Organized in 1998 the group declares itself a watchdog for land use decisions in rural and urban Marion County. Presentations will be given by William Penhollow, former assistant executive director of the Association of Oregon Counties; John Lattimer, chief administrative officer for Marion County; Peter Sorenson, Lane County commissioner; and Bill Burgess, clerk for Marion County.

"How Oregon's local governments are organized isn't a topic that usually makes headlines," president Roger Kaye wrote in a press release.

"It's a topic, though, that especially interests county residents."

Oregon's future growth will be concentrated outside city limits, in unorganized parts of the county and smaller towns, he said.

According to Kaye, because of the unique dual role of counties, which must work with the local and state governments, they will be responsible, whether prepared or not, for governing most of the projected future growth. Kaye said that the forum will help guide the discussion on policy.

"The key questions of how a local government should be organized, what powers it should be granted and what limitations and requirements should be set for its conduct" are all part of the agenda, he said.

Recent elections, including those in the City of Portland and Clackamas County, provide powerful lessons for Marion County and every resident wondering whether its governance structure is up to the tasks that face it, Kaye said.

For more information, visit the Friends of Marion County Web site, friendsofmarion.org.