Some disappointments on affordable housing preservation, but we kept fighting for equity throughout. Thanks to everyone following along - democracy in action under our new government structure. The real work begins July 1st when we implement these priorities! #PDXBudget #District1 #CommunityFirst
One constituent wanted to learn more about the budget process - exactly the kind of engagement we need! Transparency and accessibility in government is how we rebuild trust. If you have budget questions, reach out! #PDXBudget
Deciding not to increase the police budget isn’t the same thing as cutting the police budget, and characterizing it as such is disingenuous.
In a year of shared sacrifice, let’s also work to save the things that are the difference between surviving and thriving.
#PDXBudget #Uncrease
Our budget reflects our values. Today's discussions show there's still work to do to ensure equitable investment across Portland, particularly in historically underserved East Portland. The work continues. #PDXBudget
Huge thanks to city staff supporting this marathon session. Your expertise and dedication make these complex processes possible. Government works because of your service. #PDXBudget #PublicService
After 15 hours of deliberations, we've voted on a score of amendments. There were some key victories for District 1 that I will go over in a recap tomorrow. More work soon as we continue crafting a budget that works for all Portlanders. #PDXBudget
Thank you to @councilordunphy.bsky.social, @councilortiffany.bsky.social, @councilorkanal.bsky.social, @councilorgreen.bsky.social, @councilormorillo.bsky.social, and Novick for supporting Avalos 1! Hard-fought win for Parks for all Portlanders. #PDXBudget
Thank you to my colleagues for helping getting Avalos/ @councilormorillo.bsky.social 1 introduced—redirecting $1.99M in one-time police funds to Parks maintenance! This would restore essential services like bathroom cleaning, playground repairs, and facility upkeep. #PDXBudget #ParksForAll
Thank you @councilortiffany.bsky.social for your leadership on Vision Zero! Your advocacy for safer streets makes a real difference for Portland families. Grateful to work alongside colleagues who prioritize pedestrian and cyclist safety. #PDXBudget #VisionZero
Just passed @councilordunphy.bsky.social's amendment reducing PBOT's General Fund support by a little over $600K for Vision Zero since we increased TNC fees. Dedicated funding to make our streets safer for all Portlanders—pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers alike. #PDXBudget #VisionZero
Voting YES on increasing TNC fees from $1.30 to $2.00. This generates $5M for transportation infrastructure while asking ride-share companies to contribute more toward the roads they use heavily. Fair contribution for heavy users. #PDXBudget #Transportation
With less than two hours to go, Council President is moving us to transportation amendments. Still so much ground to cover in our budget deliberations including amendments around our Parks. Time management becomes critical as we work through remaining priorities. #PDXBudget #Transportation
This will help business owners repair damage to their storefronts and install security improvements so they can remain open, and I'm happy to vote for it.
#PDXBudget
Just voted "Yes" on a package of amendments supporting economic development, including programs like SummerWorks. Investing in job training, youth employment, and business support creates pathways to prosperity in our communities. #PDXBudget #EconomicDevelopment
We recessed for a much-needed food break after hours of budget deliberations! We're now back to continue working through amendments. Marathon sessions require sustenance. Thanks for following along today! #PDXBudget #CityHall www.portland.gov/auditor/coun...
However, I will support @councilorkanal.bsky.social's 8 budget note requiring a comprehensive review of all Director and Deputy Director classifications. Let's study position duties in our new government structure first, then make informed decisions about rightsizing. #PDXBudget #SmartGov
I can't support @councilorkanal.bsky.social 1—cutting Deputy Director positions without clear criteria. In my experience, Deputy Directors have been incredibly valuable partners in getting work done. We need more information before making these cuts. #PDXBudget
@councilordanryan.bsky.social's amendment requiring a comprehensive inventory of all City and Prosper Portland grants to community organizations just passed unamimously. This transparency tool will help Council make informed budget decisions. Smart governance! #PDXBudget #Transparency
Strongly support @councilormorillo.bsky.social's budget transparency and info access framework. Budget authority is one of our most important roles in this new government, and Council needs clear visibility and information access to fulfill that responsibility. #PDXBudget #Transparency
After testimony and a short break, we're back. Discussed @councilorzimmerman.bsky.social's reclassification of Assistant City Administrator to Chief of Staff. The ACA's workload is way beyond a CoS role, which is why I voted "no." #PDXBudget
I agree we need more conversation with Prosper, but their worries are understandable. Converting ongoing funds to one-time funds has real impacts on communities of color without a real plan in place. That's why I can't support this amendment. #PDXBudget
After lengthy discussion about the President's Package that ultimately went nowhere, we're now discussing the @councilordunphy.bsky.social - @councilorgreen.bsky.social amendment on Prosper Portland's Economic Development Fund. #PDXBudget
We need to bring stability to the rest of our public safety system, and this amendment does that by committing the City to fund part of CHAT, the Office of Violence Prevention and 911 telecommunicators on an ongoing basis.
#PDXBudget #PublicSafety
The new amendment passes! That was an interesting experience in parliamentary procedure—watching Robert's Rules play out in real time as we fine-tuned the Golf Fund transfer amount. Democracy can be messy but it works. #PDXBudget #Procedure
@councilorkanal.bsky.social changes his vote to "No" so he can move to reconsider the amendment—part of Robert's Rules of Order. Parliamentary procedure in action.
The reconsideration passes and Councilor Kanal lowers the amount from $4M to $1M in the amendment #PDXBudget
@councilormorillo.bsky.social's amendment to redirect $4M from the Golf Fund to support Parks maintenance fails. This would have helped restore critical services like bathroom cleaning, playground repairs, and facility upkeep across Portland's parks. #PDXBudget
Update. @councilorgreen.bsky.social and @councilordunphy.bsky.social proposal of a small increase to golf fees to help fund essential services passes. A modest adjustment that asks golf users to add to the Golf Fund. #PDXBudget #ParksSupport
The City of Portland should be looking at rainy day funds that are not voter approved to see if there is a better use for those resources. Tune into our budget discussion happening now: www.youtube.com/watch?v=N0MK...
#PDXBudget
VICTORY! Small Donor Elections program is saved! Councilor Smith said it best—without this program, dark money and billionaires would control our democracy. Today we protected Portland's voice from being drowned out by wealth and special interests. #PDXBudget
"If this is not a rainy day, I don't know what is" @councilorkanal.bsky.social making a crucial point. We should examine all available non-voter-restricted funds to support essential services during this budget crisis. #PDXBudget #FiscalPriorities
