Oregon’s Community Colleges Receive $854.4M in State Funding — A Step Forward, But Challenges Remain
The Legislature has approved $854.4 million for Oregon’s Community College Support Fund (CCSF) in SB 5525 for the 2025–27 biennium — a 6.9% increase from the previous cycle but well below the $920 million needed to sustain programs, services, and rising student enrollment.
OCCA acknowledges legislative investment in community colleges, cautions budget falls short of student & workforce needs
The Community College Support Fund (CCSF) cleared a major hurdle today (June 2, 2025) with the passage of SB 5525 in the Joint Subcommittee on Education. SB 5525 is the Higher Education Coordinating Commission’s (HECC’s) agency budget bill, which includes the CCSF to support community colleges. The Joint Subcommittee on Education approved a budget allocation of $854.4 million for the CCSF in SB 5525 for the 2025–27 biennium. This is a 6.9% increase over the amount legislatively approved to the CCSF for the 2023-25 biennium. However, while this amount reflects the Governor’s Recommended Budget (GRB), it falls well short of the $920 million community colleges identified as essential to cover the rising costs of educating students and maintaining essential programs and services for the next biennium.
OCCA responds to May revenue forecast
The latest Oregon revenue forecast from the Office of Economic Analysis underscores the urgent need for increased investment in community colleges. While the forecast provides insight into the state’s economic outlook, it also highlights financial constraints that could impact essential educational programs. The Oregon Community College Association (OCCA) urges lawmakers to prioritize funding for community colleges to ensure students have access to affordable, high-quality education that meets workforce demands.
State economists presented their quarterly economic and revenue forecast to legislators this morning (May 14), showing state revenues down $165.2 million from the previous forecast, with available resources down by $755.7 million. While slower growth in the state’s economy triggers heightened recession risk, state economists are less pessimistic about the chance of a recession with recent changes to tariffs at the national level. Economists predict the recession risk decreased from 40% just a few weeks ago to 25% today.
OCCA announces 2025 All-Oregon Academic Team
April 11, 2025 – The Oregon Community College Association (OCCA) is proud to announce the selection of 55 exceptional students from across the state to the 2025 All-Oregon Academic Team (AOAT). These scholars were chosen for their outstanding academic performance, leadership, and dedication to community service. Many are members of Phi Theta Kappa, the national honor society for community college students.
OCCA celebrates National Community College Month in April
The Oregon Community College Association (OCCA) is proud to celebrate April as National Community College Month, highlighting the vital role that Oregon’s 17 community colleges play in providing affordable, accessible, and high-quality education to students across the state.
Community colleges to celebrate CTE Month in February
Throughout February, Oregon’s community colleges will spotlight career and technical education (CTE) programs in recognition of National CTE Month. Community colleges work for Oregon because these CTE programs are essential in equipping Oregonians with the skills needed to drive the state’s workforce and economy forward.
White House rescinds executive order freezing federal assistance funds
Jan. 29, 2025 – The White House Office of Management & Budget this morning in a memo officially rescinded the President’s executive order from Jan. 28 that froze access to most federal assistance funds, which caused chaos and confusion after its announcement. The original order disrupted access to federal grant funds for several colleges, including Head Start funding, despite many grants like Head Start, Pell and SNAP being identified as programs that would not having funding paused.
OCCA responds to Governor’s State of the State Address
In her 2025 State of the State Address, Gov. Tina Kotek called on Oregonians to “summon our unyielding spirit of resilience, tackle problems with purpose, and embrace opportunities for change together.” While higher education was not explicitly mentioned, Oregon’s community colleges are uniquely positioned to meet this challenge. Our colleges are resilient in the face of adversity, committed to supporting student success no matter what obstacles our students face, and actively collaborate with K-12 education, local governments, non-profits, and businesses to strengthen our communities.
OCCA sets legislative priorities for 2025 Session to support colleges and students
The Oregon Community College Association (OCCA) Board of Directors has adopted its legislative priorities for the 2025 Legislative Session, setting the stage for a focused advocacy effort to secure funding and policies that will enhance access and success for community college students across the state. The Legislative Session begins January 21, 2025. OCCA’s 2025 legislative agenda centers on six critical areas.
OCCA responds to Governor’s Recommended Budget
Dec. 2, 2024 – Oregon Governor Tina Kotek on Dec. 2 released the Governor’s Recommended Budget (GRB) for the 2025-2027 biennium, which includes a 6.9 percent increase (a total of $870.4 million) to the Community College Support Fund (CCSF) compared to the legislatively approved funding for 2023-2025. While this is a $70 million increase over the current funding level, it is still about $50 million short of what colleges say they need to maintain current services.
