Each year, the CSG West chair selects topics that highlight important issues facing Western states. The Chair’s Forums address emerging issues and engage policymakers on their states’ respective approaches and offer an opportunity to learn of innovations that improve legislation and regional outcomes.

On behalf of the 2024 CSG West Chair, Oregon Senator Bill Hansell, we are excited to present this year’s Chair’s Forums!

Children's Mental Health

WEDNESDAY, JULY 10 | 8:30-10:00 A.M.

Concerns about children’s mental health have been top of mind among policymakers across the Western regions. This includes 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 offer policymakers the opportunity to learn about innovative approaches to improving children’s mental health and various policy approaches across the region.

Trends in Artificial Intelligence (AI)

THURSDAY, JULY 11 | 8:30-10:00 A.M.

Policymakers will 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.

Wildfire Management

FRIDAY, JULY 12 | 8:30-10:00 A.M.

The Western region has experienced frequent and intense wildfires in recent years, which pose a significant danger to lives and property. This session will address key issues that policymakers are tackling in their states, including protection and sustainability of forests and aging utility infrastructure.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Confronting the Affordability Crisis: CSG West to Convene Housing Forum During 2024 Annual Meeting

TUESDAY, JULY 9 | 3:00 – 5:30 P.M.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 10 | 10:30 A.M. – 12:30 P.M.

The housing affordability crisis is among the most important issues facing policymakers across the country. In the Western region, state and local government officials have been working diligently to meet their states’ housing needs. This includes the passage of a flurry of legislation in recent years aimed at, among other things, speeding up the permitting and construction processes for new housing, removing administrative and zoning barriers to support affordable housing, streamlining environmental review, and funding a litany of programs to support vulnerable citizens in their communities. These efforts are also being complemented at the federal level with significant infrastructure investments.

In response to the urgency of these issues, CSG West is pleased to announce it will host its first Housing Forum, which will be led by the Housing Committee. Convening July 9-10 during the 2024 Annual Meeting in Portland, Oregon, the forum will provide policymakers and other stakeholders an opportunity to engage in substantive dialogue about relevant housing issues and needs, learn what strategies and programs have worked well, and discuss policies which have encountered challenges. The forum will include experts and panel discussions among western legislators who are steeped in these efforts. Moreover, the forum is aimed at serving as a launching point for ongoing, multi-year focus and engagement on housing issues.

Additional details are forthcoming! If you are interested in participating as a presenter – or, are a legislator interested in joining the forum panel – please contact Jonathan Lennartz at jlennartz@csg.org.

Have you checked out our new 2024 CSG West Annual Meeting Brochure? Click above for details about the Explore the Extraordinary program planned for the 77th CSG West Annual Meeting, July 9-12, in Portland, Oregon.

LEADERSHIP

APPLY OR NOMINATE TODAY:

CSG 20 Under 40 Leadership Award

Applications and nominations are open for the 2022 CSG 20 Under 40 Leadership Award. This annual recognition honors the outstanding work of 20 up-and-coming elected and appointed officials from across the country who not only exemplify strong leadership skills but have also demonstrated a true commitment to serving the citizens of their state or territory.

Below, learn more about the award criteria, past award recipients, and how to nominate or apply. Application materials are due by end of business on Thursday, August 1.

CSG 20 UNDER 40

UPCOMING DATES

May 1: Deadline for Western Legislative Academy applications.

May 1: Deadline for Toll Fellowship applications.

July 9-12: 77th CSG West Annual Meeting - Portland, Oregon

CSG West is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization serving western state legislatures. All active legislators are considered members of our organization and included in organizational correspondence regarding news and events. While we hope you find this information of use, we also understand the need for a tidy inbox. If you do not wish to receive email updates from us, please unsubscribe below to be removed from our email list.