You know those “I’m putting together a team” moments in movies? From Seven Samurai to The Dirty Dozen to Ocean’s 11, I love ‘em.
While most attention has been focused on my proposed City budget, I’ve been working on another crucial project behind the scenes: gathering outside support and funding for my plan to end unsheltered homelessness.
I’m proud to say we did it—we’ve assembled the team, and the $24.9 million in funding needed to put my plan into motion. Metro, our regional government, contributed $15 million in funding in a unanimous vote led by Chair Lynn Peterson. Governor Tina Kotek and the State of Oregon plan to contribute the remaining $9.9 million.
Outside funding of this magnitude means our city will be forced to make far fewer difficult choices than we previously feared. It’s also a powerful affirmation of Portland as the irreplaceable economic engine and cultural pillar of our region.
We owe a debt of gratitude to our Metro and State partners, but we’re far from done. Now, it’s time to show that every dollar will have the promised impact, and that we can provide a safe bed for every Portlander, every night.
I’m proud to share this good news, but it comes with a caveat. This investment will only work if we retain and expand our public safety gains. As a city, we’ve made tremendous progress on homicides and other crimes. Now it’s time to tackle organized theft, rampant vandalism, human trafficking, slow response times, transit safety, and other issues that prevent us from reaching our true potential.
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