|
Director's Message
Berri Leslie
DAS Director and State Chief Operating Officer
2025 is almost upon us, and what a year it’s been for the Department of Administrative Services!
As I’ve shared in previous newsletters, DAS has finalized its strategic plan that will guide our efforts over the next three years, modernized our public records request process, welcomed a new State Chief Procurement Officer and Chief Economist, led DEI efforts across the enterprise and more.
We’ve also reduced the time it takes to hire new employees by two weeks. Hiring across the enterprise is up, while overall vacancies are decreasing. Plus, we’re getting more efficient in how we use our buildings thanks to our reimagining of office space to accommodate remote and hybrid workers. We’ve already reduced the amount of space we’re using by 448,570 square feet.
Needless to say, Governor Kotek’s expectations for state agencies have inspired us to rise to the occasion.
In this last newsletter of 2024, you’ll learn more about how we’ve continued to increase our efficiency as an agency. We’re modernizing how customers pay for parking in state lots, continuing to improve our workspaces with buildings like the North Willamette Valley Complex, and have launched new online tools to showcase our strategic planning and our work in meeting the governor’s expectations.
I’m excited to share more updates with you in the new year as our work continues.
|
|
|
Latest Economic Forecast Released
The Office of Economic Analysis (OEA) released its revenue forecast for the fourth quarter of 2024. The full forecast can be viewed online now.
This is the first forecast released since Carl Riccadona joined DAS as the new state chief economist.
|
A Look at the New North Valley Complex
Once a warehouse, the North Valley Complex in Wilsonville is now a collaborative workspace for five different state agencies.
Additional information is available online from SERA, the architectural firm who designed the new space.
|
|
DAS Launches New Agency Expectations Dashboard
STRATEGIC INITIATIVES AND ENTERPRISE ACCOUNTABILITY
Since Governor Kotek issued her memorandum in 2023, leaders of Executive Branch state agencies have been working to meet her 11 expectations by the required deadlines.
In October, DAS' Strategic Initiatives and Enterprise Accountability team launched an interactive, online dashboard that summarizes the collective progress of state agencies towards meeting these expectations. Users can filter the dashboard to see data for specific agencies and additional details on specific practices.
The new dashboard comes with online guides on how to navigate it and interpret the data. More information is available on DAS' accountability overview webpage.
|
|
|
New Webpage Shows State Progress in Strategic Planning
STATE OF OREGON TRANSPARENCY
Governor Kotek envisions improving customer service for Oregonians by making state operations more efficient and effective, with a vision to empower our 42,000 public servants. New strategic plans have been established to better serve individuals and families across the state.
The Agency Strategic Planning webpage provides up to date state agency information– direct links to each agencies' plans, including strategic plans, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB) and information technology. The page is part of the greater Oregon Transparency website, which contains information about state government budgets, reports, contracts and more – all available to the public.
|
|
|
'MobilePay' to Modernize State-Owned Parking Facilities
DAS FLEET AND PARKING SERVICES
A major upgrade is coming to state-owned lots and parking meters: T2 MobilePay.
MobilePay is a browser-based solution requiring no app for parkers to download. To use it, simply scan a QR code or send a text message, enter your license plate number and payment information, and you're good to go!
DAS Fleet and Parking Services hopes to allow customers more flexibility and additional parking solutions with the implementation of this tool.
Beginning early 2025, MobilePay will be available at all state-owned parking meters and in the following state-owned lots:
- Yellow
- Green
- Red
- Ferry Street Structure – Rooftop
- Mill Creek
- Capitol Mall Parking Structure – Daily spaces, lower level
- Executive Building structure – Upper level, west side (entrance side)
Simply look for a MobilePay sign or sticker to verify if MobilePay is available at that parking lot or meter.
Visit the MobilePay webpage for more information, including a how-to video.
|
|
|
State Procurement Speaks on Emergency Procedures
STATE PROCUREMENT SERVICES
In November, DAS State Procurement Services (SPS) delivered a presentation to the Oregon Public Purchasing Association (OPPA) about the role of procurement during disasters and emergencies.
The audience included state agencies, cities, counties and universities. The presentation outlined various tools to use in emergencies and emphasized the importance of collaboration between procurement professionals and emergency managers. It also highlighted the need to foster relationships with suppliers and ensure compliance with FEMA guidelines.
A comprehensive guide to procurement's role during emergencies is available on the State Procurement Services Emergency Preparedness website.
|
|
|
|
|
