Why Public Policy and Advocacy Matter

Public policy shapes many of the systems affecting people’s daily lives, from housing and healthcare to behavioral health treatment and employment support. At CCC, we see every day how policy decisions can expand access to stability and care or create additional barriers for people already navigating complex challenges.

CCC’s Policy Team

CCC’s policy team works throughout the year to track legislation, engage with partners, and elevate the issues that matter most to the people we serve based on our Policy Agenda. A recent example is that during Oregon’s 2026 legislative short session, CCC closely tracked more than 30 bills and participated in advocacy days with partners including Housing Oregon and the Portland Metro Chamber. Staff also engaged with lawmakers, agency leaders, and coalition partners to highlight the importance of preserving affordable housing, strengthening behavioral health capacity, and maintaining Medicaid stability.

We’re often asked how community members can support CCC from a policy or advocacy standpoint. The good news is that you don’t need to be a policy expert to play a meaningful role. Learning how these systems work, and where your voice can have an impact, is one meaningful way to support our mission and community.

Public Policy 101

Public policy is the set of laws, rules, budgets, and government decisions that shape how systems work. This includes everything from how affordable housing is funded to how healthcare is delivered and who can access treatment or other essential services.

These decisions affect our clients, our community, and how programs at CCC operate. When policymakers make choices about funding, regulations, or eligibility requirements, those decisions can directly affect whether people are able to access the support they need.

Who Shapes Public Policy

Public policy is shaped at multiple levels of government.

At the state level, Oregon lawmakers in the Legislative Assembly establish policy and approve the state budget. The Legislative Assembly includes two chambers, the House and the Senate, which meet in Salem during regular legislative sessions. State agencies and the Governor also play important roles in how laws are carried out.

At the regional and local levels, Metro, county governments, and city councils also make decisions affecting housing, public health, behavioral health systems, transportation, public safety, and other issues that matter deeply to our community.

Understanding Advocacy

Advocacy involves speaking up to improve policies and systems before, during or after they are implemented. It can include educating decision-makers, sharing data and lived experience, raising awareness, and encouraging others to get involved. Advocacy helps ensure that policies reflect real needs.

There are a few forms of advocacy, including personal advocacy, such as letters or phone calls; collective advocacy, such as rallies or campaigns; and professional advocacy, such as lobbying or testimony. Each of these plays a role in helping shape more responsive and effective systems.

How You Can Get Involved

There are many ways to engage in policy and advocacy work. A few places to start:

Stay informed locally. Find your representative and sign up for newsletters or updates from the City and County.
Follow public meetings. Watch meetings and share your experiences through opportunities offered by the City and County.
Look for lived-experience opportunities. Join groups seeking new members with lived experience, such as budget committees.
Track broader legislative activity. The Oregon State Legislative System is a good resource for Oregon-specific policy updates, while GovTrack can help you follow U.S. Congress and White House activity.
Take action. Write to your elected officials, share your perspective, hold decision-makers accountable, and vote for candidates who support evidence-based solutions.

Here are the coalition partners that CCC is either a member of or has common interests with. Following these groups can also be a great way to stay connected and find practical ways to take action:

Public policy shapes the systems our community relies on, and those systems affect people’s lives every day. For those looking to support CCC from a policy or advocacy standpoint, staying informed and engaged is a meaningful place to start.

Looking for other ways to get involved?

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