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About the Program
Seasoned political reporters Carlos Fuentes (The Oregonian), Dirk VanderHart (OPB) and Dick Hughes (formerly with Oregon Capital Insider) will discuss the state budget deficit, proposed state legislative bills, and other key policy issues leading up to the next legislative session, which begins in February. Former state representative and House Majority Leader Jennifer Williamson will moderate the conversation.
Don’t miss this chance to preview the hot topics for the 2026 short session with experts who are closely dialed into the dynamics of the Oregon State Legislature.
Meet the Panelists
Carlos Fuentes, Lead State Government and Politics Reporter for The Oregonian
Carlos Fuentes covers the Oregon governor, lawmakers, state agencies, and elections, examining how policy decisions made in Salem affect Oregonians in every corner of the state.
Dick Hughes, Freelance Journalist, recently for Oregon Capital Insider
Dick Hughes wrote the weekly “Capital Chatter” column and covered Oregon politics for decades. He has reported on the Oregon political scene since 1976.
Dirk VanderHart, Oregon Politics and Government Reporter for OPB
Dirk VanderHart joined OPB in 2018 after more than a decade as a newspaper reporter, much of that time reporting on City Government for Portland Mercury.
Jennifer Williamson, Co-Founder and Partner at Swift Public Affairs
Prior to co-founding Swift, Jennifer was senior vice president at Strategies 360, where she led the state government relations practice; and served as an Oregon State Representative for District 36 (covering parts of Washington County) from 2013 to 2019, including four years as House Majority Leader.
Acknowledgments
Thank you to City Club’s Winter 2026 Season Sponsors, AARP Oregon, Oregon Hospital Association, and the Don Sterling Fund of the Oregon Community Foundation
City Club of Portland relies on organizational sponsors to help underwrite the cost of bringing our programming to our members and the public. As a nonpartisan, impartial forum for civic dialogue, City Club accepts sponsorships from a wide spectrum of organizations. Our policies prevent sponsors from influencing the content of our programming. We are deeply grateful to all who support our events and research.