Portland Mayor Wilson proposes $8.54B budget amid $93M deficit

Portland Mayor Keith Wilson has proposed an $8.5 billion budget for 2025-26 that seeks to address a significant general fund shortfall—estimated between $65 million and $93 million—by implementing layoffs, program cuts, and increased fees. The budget emphasizes investments in public safety, homeless shelter services, and city cleanup, while cutting administrative costs by 20% and eliminating 178 city positions. Wilson's plan includes expanding funding for police, fire, and the non-armed Portland Street Response, alongside an ambitious initiative to provide a safe bed for every homeless person by the end of the year. To help close the budget gap, the mayor is relying on temporary external funding and financial partnerships, though some of these funds are not guaranteed, raising concerns about the sustainability of these measures. Despite the cuts, the proposal maintains key services and reflects Wilson's focus on fiscal responsibility, equity, and meeting the city's most pressing needs. The City Council must approve the budget before it takes effect, with public hearings scheduled and constituent concerns about service reductions already raised.