experience a Submarine Tour!  |
Sessions are open to all registered attendees unless otherwise noted.