Portland mayor's budget boosts shelters, increases fees
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In his first-ever budget proposal as mayor, Keith Wilson is seeking millions of dollars in cuts to city services and layoffs of government staff, while investing in more shelter beds, expanding Portland's unarmed crisis response team and boosting efforts to clean up graffiti.
Why it matters: The $8.5 billion budget plan for the next fiscal year, which begins July 1, marks a dramatic shift in how Portland's top official wants to confront the city's biggest challenges while dealing with deep financial strain.
What he's saying: "It is time for Portland to follow a 'back to basics' approach on fiscal responsibility and long-term sustainability," Wilson said in a written statement accompanying the proposed budget Monday.
- "Our community has spoken. They want City leadership to provide basic services, unlock housing, prioritize economic opportunity for all Portlanders and set us forward on a clear and decisive path to end unsheltered homelessness."
State of play: Portland is facing a $93 million budget shortfall due to drastic declines in property tax revenue, expiring one-time funds, and rising costs from the city's ongoing homelessness crisis.
- Wilson's proposal avoids new taxes in the short term but recommends layoffs and consolidation within city departments, user fee increases, and a reliance on external funding and partnerships to support high-priority programs.
Zoom in: Roughly 180 positions would be eliminated throughout various departments under the plan — including city administration, Parks & Recreation, and the Mayor's Office — resulting in $9.5 million in cuts. Raises for city managers and supervisors would also be frozen for at least a year.
- Parking rates (metered street parking and city-owned garages) would go up 25% to help double efforts to fill pot holes, remove graffiti and tow derelict RVs.
- Leaf cleanup fees would also be reinstated, along with increases to golf, short-term rental, rideshare services, parks and sewage fees.
The intrigue: Parks maintenance — landscaping, bathroom cleanup and trash pickup — would also face a significant reduction, but full funding for youth programs and community centers would remain following pushback from parents and residents.
The other side: Councilor Steve Novick said in a statement that cuts to park maintenance is "not in alignment with Portlanders' priorities," citing a recent 600-person poll that found residents prefer cuts to police rather than parks.
By the numbers: Wilson's proposal includes $19.5 million in spending increases for public safety — adding 14 new positions to Portland Street Response and increasing funding for the Portland Police Bureau and Fire & Rescue.
- Plus: The proposed budget relies on $25 million in external funding, largely from other governments, to create 1,500 new shelter beds, as well as $1.3 million from the state of Oregon's opioid settlement to open 50 new beds at Bybee Lakes Hope Center.
What's next: Wilson will present his proposal to the City Council Wednesday. Then, councilors will then work on amendments and vote on a final draft early next month.