FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Michael Cox (503) 823-6593
City Council Approves Budget Focused on Roads, Homelessness, and Economic Growth
Mayor praises Council’s approach to collaborative problem solving, fiscal discipline
PORTLAND, OR – Mayor Ted Wheeler released the following statement after the City Council approved the 2017-2018 budget:
"I believe it is to our credit as a council, and a sign that we have defined clear priorities, that this budget was passed with little fanfare and even less controversy. The City of Portland is poised to make significant investments to improve our roads, address homelessness, and foster economic growth.
"The council approved an initial investment of $50 million in critical infrastructure that will grow to $600 million over 20 years. We approved a $25 million investment in the Joint Office of Homelessness Services to provide rent assistance, shelter, and housing placement. We've increased funding to minimize the impacts of homelessness and they relate to public health, safety, and livability. And we've invested in coordinated efforts to promote workforce development to ensure Portlanders are prepared for the high-skill, high-wage jobs that will define our economy.
"I want to thank my colleagues for approaching this budget with an approach defined by collaborative problem-solving and fiscal discipline."
###