Rates and fees pay for critical investments in the systems Portlanders rely on every day, like water, sewers, streets, parks and garbage pickup. When the City’s costs to operate and maintain these systems go up, we increase our rates and fees to cover those expenses.
For example, many of our underground pipes are more than 80 years old. We need to invest in their repair and replacement so they can serve us for generations to come. Every dollar invested in preventative maintenance can save up to $10 in future reconstruction. Failures cost more to fix and create risks to safety, livability, public health and the environment. At the same time, costs are rising for construction, material and energy needed to replace, maintain and operate these systems.
As a city government, we set rates to cover the cost of providing service, not to generate profit. Every dollar supports essential work to keep services safe and reliable for current and future generations.
Facing a record deficit of $150 million, Portland City Council held extensive public hearings and approved the following rate and fee increases as part of the city budget for fiscal year 2025-26. Most are effective July 1.
Water, sewer and stormwater
Starting July 1, residential sewer, stormwater, and water bills will increase by 6.34%. A typical residential customer will pay an average of $9.55 more per month. Learn more about sewer, stormwater and water rates.
Garbage and recycling
These rate increases are not a flat percentage and vary based on your level of service. Learn more.
Permitting and development fees
These include permit fees for building, electrical, plumbing, accessory short-term rentals and more. Most of these fees are increasing 5%. Learn more.
Parking rates
As Portland’s economy recovers from the pandemic, people are coming back to the central city. To keep short-term parking available and keep up with rising costs, parking rates are increasing by 40 cents or 60 cents per hour, depending on the district. Learn more.
Parks and Recreation
Portland Parks & Recreation’s golf fees support the operations of the City’s five public golf courses. Golf tee fees will go up, but the exact amount remains uncertain. However, the Urban Forestry Division has recently reduced or eliminated many permit fees related to trees. Learn more.
Transportation
Some Portland Bureau of Transportation fees will increase, including those on sidewalk cafes (from $9 to $10 per linear foot), rideshares (from 65 cents to $2 per ride) and Sunday Parkways vendor fees for large business and corporations (from $175 to $250). Other fees are being reduced, including those for underground storage tank removal (from $1,088 to $1,015). Community event fees will remain the same. Block party permits are still free. Learn more.