(1) The Regional Solutions Program is established within the office of the Governor, in collaboration with state agencies, consisting of regional solutions centers described in subsection (2) of this section, regional solutions teams described in subsection (3) of this section and regional solutions advisory committees described in subsection (4) of this section. The program shall work with state agencies, local governments, public and private entities, philanthropic organizations and academic institutions, as appropriate, to develop and coordinate regional implementation projects, identify regional priorities for community and economic development, address issues and seize opportunities.

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(2) The Regional Solutions Program includes regional solutions centers located throughout this state. The centers provide a physical location for, and serve as the primary place for the business and operations of, the regional solutions teams and the regional solutions advisory committees.

(3)(a) Each regional solutions team shall include a regional solutions coordinator and staff. Staff may include, but is not limited to, employees and representatives of the following state agencies:

(A) The Department of Environmental Quality;

(B) The Department of Land Conservation and Development;

(C) The Department of Transportation;

(D) The Housing and Community Services Department;

(E) The Oregon Business Development Department; and

(F) Other state agencies identified by the regional solutions coordinator and the regional solutions advisory committee to participate as necessary.

(b) Regional solutions teams shall operate in conjunction and consultation with regional solutions advisory committees.

(c) Regional solutions teams shall address community and economic development by working to address regional issues, priorities and opportunities and leveraging funding opportunities for sound and long-term economic growth.

(d) The directors and staff of the state agencies listed in paragraph (a) of this subsection and natural resource agencies shall work with regional solutions coordinators and regional solutions teams to fulfill regional priorities, in coordination with the office of the Governor.

(e) Regional solutions teams shall review and evaluate regional implementation project proposals submitted in consultation with regional solutions advisory committees.

(f) In considering, reviewing or undertaking regional implementation project proposals or projects that involve significant environmental issues, regional solutions coordinators shall convene all affected stakeholders with the assistance of the Oregon Consensus Program established within the Mark O. Hatfield School of Government for the purpose of providing alternative dispute resolution services to seek to resolve disputed issues, if any.

(4)(a) A regional solutions advisory committee shall be appointed for each region. Each committee shall consist of a minimum of five members appointed by the Governor, and serving at the pleasure of the Governor, as follows:

(A) One local convenor who represents the region, who shall serve as chairperson of the committee;

(B) One representative recommended by the executive body of the Association of Oregon Counties;

(C) One representative recommended by the executive body of the League of Oregon Cities;

(D) One person who represents local and regional business and industry interests; and

(E) One person who represents philanthropic organizations.

(b) Regional solutions advisory committees shall:

(A) Establish regional priorities for community and economic development in the region;

(B) Assist regional solutions coordinators and regional solutions teams with obtaining, and connecting to, resources and funding; and

(C) Consider, review and recommend regional implementation project proposals.

(c) In considering, reviewing and recommending regional implementation project proposals under this subsection, regional solutions advisory committees shall consider whether the project proposal seeks to address the state’s economically, socially and environmentally sustainable goals and objectives described in ORS § 184.423.

(d) Members of the regional solutions advisory committees are not entitled to compensation for the performance of official duties and responsibilities.

(e) The regional solutions coordinators and regional solutions teams shall provide staff to the regional solutions advisory committees as necessary to allow the committees to carry out the provisions of paragraph (b) of this subsection. [2014 c.82 § 3]

[1987 c.911 1,2; 1989 c.501 § 1; 1997 c.631 § 434; repealed by 2005 c.80 § 7]

[1987 c.911 § 4; 1997 c.631 § 435; repealed by 2005 c.80 § 7]

[1987 c.911 § 5; 1997 c.631 § 436; repealed by 2005 c.80 § 7]

[1987 c.911 § 6; repealed by 2005 c.80 § 7]

EASTERN OREGON BORDER ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT REGION