Allocations
The PDX CARES Task Force proposed allocations that would help our most vulnerable community members and small business owners, as well as support joint pandemic response efforts with local government partners. After reviewing a range of options, Portland’s City Council determined during a July 22, 2020 work session that investing in our region’s public health response and meeting the immediate needs of our community were the highest and best use of these funds. From household and small business assistance programs to bridging the digital divide, these funds were to provide a lifeline to struggling Portlanders. Ultimately, 90% of the available funds were earmarked for distribution directly to the community with 10% being held in reserve to cover emergency response expenses. Here is the final breakdown:
- $32 million for household and housing stability
- $20 million for Multnomah County’s public health response
- $16.5 million for supporting Portland’s homeless community
- $15 million for small business relief and $4.35 million for arts and culture
As COVID-19 widened existing inequalities, City Council decided to prioritize programs that addressed the immediate needs of BIPOC communities, people with disabilities, people in the houseless community, and our most vulnerable Portlanders.
Disbursements
Below are the actual disbursements of Cares Act dollars:
| Arts & Culture | $4,350,000 |
|---|---|
| Business Support | $15,800,000 |
| COVID Community Outreach | $1,564,000 |
| Digital Divide | $5,006,000 |
| East County Cities | $4,990,772 |
| ECC Response | $5,774,484 |
| Homeless Response | $20,582,000 |
| Household Assistance | $22,200,000 |
| Housing Stability | $17,000,000 |
| County Public Health | $20,000,000 |
| Total Expenditures | $117,267,256 |