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Portland city councilors are considering more than 50 amendments to the mayor's proposed budget this week.

Why it matters: The amendments reflect competing priorities regarding public safety, homelessness and climate spending as Portland confronts a roughly $160 million budget deficit.

Catch up quick: Mayor Keith Wilson's $8.5 billion budget, released last month, would cut 150 jobs and reduce funding for police, parks and homeless services.

It wouldn't close community centers or fire stations and would avoid cutting police officers, but it would seek cuts to the parks bureau.

Wilson has framed his budget cuts as necessary to keep the city solvent while protecting his top priorities.

Zoom in: Among the amendments, several councilors proposed restoring funding to a St. John's fire station. The mayor's budget threatens to remove the only fire truck serving surrounding neighborhoods.

Several amendments would also make changes to spending from the Portland Clean Energy Fund, which supports projects and organizations that fight climate change but has been consistently tapped as a cash reserve when city money gets tight.

Other amendments would preserve jobs for frontline workers such as victim advocates and volunteer coordinators by cutting management and administrative roles.

Councilors are also seeking to restore funding for arts programs, after-school activities and programming for seniors.

You can read all 52 of the councilors' proposed amendments here — and just be happy it's not last year, when there were more than 125 proposed amendments.

Friction point: Wilson said in an email encouraging the public to testify in support of his budget that some of the amendments were "troubling efforts to dismantle the progress we've made."

What's next: Councilors spent all day Monday listening to public testimony on the amendments.

They'll use Tuesday and Wednesday's council sessions to deliberate ahead of a final vote next month.

Portland councilors push budget changes ahead of final vote

More than 50 amendments target issues including public safety and homelessness spending.

Close-up of a city hall facade featuring pink granite columns with round bases, a dark plaque that reads CITY HALL, stone steps, and a doorway with wooden frames; a few people visible in the background.

The fight over how to balance Portland's budget moves to City Council this week. Photo: Courtesy of the city of Portland

Portland city councilors are considering more than 50 amendments to the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="mayor&#x27;s proposed budget" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2026/04/21/portland-budget-cuts-jobs-police-parks-homeless-services" data-vars-content-id="817fa45b-e2b2-4997-a0a7-0e3a55c38f46" data-vars-headline="Portland councilors push budget changes ahead of final vote" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2026/04/21/portland-budget-cuts-jobs-police-parks-homeless-services" target="_self">mayor&#x27;s proposed budget</a> this week.Why it matters: The amendments reflect competing priorities regarding public safety, homelessness and climate spending as Portland confronts a roughly $160 million budget deficit.

News

State Sen. Christine Drazan is Oregon's Republican nominee for governor, capturing 43 % of the vote in Tuesday's primary election, according to the Associated Press.

The big picture: Drazan beat out a crowded field of candidates — including ex-Blazer Chris Dudley, state Rep. Ed Diehl and Marion County commissioner Danielle Bethell — to set up a rematch with Gov. Tina Kotek in November.

Drazan lost to Kotek by just 3.5 percentage points in a crowded three-way race in 2022.

What they're saying: "This can be the best state in the nation to start a business. This can be the best state in the nation for our kids to get an education," Drazan said shortly after the race was called, per OPB. "But only with new leadership."

The big picture: Drazan still faces an uphill battle in blue Oregon. 

The state GOP hasn't occupied the governor's mansion since Victor G. Atiyeh's tenure ended in 1987 and it doesn't control a single statewide office.

Here's where other races stand as of late Tuesday night, according to the Secretary of State's office.

Candidates must win more than 50% of the vote to avoid a November runoff.

State Sen. Janeen Sollman is narrowly leading labor-backed Myrna Muñoz 50% to 48% in the hotly contested Hillsboro-Forest Grove race.

Rep. Daniel Nguyen is leading progressive challenger and middle school teacher John "Waz" Wasielewski 76% to 24% to keep his seat representing Southwest Portland and Lake Oswego.

Juan Carlos González led a field of four other candidates with roughly 72% of the vote to replace Lynn Peterson.

Laura Maurer Rowan has a slim lead on Diane Sykes, garnering nearly 30% and 29% of the vote, respectively.

Joanna T Perini-Abbott has a firm lead on John Casalino, with 65% of the vote.

Embattled incumbent Adrian Brown appears poised to lose her seat to last-minute challenger Peter Klym, who has secured 69% of the vote so far.

Joseph Hagedorn is currently the frontrunner among five other candidates for this open seat, securing 36% of the vote. Elizabeth Savage trails at 24%.

Voters appear poised to renew a levy that supports the Oregon Historical Society, with 60% of votes supporting.

Where races stand in Oregon's May primary election

State Rep. Christine Drazan picked up the Republican nominee for governor.

A diverse group of workers in hard hats and safety vests hold signs reading "Christine Drazan for Oregon" at a factory, with a speaker at a podium in the foreground.

