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It was reported that the City has a budget surplus of $62M. This money came from business taxes last year, and it was far more than the City anticipated. As part of the Fall BMP process, City Council now decides how to direct about half of the budget surplus to other City bureaus. However, before they weigh in, there is an opportunity for public testimony. This is your time to share with Council your thoughts on how the City should direct these surplus funds.
How you can participate in the budget monitoring process?
The City Budget Office collects online testimony year-round via email as well as a budget testimony collection form on the City’s MapApp site. Community members can use these communication platforms to provide written comment on the Fall BMP. Interested members of the public may use MapApp to provide their feedback on how to direct the surplus budget or via email to budgetcomment@portlandoregon.gov.
You can also view the budget comments anytime on the publicly accessible MapApp testimony reader. The City Budget Office made the Fall BMP recommendations and analysis public on Friday Oct. 8, and more than 30 public comments were submitted on MapApp and four emails were turned in when last checked.
The City Budget Office will continue to collect online community feedback throughout the Fall BMP process and sends weekly summary emails to Council each Monday leading up to your vote on the Fall Supplemental Budget.
Council is still scheduling the hearing date however comments for the Fall BMP are due to the City Budget Office in November. For more questions, please email budgetcomment@portlandoregon.gov