Technical Advisory Group (TAG)
The Technical Advisory Group (TAG) is a committee established by the Chair’s Office to guide and evaluate the financial integrity of Preschool for All. Formed in response to County code, the group reviews the program’s ongoing revenue needs and issues formal recommendations regarding the PFA tax. Its mission is to ensure sustainable funding, assess fiscal trends, and support equitable early learning access across the community.
Community Engagement
To ensure the TAG’s recommendations are informed by lived experience, Multnomah County is conducting focus groups and surveys with families, providers, and community members across the county. This outreach helps the TAG understand community priorities as it evaluates the long-term sustainability of PFA.
TAG Committee Members
- Dana Hepper, Director of Policy & Advocacy
- Graciela Gomez Cowger, CEO, Schwabe, Williamson & Wyatt
- Mary King, Professor of Economics Emerita, Portland State University
- Mark McMullen, Vice President of Policy & Research, Common Sense Institute
- Charles Rynerson, Senior Data Analyst/Demographer, FLO Analytics
- John Tapogna, Public Policy Consultant
- Chris Tebben, Principal, Sapient Solutions
TAG Meeting information, agendas, and notes.
Program Advisory Group (PAG)
The Program Advisory Group (PAG) is responsible for reviewing the scenarios that come out of the TAG and making recommendations about how the potential changes would impact the program. This group helps connect financial planning to on-the-ground realities for providers, families, and children.
PAG Committee Members
- Dana Stiles, PPS Director of Early Learners
- Lisa Merrick, Government Affairs, MESD
- Lydia Holifield, PAG Chair
- Mark Holloway, PFA Early Stakeholder
- Courtney Veronneau, Family Forward
- Angie Garcia, PFA Early Stakeholder and PFA Provider
- Elena Baretto, Children’s Institute
- Ingrid Anderson, Portland State University
PAG Meeting information, agendas, and notes.
Public Meetings
Both the TAG and PAG meet regularly, and their meetings are open to the public. Zoom information is made available the day of each meeting.