City Kicks Off FY 26-27 Budget Season with Learning Session

The City kicked off the Fiscal Year 2026–27 budget process with a virtual Budget Learning Session on Wednesday, Feb. 11. The session, led by Chief Engagement Officer Amanda Garcia-Snell, welcomed community members for an evening focused on understanding how Portland's budget process works and how to get involved.

Participants watched a short video outlining the basics of the City's budget — where revenue comes from, how funds can be used, what it means to balance a budget, and how the annual budget is developed. The goal was to build a shared foundation of knowledge and create space for informed conversation.

City Economist Peter Hulseman then provided an overview of the City's economic forecasts, explaining how projections are developed, what factors influence them, and when updates are released throughout the year.

Community members were invited to ask questions throughout the session, creating a thoughtful and informative dialogue. Budget Director Ruth Levine and City Analyst Lillian Nguyen also demonstrated the Budget Balancing Tool — an interactive dashboard that illustrates trade-offs in the City's budget. Using sliders, participants could explore how adjustments to funding levels affect different City bureaus and services.

The evening concluded with additional questions and discussion, reinforcing the City's commitment to transparency, learning, and meaningful community engagement as the budget process moves forward. Find more budget events here. 

Watch the recorded meeting

Agenda

• Overview of the basic budget process - 7:03
• 2026-2027 Budget forecast - 17:53
• Question and answers - 27:30
• Budget balancing tool demonstration - 34:00
• Question and answers 46:32

Explore Budget Priorities with the Balancing Tool

This tool allows you to explore ways in which to balance the FY 2026-27 General Fund discretionary budget. This tool shows high-level numbers and does not reflect actual scenarios or service impacts of potential reductions.

Explore budget priorities and tradeoffs in the FY 26-27 Balancing Tool

Provide input on your budget priorities

View submitted budget priorities

Rose City Connection

Stay up to date with budget news and City information by subscribing to the City's once a week e-newlsetter Rose City Connection. 

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Want more budget information?

Track important FY 2026-27 budget development information and milestones

Learn about the City's budget process

Email CityBudgetOffice@PortlandOregon.gov