Councilor Mitch Green Suggests Borrowing Money from PCEF to Fund Parks
Briefly

Amid a significant budget shortfall, Portland leaders are turning to the successful Portland Clean Energy Community Benefits Fund (PCEF) for potential financial relief. Councilor Mitch Green proposed a short-term loan from unspent PCEF funds for parks maintenance, a suggestion met with mixed reactions. Previous proposals from other council members aimed to raise the fund's tax, drawing backlash from environmental advocates and local business leaders, who warned it could undermine the fund's original purpose and operational integrity. Tensions are rising as budget concerns clash with social and environmental priorities.
Councilor Green proposed a short-term loan from unspent PCEF funds to support parks maintenance programs amid a significant city budget shortfall.
Portland’s PCEF tax might be seen as a potential solution to the city’s financial issues, drawing both short-term and long-term concerns from various stakeholders.
There’s growing tension as some council members support using PCEF for city programs, which advocates argue undermines the fund’s original climate and social goals.
Opposition has emerged from climate advocates and local businesses to proposed tax increases on PCEF, raising concerns about the fund's integrity and purpose.
Read at Portland Mercury
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