The Portland City Council passed an $8.5 billion budget for 2025-26 after extensive debate, addressing a $93 million deficit. The budget includes additional funding for homeless services, with nearly $25 million allocated for 1,500 new shelter beds. However, it imposes severe cuts on the permitting department and anticipates job losses. Mayor Keith Wilson proposed this "back to basics" budget, aiming to resolve homelessness and secure external funding, while city leaders faced challenges balancing fiscal responsibility with necessary services. The final adoption is scheduled for June 18, illustrating ongoing financial struggles.
"Given our current fiscal situation, I set forth to relentlessly raise funds from outside sources for my plan to end unsheltered homelessness," the mayor stated in a budget message.
Wilson's budget includes nearly $25 million in external funding that will go toward 1,500 shelter beds, which the mayor previously said he wants up and running by December 1.
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