Portland City Council met on Thursday, November 10, 2022 for a Fall Budget Monitoring Process (BMP) work session where Mayor Ted Wheeler proposed $27 million in funding as a “down payment” to help jumpstart construction of six designated camping sites.
“Last week, we approved policies to create six designated camping sites and phase-in a citywide ban on unsanctioned camping; this week I am proposing an immediate $27 million City budget down payment to help build six Designated Camping Sites and related priorities,” said Wheeler. “This $27 million is a great start, and shows we are serious about quick implementation of our affordable housing and houselessness goals, but for the houselessness needs, it’s about half of the total we will need – we still need resources from our Multnomah County, Metro and State of Oregon partners.”
The Mayor’s Fall BMP proposal allocates approximately $27 million to the commitments made within the five resolutions passed by Council on November 3, including:
- $150,000 to conduct a public land evaluation for affordable housing as well as an assessment of local regulations on housing costs and production.
- $3.5 million for fifty-person city-employee Navigation Team to increase connection with individuals experiencing homelessness and available services. Funding for remainder of fiscal year.
- $4,188,600 for capital costs for three designated camping sites as well as site preparation and construction costs.
- $12,845,750 for operational costs for three designated camping sites for one year, including provider staff salaries and benefits. Funding for remainder of fiscal year.
- $750,000 to secure private security contracts for surrounding neighborhoods and business districts of designated camping locations.
- $550,000 to maintain and enhance homeless related services.
- $1,500,000 to expand staff capacity for the City Incident Command team operational structure to systematize increased management, oversight, and strategy related to homeless services. Funding for remainder of fiscal year.
- $3,891,164 for the Impact Reduction Program to continue operating at their current level of service through the year.