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Hi Portland,
May has been very, very busy. Before we get into it, I want to recognize Memorial Day and take a moment to remember and honor those who died while serving our country. It's up to us to remember their names, honor how they lived, and recommit ourselves to the values they gave their lives to protect. Thank you for your service.
Approved $8.5B Budget
During May, City Council approved Portland's $8.5 billion budget, delivering a balanced budget for fiscal year 2026–2027. My team and I spent the last month reading and analyzing Mayor Wilson's proposed budget line-by-line after it was released on April 20.
What stood out most was the lack of transparency, organization, and clear breakdowns of how and where dollars are spent by each bureau. Those details matter when we are tasked with making decisions with real consequences for city employees and core services.
My Transparent and Balanced Budget Resolution directed the Portland Parks & Recreation bureau to break down its budget by program and staffing, and show which parts are funded by the General Fund, fee revenue, levy dollars, and other sources. Though the breakdown was more robust than other bureaus, there is room for improvement.
Across the board, our bureaus are not yet providing the level of transparency I expect as a Councilor, or that Portlanders deserve.
The approved budget sets the overall framework at $8.5 billion, but the work is far from over. Council can and will continue introducing amendments within that budget structure.
My focus over the next few weeks is ensuring Portlanders can rely on our core city services, restoring funding for Portland Police Bureau (PPB) and Portland Fire & Rescue (PF&R), and protecting Public Environment Management Office (PEMO) funding.
Council will vote to adopt the budget on June 17. Stay tuned, Portland.
Protecting PEMO & Portland's Progress
This budget process has felt a lot like tower defense—working to protect the core city services Portlanders rely on every day.
Some of my colleagues proposed amendments that would reduce shelter capacity, reduce trash pickup, reduce outreach services, and reduce overtime support all in the same year. That's a hell no from me. I refuse to see us lose the progress we've made since 2022.
I've spoken before about the Public Environment Management Office (PEMO). They are a small team doing big work, and they play an important role in improving livability across our city. When there is a problem, PEMO steps in, brings the right partners together, and helps stabilize neighborhoods through practical improvements: cleaner sidewalks, better lighting, safer walking routes, and more activated public spaces.
PEMO also runs the Problem Solvers Network, a biweekly forum open to anyone working to identify and address issues in their neighborhood. If you are interested in getting involved, you can find more information here.
I'm all-in on PEMO, they remain one of the most effective tools we have for improving everyday life in Portland.
I Voted No to New Taxes and Fees
Portland Arts Tax
You may have heard the Portland Arts Tax increased from $35 to $50 for those making over $20,000 per year.
I voted no because I cannot support raising taxes on minimum wage workers at a time when Portlanders are already struggling with the cost of living. This isn't a progressive approach; it's a band aid on a bad tax, and a quick way for Portlanders to feel that their elected officials are out of touch with reality.
Ultimately, the Arts Tax is a voter-approved measure and I believe any major changes should be decided by Portland voters.
Transportation Utility Fee (TUF)
City Council also approved a Transportation Utility Fee to fund road maintenance. I voted no because I do not believe adding another monthly fee without going before voters is the right approach right now.
I knew TUF was going to pass with or without my vote, so I worked with Councilor Koyama Lane to improve the package by directing funding toward maintaining existing roads and supporting sidewalk expansion in Southwest Portland through the Sidewalk Improvement and Paving Program (SIPP).
NW 23rd Repaving
Councilor Clark and I successfully advocated prioritizing the repaving of NW 23rd Avenue, one of Portland's most iconic and heavily used streets. PBOT completed the work efficiently, block by block, keeping the impact paving had on traffic and parking minimal.
I had the opportunity to join PBOT for a day and help pave the block between Quimby and Pettygrove, which may now officially be the smoothest stretch of road in the city, if I do say so myself. It was a great experience and a clear example of PBOT's experience and execution. Thank you for the work you do.
You bet I will be scootering down NW 23rd this summer.
Around the City in May
May was also packed with visits and community events:
- Portland State University invited me to tour their newest developments, which included a surprise performance by the Portland State Chamber Choir.
- District 4 hosted a budget listening session at Chapman Elementary School, where community members let us know their priorities as we work through this year's budget.
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I visited Gunderson Marine & Iron and got to see the progress they've made on the improvements to Abernethy Bridge and keeping industry jobs moving in Oregon.
- I stopped by Community Warehouse, who help individuals and families working to get back on their feet by furnishing an entire living space for $150.
- I attended the Police Memorial Ceremony to honor the officers we've lost during their service to our city.
What is Eric Eating?!
This month, I visited Yun Shui Teahouse inside the Lan Su Chinese Garden, one of Portland's gems. Sipping on their seasonal, lose leaf tea and enjoying the beautiful garden was a nice and much needed break from City Hall.
See you soon,
Councilor Eric Zimmerman