City council allocates 2.2M for safety agencies

City councilors voted 11-1 yesterday to allocate $2. 2 million for recruitment and capacity building in various public safety agencies, including police and Portland Street Response. The funding comes from unspent money in last fiscal year's police budget, emphasizing a shift in resource allocation. Councilor Mitch Green, who proposed the amendment, remarked, "Public safety is more than just police," highlighting the importance of expanding support for different public safety services. In a previous vote, the council narrowly approved transferring $1.

9 million in new police funding to the parks department, indicating a strategic realignment of resources. The council plans to adopt the amended budget on June 18, a crucial step in addressing community safety needs. This funding aims not only to strengthen police recruitment but also to enhance operational capacity across multiple agencies. The decision reflects ongoing discussions about the diverse elements contributing to public safety in Portland. Ultimately, the allocation aims to foster a more holistic approach to community safety.