On January 30, the Government and Community Relations team reported to the University of Oregon Alumni Association (UOAA) Board of Directors on their ongoing projects going into this critical year. With the 2025 state legislative session and the 119th Congress underway, there are critical UO priorities that are at stake.
At the state level, new elected officials in the legislature and holding the offices of Secretary of State, Attorney General, and State Treasurer have provided new opportunities for collaboration going forward. The biggest priority going into this session is addressing the unsustainable higher education model in Oregon by increasing funding for the Public University Support Fund, as current state funding continues to provide far less funding per full-time equivalent student to its public universities than neighboring states and the national average, covering only 6.9% of the overall UO budget.
We are also advocating for state support of other university initiatives this session, including sustainable funding for wildfire cameras and earthquake alert systems through the UO Oregon Hazards Lab (OHAZ), funding to expand access to legal services through the UO Law School’s Criminal Defense Clinic, supporting rural journalism and the great work of the UO Agora Journalism Center, promoting water equity work through the UO’s Climate Solutions Center, bolstering the Sustainable City Year Program, and other priorities that comprise the university's state legislative agenda. These initiatives reflect the UO’s commitment to serving Oregon’s communities while creating experiential learning opportunities for students. We will also be continuing the UO Day of Action on April 24 in Salem to celebrate the UO's impact and push for these priorities.
At the federal level, the 119th Congress has begun along with the inauguration of the Trump Administration. Institutions of higher education, especially research universities, are facing several challenges in the 119th Congress and with the new administration, along with expectations for certain possible funding opportunities related to technology. With the high turnover in Oregon’s Congressional delegation, we are looking for as much advocacy and support as possible from members of the community in our federal efforts.
Congress has set a target of March 14 to resolve the FY25 budget (which began October 1, 2024). Meanwhile, preparations are also underway for the new Congress to set a reconciliation package and spending priorities for the FY26 budget.
For FY25, UO continues its advocacy for key student aid and research accounts. Areas where we have a special opportunity to partner with the Oregon delegation include allocations in the FY25 Senate bills for:
- $3 million to acquire scientific instrumentation to help UO faculty support the semiconductor industry.
- $2.9 million for the Ballmer Institute for Children’s Behavioral Health for a pilot project involving pediatric care settings.
We also continue to make progress in securing funding for research and instrumentation involving resilience initiatives like OHAZ and CRESCENT.
Our Community Relations team is active locally as well, with community input and movement on the Hatfield-Dowlin Complex Practice Field Expansion near Autzen Stadium and the Next Generation Housing Development Plan, which includes plans for two 800-bed residence hall projects on the east side of campus that will meet the needs of first-year students, undergraduate, graduates and families. As part of this process, UO Community Relations, University Housing, Campus Planning, and external consultants have been engaging with the local community, particularly the Fairmount Neighbors Association and the South University Neighborhood Association, to provide the latest information on public land use processes, gather input, and foster collaboration.
There are also several UO-sponsored events coming up soon:
- Eugene Education Foundation Gala – Eugene, March 12
- Pear Blossom Festival – Medford, April 11 and 12
- Skanner Foundation Lunch – Portland, April 24
- UO Day at the Capitol – Salem, April 24
- Oregon Consular Corps Celebrate Trade Gala– Portland, May 16
- Portland Pride Festival – Portland, June 19 and 20
- Good in the Hood Festival – Portland, June 28 and 29