In his proposed FY25/26 budget, Mayor Keith Wilson demonstrated the City’s strong commitment to Portland Street Response’s place as an integral component of the City’s first response system. The Mayor’s proposed budget empowers PSR with the resources to grow and expand its reach as a key public safety partner in our community.
“As we move toward a more compassionate and responsive system, it is essential that every individual experiencing a crisis is met with care and respect,” Portland Mayor Keith Wilson said. “This budget is not just about numbers—it’s about investing in a model of public safety that prioritizes the well-being and dignity of all Portland residents.”
Building on Mayor Wilson’s vision for this initiative and commitment to supporting this program, City Administrator Jordan has guided the Deputy City Administrator for the Public Safety Service Area to advance the following directives in FY25/26:
- Uphold PSR’s mission and scope as an unarmed Mobile Crisis Intervention Team that serves people experiencing behavioral and mental health crises in a trauma-informed, client-centered, and non-enforcement manner.
- Ensure PSR is situated among the City’s public safety bureaus as a distinct but fully integrated first response program in alignment with the City’s agreements with labor partners.
- Support PSR’s continued communication and collaboration efforts with partners and crisis continuum providers to establish a network that supports individuals in their moment of need.
- Prioritize hiring, training, and ongoing professional development for PSR staff to ensure every team member is equipped to serve.
- Expand Portland Street Response’s staffing and hours of operation to 24/7 within two fiscal years, guided by a data-informed strategic plan tailored to community needs.
- Implement a district planning/response within two fiscal years to better serve all Portland neighborhoods.
- Optimize PSR's ability to serve the public by working collaboratively with community and regularly soliciting community feedback on the program. Specifically, PSR will host quarterly community meetings open to the public at which PSR staff will provide information about its operations, report program data, discuss policies in development, and invite community to share perspectives, experiences, and recommendations related to the program.
This comprehensive strategy underscores the City of Portland’s commitment to a proactive and compassionate public safety approach.
“I'm thrilled to help lead PSR into its next phase. The program is an essential part of our public safety system and Mayor Wilson's dedication and support of our PSR staff is incredibly important as we adjust our hours, add staff and engage with community members,” Interim DCA for Public Safety Bob Cozzie said.
