Commissioner Rubio Passes Resolution to Require Council Decisions to Consider Economic Impacts

The Portland City Council has unanimously passed a resolution aimed at improving the economic transparency of its legislative process. Introduced by Commissioner Carmen Rubio, the resolution requires City bureaus to submit economic impact statements alongside proposed resolutions or ordinances starting in September. The new statements will specifically address potential impacts on the economy and housing development, responding to concerns about rising living costs in the city. Commissioner Rubio stated, “Portland is becoming unaffordable for too many of our residents,” underlining the necessity of informed decision-making by Council members. Furthermore, the resolution mandates external evaluations for future ballot measures that propose new taxes or fees, ensuring voters receive accurate estimates of revenue generation and associated costs.

This move is part of the broader "Advance Portland" initiative, which aims to foster inclusive economic growth. By establishing a consistent policy for financial analysis related to ballot measures, the City hopes to enhance voter knowledge and engagement. Overall, this resolution marks a significant shift towards greater accountability and transparency in Portland’s governance.