Why OCPP
We believe that all Oregonians deserve a real opportunity to thrive. This vision of an equitable Oregon won’t be achieved by accident or by chance. Good public policy is essential.
For all Oregonians to thrive, we need inclusive economic policies that ensure all workers, not just the wealthy few, enjoy the benefits of our economy. We need investments in education, health care, and other vital public services that protect the vulnerable and create opportunity for all. We need a just tax system that generates sufficient revenue for those essential investments.
Our mission
The Oregon Center for Public Policy’s mission is to achieve economic justice for all Oregonians through research, analysis, and advocacy.
Our values
Economic justice. We believe in the equitable distribution of the economy's benefits and a progressive tax system.
Stand with the poor. We advance solutions that benefit all Oregonians, with a special focus on the interests of low-income Oregonians.
Good government works. Government plays a necessary role in improving the lives of Oregonians. We are vigilant and critical in the pursuit of improved effectiveness and efficiency of our public structures.
Equity and inclusion. We believe in advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in our policy work, our outreach, our collaborations, and our internal operations. Read our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Statement.
What we do
We are a non-partisan, non-profit organization that researches and analyzes tax, budget, and economic issues. We share our information with all Oregonians, and pay particular attention to putting our work in the hands of lawmakers, the media, and politically-engaged Oregonians. We work with lawmakers to design the best policies to enrich the lives of all Oregonians.
We collaborate with community partners in coalitions to advance our mission, and theirs. We produce reports, fact sheets, and commentaries, which partner advocates use when formulating policy proposals, talking with their constituents, testifying at legislative hearings, or writing op-eds. We transform raw data and concepts into tools that strengthen civic engagement. We strive in our work to create new opportunities to advance equity and to enable the success of those working to dismantle inequities.
Our accomplishments
We have a long record of success in advancing public policies that improve economic justice. Our latest Impact Update details how our work is advancing economic opportunity in Oregon. Examples of how our research, analysis, and communications helps create a more vibrant, equitable, sustainable and inclusive state include:
- Boost the minimum wage, lifting working Oregonians out of poverty.
- Ensure that all children in Oregon have the health insurance they need to succeed in school and life.
- Make Oregon taxes more progressive and adequate by closing loopholes benefiting big businesses and the rich.
- Raise awareness of growing income inequality that stifles opportunity for the vast majority of Oregonians.
Our history
More than 20 years ago, a group of human services advocates recognized a void in Oregon’s public policy landscape that hindered their success. The lack of timely and credible data analysis hampered efforts to increase opportunity for low-income and marginalized communities. An analytical powerhouse, they agreed, was crucial to address the root causes of many vexing issues — poverty, hunger, and inequality.
Their answer was to create the Oregon Center for Public Policy for research and analysis on issues affecting low- and moderate-income Oregonians.
How you can get involved
There a several ways you can collaborate with and support the work of the Center.
Donate. Contributions by individuals like you make our work possible. Please consider donating today.
Include OCPP in your estate. When you include OCPP as a beneficiary in your will, you leave a lasting legacy that will advance economic justice in Oregon for years to come. For more information, see our Legacy Giving page or contact Roger Williams-Thomas at [email protected].
Stay informed on tax, budget, and economic issues. To improve public policy, we need more Oregonians to understand the issues. Sign up to get our emails
Share our information. Like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter. Then, share our information with your friends and followers.
Invite us to speak to your group. We welcome opportunities to speak to members of the community. If you have an event that you would like us to come and speak at, please fill out this speaker request form.
