Portland City Council adopts 8.6 billion budget for 2025-26

The Portland City Council approved an $8. 6 billion budget for the fiscal year starting July 1, addressing a $150 million funding gap while prioritizing essential services. The budget allocates funds for Portland Street Response, adding 14 positions and expanding hours, and includes hiring 10 new firefighters for Portland Fire & Rescue. Mayor Keith Wilson's initiative to open 1,500 overnight shelter beds and four day centers was authorized, with a total cost of $24. 9 million funded by external sources.

The budget also raises rideshare service fees from 65 cents to $2 per ride, projected to generate $10 million for the Portland Bureau of Transportation. Council President Elana Pirtle-Guiney expressed concern over job cuts resulting from the budget measures, which may result in a net reduction of approximately 50 city positions. Significant amendments included reallocating funds from the Portland Police Bureau for parks maintenance and crime prevention research. This budget represents the first under the city's new governance structure, which was established in January with a 12-member council. The final budget will be publicly available on the city’s official website.