What a month!
On May 21, City Council pulled a 15-hour marathon on the dais to debate and vote on Portland’s approved budget. The night was long—and honestly, it didn’t go exactly the way I’d hoped. There were some wins, some disagreements, and even a few funny moments along the way.
I was able to protect funding for the Downtown Marketing Initiative and eliminate some of the administrative bloat left over from Portland’s old form of government. Still, despite the marathon session, Council only got through about a quarter of the proposed amendments. That meant many important items—including several of mine—never even made it to the floor. These included proposals to fully restore funding for Neighborhood Coalitions and Associations, strengthen diversity and leadership programs, expand immigrant and refugee services, and scale back Urban Forestry’s overreach after years of poor regulation.
At the 11th hour, my colleagues approved an amendment that shifted funds away from public safety. I couldn’t support that direction—so I voted no on the amendment, and no to approve the budget. Still, the budget passed on an 8-4 vote.
Over the next few weeks, we’ll be negotiating and debating the remaining amendments. Our goal is to finalize the budget before the June 18th adoption vote—marking the official end of budget season and the start of a new fiscal year.
Want to know how the process works? Check out my ZTV video series, where I break down each phase of the budget. So far, we’ve reviewed the Mayor’s Proposed Budget, formally accepted it on May 21, and now we’re in the final stretch before adoption.
Listening to You
Over the past few months, we hosted budget listening sessions in every district—and I made it to all of them. It was incredible to see Portlanders of all ages, including kids, showing up to share their priorities.
I hear you. I took notes. And I worked to make sure your voice is reflected in this approved budget.
Parks for Portlanders
We made huge progress at Couch Park in Northwest Portland. This park shares space with the Metropolitan Learning Center, where students use the jungle gym during school hours and at lunch. But it’s been overtaken by drug use and unsheltered campers.
In no world should kids have to navigate fentanyl smoke before, during, or after school.
That’s why I worked with Portland Parks & Recreation, the Portland Police Bureau, and other city teams to bring a dedicated bike patrol squad to Couch Park—and the following steps are already in progress, planned, or under review with the community:
- Joint patrols with Park Rangers and PPB to enforce park rules and support long-term change.
- PPB mobile command and joint tabling to increase community presence and engagement.
- Remove suspected abandoned vehicles.
- Remove barriers on NW 20th & Everett.
- Secure restroom door locks.
- Temporarily remove the plaza porta-potty.
- Mural boards to deter graffiti on the old restroom building.
- Ongoing graffiti removal.
- Fix drinking fountain & pressure wash restroom building.
- Remove stumps to prepare space for new programming.
- Install temporary art in plaza after stump removal.
- Sightline/tree trimming to increase visibility and discourage negative behavior.
- Support the Couch Park community group and strengthen local involvement.
- Add chalk art supplies, cornhole, seating for everyday parkgoer use.
- Host community events like movies and art programming.
- Partner with MLC students and staff on long-term improvements.
- Finalize a community event schedule.
Now, I want to start seeing results before the end of the school year.
Sidewalks for District 4 & District 1
Council passed the Sidewalk Improvement and Pavement Project (SIPP)—a major win for both District 4 and our neighbors in District 1. This was a joint effort by me and Councilors Smith, Green, and Clark.
In a city that values accessibility, we can all agree: anything is better than mud.
PBOT’s sidewalk maps made it clear—parts of East and Southwest Portland have been left out for too long. That changes now.
Development & Housing
Let’s be honest: there are fewer cranes in the sky, less construction noise, and not nearly enough new buildings going up. Portland is falling short of the development numbers we need to stay on track. More housing means more options—and stronger competition to keep prices in check for renters and buyers alike.
That’s why I strongly support the SDC exemption proposed by Governor Kotek and Mayor Wilson. It’s the right move to bring developers back and send a clear message: Portland is worth investing in.
As Finance Chair, I’m committed to working through the details to deliver what Portlanders need—more homes, more tax revenue, fewer people living on the streets, and a city on the rise.
Neighborhoods, Coalitions, & Communities
Every month, I’m reminded how much pride and ownership each neighborhood brings to the table.
In May, I attended meetings with Goose Hollow, Portland Metro Chamber, Lincoln High, Hillsdale, and Reed neighborhood associations. These conversations help me stay grounded in your concerns—and they shape how I show up at Council.
That’s why I introduced an amendment to restore full funding for neighborhood coalitions and association support. The city must continue to invest in the neighbors already doing the work. Thank you to all the neighborhood leaders, participants, and volunteers.
Special shoutout to the Multnomah Village advocates who showed up at our City Council budget hearing to support saving the Multnomah Arts Center. You did it!
What Is Eric Eating?!
This month, it’s Doritos. Again.
If you’ve been watching ZTV, you know—every video, it’s been me and a bag of Cool Ranch.
Big thanks to NW Fresh Podcast for gifting me a box of Nacho Cheese Doritos during our interview. I shared them with folks at 503 Day, and yes, they were gone fast.
Thank you, Portland.
Councilor Eric Zimmerman