Popular Portland festivals ask for relief from six-figure annual city fees

The Rose Festival and Waterfront Blues Festival in Portland are advocating for financial relief from city fees, amounting to about $330,000 annually. These costs, which include usage fees for Portland parks and restoration expenses, significantly impact their programming capabilities. Records from Portland Parks and Recreation reveal that the Rose Festival spent nearly $1. 4 million on city fees between 2015 and 2024, with the Blues Festival exceeding $1 million during the same period. This year, the city waived permit fees, providing crucial support for both festivals' financial stability.

Organizers Marilyn Clint and Christina Fuller argue that permanent fee relief is essential for the events' sustainability and the economic health of downtown Portland. A city spokesperson indicated that these fee waivers were one-time investments aimed at aiding recovery from the pandemic. Both organizers expressed a desire for continued dialogue about fee structures to ensure the festivals' future. They believe that the economic benefits of the events far outweigh the costs of fee relief, highlighting the importance of collaboration for the city's growth.