Governing Oregon

At the end of the twentieth century, the state government of Oregon was routinely entangled in intense partisan conflict, with opposing sides waging bitter battles in elections, the legislature, and the courts. Many of the most important state laws—such as Measure 5, which capped property taxes—were decided through the initiative process rather than by lawmakers in Salem.

As the twenty-first century began, this political dynamic began to shift. Partisan conflict in the capitol grew less rancorous, legislative gridlock eased, and ballot initiatives lost their central role in defining Oregon politics. Less visible changes reshaped issues from agricultural policy to tribal government. This shifting dynamic coincided with significant transformations in Oregon’s economy and cultural life.

The state’s economy sustained severe blows twice in the early 2000s, but by 2014, Oregon boasted one of the fastest-growing economies in the nation. Along with economic expansion, Oregon’s population grew in both size and diversity. Despite these powerful forces of change, other aspects of Oregon political life remained entrenched, including the deep urban-rural divide and the state’s problematic fiscal system.

With contributions from twenty-seven leading experts and political insiders, Governing Oregon: Continuity and Change offers insight into the people, political practices, governing institutions, and public policies of Oregon. It will be of tremendous value to political scientists, public servants, and engaged citizens alike.

Contributors:

Warda Ajaz is a PhD candidate in the School of Public Policy at Oregon State University.

Jeannine Beatrice is Chief of Staff with the Oregon Department of Human Services (DHS).

David Bernell is an Associate Professor of Political Science in the School of Public Policy at Oregon State University.

Joe Bowersox is the Dempsey Endowed Chair of Environmental Policy and Politics in the Department of Environmental and Earth Science at Willamette University.

Alexandra Buylova is a PhD candidate in the School of Public Policy at Oregon State University.

Paul De Muniz retired as Chief Justice of the Oregon Supreme Court in 2012 after serving for twelve years on the court. De Muniz currently teaches at Willamette University College of Law as a Distinguished Jurist in Residence.

Mark Edwards is Professor of Sociology in the School of Public Policy at Oregon State University.

Leanne Giordono is a PhD candidate in the School of Public Policy at Oregon State University and a National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellow. 

Daniel Gray is a Master of Public Policy (MPP) student in the School of Public Policy at Oregon State University.

Sajjad Haider is a PhD candidate at the School of Management, Lanzhou University (China), and a visiting research scholar at the Mark O. Hatfield School of Government, Portland State University.

Jordan Hensley earned a Master of Public Policy (MPP) degree from the School of Public Policy at Oregon State University.

Allison L. Hurst is an Associate Professor of Sociology in the School of Public Policy at Oregon State University.

Abdullah Husain is a PhD candidate in Environmental Sciences at Oregon State University.

Phil Keisling is Director of the Center for Public Service at Portland State University’s Mark O. Hatfield School of Government. He was Oregon Secretary of State from 1991–1999 and a Member of the Oregon House of Representatives from 1989–1991.

Chris Koski is Associate Professor of Environmental Studies and Chair of the Political Science Department at Reed College.

Justin Martin owns and operates, Perseverance Strategies, Inc., a government relations and public affairs firm.

Melissa Buis Michaux is Associate Professor of Politics at Willamette University.

Douglas Morgan is Professor Emeritus of Public Administration and Director of the Executive MPA Program in the Hatfield School of Government at Portland State University.

Sanne A. M. Rijkhoff is a former adjunct assistant professor of political science at Portland State University. She is currently an Eyes High Postdoctoral Associate at the University of Calgary.

Ethan Seltzer is an Emeritus Professor in the Toulan School of Urban Studies and Planning at Portland State University.

Brent S. Steel is Professor and the Director of the Graduate Program in the School of Public Policy at Oregon State University. 

Casey L. Taylor is a Postdoctoral Research Associate in the Department of Political Science at Idaho State University.

Rebecca Warner is Professor of Sociology in the School of Public Policy at Oregon State University.