Politics & Government
Portland Budget: Council Hears Public For Hours, Vote Next Week
The City Council on Wednesday heard four hours of testimony from people concerned about what will and won't be in the budget.
PORTLAND, OR — For hours on Wednesday night, people spoke less of their hopes for Portland and more of their fears. Hundreds of people gathered virtually to tell members of the city council that they were afraid for themselves, for their children, for their neighbors.
It was the final city council meeting before they vote next Wednesday on an almost $45 million spending package.
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The city is in a position to spend more thanks to an unexpectedly large influx of money from the tax on large businesses.
A large part of the package – about $18 million – will go into a project with Multnomah County to address the region's homeless issue by providing more assistance and a substantial increase in shelter beds.
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When the city council votes, they will also approve millions for the ;police bureau, the bulk of which will go to hiring new officers, rehiring old officers, and providing body cameras for people on patrol.
Other monies are slated to go to improving parks, repairing infrastructure, and bringing business to Portland.
The package is expected to be approved when the council meets on Nov. 17.
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