Let’s Talk about Portland’s Budget

Along with our City Council and City Administrator, I’ll be proposing, sharing, discussing, and negotiating a final budget. This budget must reflect Portland’s values and prioritize the issues we were elected to solve. 

Portland faces a $100 million shortfall in our $1.1 billion general fund, representing a 9% gap. While that shortfall makes up just 2% of our overall budget, that doesn’t make the gap any less painful. It’s the most serious deficit we’ve had in years, and balancing our budget will require reductions to staffing, programs, and services. 

We face this budget challenge while contending with economic headwinds, deficits with our county partners, and federal funding threats. You’ll hear a great deal about proposed scenarios in the coming days. Some may feel worrying. That’s understandable, but please know we have a responsibility to explore every reduction scenario, including many I will fiercely advocate against. 

You have an important role to play. If you’re able, attend upcoming listening sessions, testify in council sessions, and reach out to me and your district councilors. The more we understand what you need from the City of Portland for your family, your street, your workplace, or your business, the better we’ll be able to represent your perspective during budget deliberations.  

From my standpoint, I’ll continue to prioritize the issues I was elected to solve: ending unsheltered homelessness, restoring public safety, green leadership, and reviving our local economy.  

I’ve said this before, and I’ll say it again: I believe our best days are ahead of us, and I’ll work tirelessly to return Portland to the promise of The City that Works, and a city that works for everyone. The city budget is just one piece of that hard and important task, and I’m grateful to have you by my side in the days ahead.

Gratefully,

View full size image of Signature of Mayor Keith Wilson

Mayor Keith Wilson