Christine Drazan will face Gov. Tina Kotek again in the governor's race this fall. Photo: Courtesy of Christine for Oregon

State Sen. Christine Drazan is Oregon&#x27;s Republican nominee for governor, capturing 43 % of the vote in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Tuesday&#x27;s primary election" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2026/04/28/oregon-primary-gas-tax-measure-120-gop-governor-race" data-vars-content-id="a4323354-ff09-42b2-8096-47bf4c66757c" data-vars-headline="Where races stand in Oregon&#x27;s May primary election" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2026/04/28/oregon-primary-gas-tax-measure-120-gop-governor-race" target="_self">Tuesday&#x27;s primary election</a>, according to the Associated Press.The big picture: Drazan beat out <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="a crowded field" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2026/04/24/oregon-republican-primary-governor-kotek-criticism" data-vars-content-id="a4323354-ff09-42b2-8096-47bf4c66757c" data-vars-headline="Where races stand in Oregon&#x27;s May primary election" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2026/04/24/oregon-republican-primary-governor-kotek-criticism" target="_self">a crowded field</a> of candidates — including ex-Blazer Chris Dudley, state Rep. Ed Diehl and Marion County commissioner Danielle Bethell — to set up a rematch with Gov. Tina Kotek in November.

Election

Oregon voters overwhelmingly rejected a hike in gas taxes and other vehicle fees to fund transportation in Tuesday's primary election, according to the Associated Press.

Why it matters: The vote was the culmination of a long-running fight over how to fund road maintenance and transportation projects, but leaves many unanswered questions about where the state goes from here.

By the numbers: Opposition to Measure 120 was leading with 83% of the vote as of early Wednesday morning, per AP.

Catch up quick: The measure would've hiked the state's gas tax from $0.40 to $0.46, imposed a per-mile or flat fee on electric vehicles and raised both registration and title fees on passenger vehicles.

All of that was intended to close a roughly $350 million gap in the Department of Transportation's budget.

Democratic lawmakers in Salem needed a special session to pass a fix for the deficit and finally passed a bill last fall.

Yes, but: In Oregon, voters can reject bills passed in the Legislature through a referendum.

Republican opponents of the bill gathered roughly 200,000 signatures earlier this year to get the question on the May primary ballot.

Meanwhile, proponents of the bill asked voters to approve the gas tax hike even though some residents are cutting back on travel or canceling trips altogether due to spiking fuel prices.

The average price of a gallon of regular unleaded in Oregon was $5.34 this week — $0.80 cents higher than the national average and $1.39 more than the state average a year ago, per AAA.

What's next: State lawmakers will need to go back to the drawing board to figure out how to fund the state's transportation needs.

In the meantime, Oregon's roads may only get worse.

Oregon voters reject transportation tax package

Lawmakers must now find another way to fund road repairs and transportation projects.

Illustration of blue car on top of a tall stack of cash.

Oregon voters overwhelmingly rejected <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="a hike in gas taxes" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2026/04/28/oregon-primary-gas-tax-measure-120-gop-governor-race" data-vars-content-id="a59b6d62-c76e-4d00-a31b-96dc09d6a827" data-vars-headline="Oregon voters reject transportation tax package" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2026/04/28/oregon-primary-gas-tax-measure-120-gop-governor-race" target="_self">a hike in gas taxes</a> and other vehicle fees to fund transportation in Tuesday&#x27;s primary election, according to the Associated Press.Why it matters: The vote was the culmination of a long-running fight over how to fund road maintenance and transportation projects, but leaves many unanswered questions about where the state goes from here.

A warm, dry winter has Oregon officials warning of an intense wildfire season fueled by low snowpack and human-caused fire risks.

The big picture: Very dry vegetation in all its forms could allow fires to spread rapidly across Oregon this summer.

Threat level:  "Fuels throughout the state — whether they be forest fuels, shrub vegetation or grasses, even roadside grasses — will be exceptionally dry and receptive to spark," Derek Gasperini, a spokesperson for the Oregon Department of Forestry, told Axios.

State of play: Fire season in Jackson and Josephine counties began Friday, with fireworks and debris burning restrictions now in effect.

Already, the Pine Mountain Fire outside of Bend scorched more than 2,500 acres last week before firefighters contained the blaze.

Federal wildfire officials predict the eastern half of the state will be at high risk for wildfires by June, with the rest of the state following by August.

Two side-by-side US maps labeled "Significant Wildland Fire Potential Outlook," June 2026 (left) and August 2026 (right). Red areas indicate above-normal wildfire potential, mainly in the western U.S.; legend and logos visible.

Wildfire risk will steadily increase over the summer. Images: Courtesy of the National Interagency Coordination Center

What they're doing: The state has already started positioning crews and equipment in the most at-risk areas, Gasperini said.

