www.nike.com

SITUATION
The city of Beaverton, Oregon sought to force the annexation of Nike World Headquarters into its city limits through a state law that allowed local governments to annex local roads and thereby “surround” certain areas for annexation. Nike objected to the “island annexation” practice and efforts by city leaders to unfairly apply the laws to Nike and other nearby businesses and neighborhoods.

STRATEGY
Working with an experienced team of government relations, communications and legal professionals, position Nike and other affected businesses and neighborhoods in unincorporated areas as victims of an unfair “island annexation” law. Seek state legislative approval of reforms to annexation laws to strengthen the voice of local businesses and residents in local annexation decisions.

OUTCOME
The Oregon legislature and Governor approved legislation backed by Nike and a coalition of businesses to prevent the annexation of major employers into city jurisdictions without their consent; established a task force to study additional ways to protect the rights of citizens against unfair annexation policies. Nike remains located in unincorporated Washington County.