Challenge
During the 2024 legislative session, the CFM team successfully lobbied for inclusion of the Tualatin Valley Water District in an omnibus water investment package, securing $3 million for a new seismically resilient pump station. However, when the measure landed on the Governor’s desk, she did not immediately sign it and instead released a notice that she intended to veto the bill within five days. The Governor did not see a clear nexus between the pump station project and the intent of the legislation: to support new housing. TVWD’s project, along with a handful of others, was on life support.
Approach
The CFM team employed a multi-pronged strategy to convince the Governor and her staff to change course. This involved building a coalition of legislators to oppose the potential veto, direct engagement with the Governor’s team and working closely with the client to produce new, compelling evidence that the project in question did support new housing in the region. CFM cold-called housing experts and compiled how many new building permits were in the queue.
Success
Within 48 hours of the notice of proposed veto, the CFM-led coalition inundated the Governor’s office with letters of support, calls, emails and in-person advocacy. A strong coalition of bicameral, bipartisan lawmakers signed on to a letter urging the Governor to change course, a signal that the decision was not immune to being overturned through their legislative authority. After going the extra mile to illustrate the clear connection between TVWD’s project and new housing in the area, the Governor signed the bill into law.