They've also upgraded their multimission aircraft to include a new plane with longer range and more capacity, as well as AI mapping that can help spot fires faster.

Experts have gotten good at predicting fire weather conditions, Gasperini said, "but we can't ever anticipate how and when human behavior is going to spark a wildfire."

Human-caused fires can start easily from a tossed cigarette butt, a trash fire or even parking a car over dry grass.

Between the lines: More than half the land in Oregon, 32 million acres, is overseen by the federal government.

Oregon's congressional delegation has expressed concern about the feds' wildfire readiness, noting the U.S. Forest Service has lost about 1,400 employees who are certified to respond to fires since last year, per the Oregon Capital Chronicle.

The Department of the Interior said they expect to have around 5,700 firefighters for the season, roughly in line with the numbers from last year, a spokesperson told the Capital Chronicle.

Gasperani said federal and state officials meet regularly to plan for fire season and he feels confident the feds will be ready to respond when needed.

The bottom line: "You can expect that it is likely going to be an earlier fire season and a longer fire season," Oregon State Fire Marshal Mariana Ruiz-Temple said during a wildfire briefing this month, per KVAL.

Go here to learn how to protect your home from wildfires.

Dry winter puts Oregon on edge for wildfires

Officials warn dry vegetation could fuel fast-moving fires this summer.

Roadside sign by the Oregon Department of Forestry displaying "Forest Fire Danger" with a circular risk gauge from Low to Extreme; brown frame, rocky base, rural setting with hills and power lines.

State wildfire officials are asking you not to be the cause of this year's big wildfire. Photo: Maranie Staab/Bloomberg via Getty Images

A <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="warm, dry winter" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2026/05/13/oregon-snow-drought-raises-irrigation-fears" data-vars-content-id="d0d4a97c-9186-4443-8ad0-3d24540597aa" data-vars-headline="Dry winter puts Oregon on edge for wildfires" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2026/05/13/oregon-snow-drought-raises-irrigation-fears" target="_self">warm, dry winter</a> has Oregon officials warning of an intense wildfire season fueled by low snowpack and human-caused fire risks.The big picture: Very dry vegetation in all its forms could allow fires to spread rapidly across Oregon this summer.

Environment

If you missed the Fire's return to town last week, you've got two chances to see Portland teams open their seasons this weekend.

Why it matters: The Bangers and the Cherry Bombs, the city's pre-professional men's and women's soccer clubs, are debuting a larger Lents Park venue as the Cherry Bombs launch their inaugural season.

State of play: Both teams will play in Lents Park for the first time at a revamped field that can hold up to 2,000 fans with seats right on the touchline.

That roughly doubles the capacity of the University of Portland, where the Bangers played last season.

And it's adjacent to Walker Stadium, so fans will have access to expanded concessions, bar service and merchandise areas.

The intrigue: The Cherry Bombs are also partnering with the Portland Opera for live operatic performances at every home game this season.

A pianist, accompanied by four opera singers, will lead crowd chants and provide real-time musical scoring to match the action on the pitch.

This weekend will also see the debut of Mary T. Cherry, the team's mascot, who will join the ranks of the Bangers' Saucy T. Sausage and the Pickles Dillon T. Pickle as Portland's cadre of unhinged mascots expands.

If you go: The Bangers take to the pitch Saturday with the Cherry Bombs to follow on Sunday.

Both games kick off at 7pm. Buy your Bangers tickets here and your Cherry Bomb tickets here.

Soccer, with a side of opera, arrives at Lents Park this weekend

Opera singers, mascots and soccer arrive at Lents Park this weekend.

Split image of two festival mascots: left a tall brown sausage figure with sausage limbs over its face; right a red round-headed character in a black leather jacket making rock hand signs.

Saucy T. Banger and Mary T. Cherry are ready to welcome you to the pitch. Photos: Courtesy of the Portland Bangers/Cherry Bombs

If you missed the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Fire&#x27;s return" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2026/05/10/portland-fire-record-wnba-debut-crowd" data-vars-content-id="f8f3055e-37b9-4db7-a64e-8ac0c6260c98" data-vars-headline="Soccer, with a side of opera, arrives at Lents Park this weekend" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2026/05/10/portland-fire-record-wnba-debut-crowd" target="_self">Fire&#x27;s return</a> to town last week, you&#x27;ve got two chances to see Portland teams open their seasons this weekend.Why it matters: The Bangers and the Cherry Bombs, the city&#x27;s pre-professional men&#x27;s and women&#x27;s soccer clubs, are debuting a larger Lents Park venue as the Cherry Bombs launch their inaugural season.

Kale Williams

Featured stories

Where races stand in Oregon's May primary election

Oregon voters reject transportation tax package

Portland councilors push budget changes ahead of final vote

Dry winter puts Oregon on edge for wildfires

Soccer, with a side of opera, arrives at Lents Park this weekend