President Updates
It’s been a busy, productive month in City Hall, and I expect that June will be no different.
In our Budget Committee meeting on May 21 — a marathon 15-hour meeting — we approved a preliminary $8.5 million budget for the next fiscal year, making some important amendments to Mayor Keith Wilson’s proposed budget but retaining most of the priorities he identified.
During that meeting, we saw all 12 Councilors express strong support for parks, economic development, and workforce investments, and collectively focus on responsible stewardship. We also saw much-needed debate about some important, controversial issues — debate that Council has not previously had enough opportunity to engage in.
Councilors took care of big-ticket budget items on May 21, but are still working to refine, prioritize, and even partner on remaining amendments and budget notes as we move towards our budget meeting on June 10, the next big date in the budget process.
Many folks have described our first budget process under this new system of government as messy. But I don’t view the messiness as a bad thing. It’s democratic process at work, as our new form of government allows you, Portlanders who are most affected by our decisions, a peek behind the scenes. I think this budget cycle has allowed for more community involvement as we make these tough decisions, and that transparency in our conversations is important to me. I hope that as we move forward with our tough budget decisions that you’ll continue to tune in.
On June 10 and 11, Council will consider additional amendments. Our goal is to hear public testimony solely to June 10. We will take written testimony up until our vote to adopt the final budget, which will occur on June 18. The fiscal year, and the changes in the new budget, will begin July 1.
In other news, we recently received word that the opening of Pier Pool is delayed until July 14 due to unforeseen circumstances. I’m disappointed that repair work was not started in time to allow for these kinds of delays and stay on schedule. I will be monitoring the situation closely and continuing to put pressure on our Parks & Recreation department to get this highly-valued pool operational once again.
Events
Beyond Council Chambers, there’s a lot to look forward to this June. I want to wish everyone a happy Pride month, and acknowledge the many contributions of LGBTQ+ Portlanders to our city. As a member of the queer community myself, June is a valuable time for me to honor an important piece of my identity and to celebrate this vibrant community of people that I am grateful to be a part of.
As far as upcoming events go, I’m really looking forward to participating in the Portland Rose Festival’s Starlight Parade tomorrow, May 31, and to attending the Rose Festival Junior Parade on June 4, where my kid will be in one of the marching bands, and the Grand Floral Parade on June 7.
This month we will also celebrate Juneteenth, a holiday that commemorates the ending of slavery in the United States and reminds us to celebrate and recommit to creating the just future for Black Americans that we are still fighting for. On June 15, the 8 Seconds Juneteenth Black Rodeo will celebrate the legacy, resilience, and cultural contributions of Black communities in shaping American and Western history — uplifting stories of strength, skill, and heritage that are too often overlooked. I’ll be reading a proclamation from the Mayor about the importance of this event. And on June 21, the annual Clara Peoples Freedom Trail Parade, beginning at King School, will kick off a festival featuring vendors, exhibits, and live music.
On June 28 and 29, the annual “Good in the Hood” multicultural music and food festival will take place in Lillis Albina Park, kicking off with a parade on the 28th that will travel through Northeast Portland. This annual event celebrates diversity, uplifts small businesses and showcases locally and nationally acclaimed musicians. I’ll have to miss the parade on Saturday but I’m excited to attend the festival that weekend.
Both inside and outside of City Hall, this upcoming month feels like a time to take stock of our progress and celebrate our wins, while also evaluating the distance we still have to go and setting up those next steps. I hope you’ll join me in striking that balance.
Wishing all of you a great start to your summer,
Elana