James Neff

1 day ago | democratherald.com | James Neff

After a week of secrecy, Travel Oregon and its commissioners have revealed what they are paying CEO Todd Davidson to stay on in the top job for one more year after he retires this month. Davidson, who made a $365,000 base salary in 2024 and is one of highest-paid agency heads in state government, will make $342,000 in addition to his pension. The Oregon Journalism Project had sought the offer letter for a week after the Travel Oregon commissioners, in a 7-2 vote, approved the deal.

6 days ago | wweek.com | James Neff

This story was produced by the Oregon Journalism Project, a nonprofit newsroom covering the state. After a week of secrecy, Travel Oregon and its commissioners have revealed what they are paying CEO Todd Davidson to stay on in the top job for one more year after he retires this month. Davidson, who made a $365,000 base salary in 2024 and is one of highest-paid agency heads in state government, will make $342,000 in addition to his pension.

1 week ago | bendsource.com | James Neff

Shortly after Travel Oregon’s CEO announced his retirement, the commission that oversees the agency voted to keep him on for a year to help pick his successor and approved a new employment package. But the state agency is now unwilling to share with the public the details of his offer letter. It’s a significant omission because CEO Todd Davidson earns one of the largest salaries among Oregon officials—in 2024, his base salary was $365,574, or $477,264 in total compensation.

1 week ago | wweek.com | James Neff

This story was produced by the Oregon Journalism Project, a nonprofit newsroom covering the state. Shortly after Travel Oregon’s CEO announced his retirement, the commission that oversees the agency voted to keep him on for a year to help pick his successor and approved a new employment package. But the state agency is now unwilling to share with the public the details of his offer letter.

1 week ago | wweek.com | James Neff

Every summer, more than 2 million tourists stream into Seaside, as relentless and predictable as the tides. They spend mountains of money, for sure, but they also wear out the streets, stress emergency medical services and water rescue, and leave behind several thousand tons of trash. Seaside Mayor Steve Wright doesn’t have the money to pay for all the costs imposed by tourists, but he sees a solution—the millions in lodging tax dollars the visitors generate.