Portland’s attitude toward taxation reminds me of the bumper sticker: “How can I be overdrawn? I still have more checks.” With a parking fee increase, Portland will simply increase the disincentive for those of us living outside the City to visit — not exactly the economic result the City needs.
Actually I believe the solution is a bit more than "new leadership", and the likelihood of "honest discussions" in our City and County Governments seems unlikely to me. The unspoken elephant in the room is our deeply flawed, so-called "Charter Reform" which has placed decision making in a radically untenable process (thanks to Julia Meier and Candace Avalos among others). Witness the continuous gridlock that has marked the first year of the new form of government's functioning, along with the hyper-partisanship (looking at you, DSA) dominating our supposedly "nonpartisan" city elections.
This is a design feature, not just a flaw. Until multi-district, ranked choice voting is eliminated, and the Mayor is given a real tie-breaking vote, nothing can possibly change for the better.
Dan Ryan and Eric Zimmerman were the only two who voted against this, just fyi to everyone who will be weighing this (among all the other hits to our pocketbooks) when they vote.
I would like the city to disclose how many positions have been eliminated under the new charter. The plan was sold to the voters, in part, as a way to eliminate duplication across the departments. Michael Jordan, and now Raymond Lee were supposed to reorganize staffing levels in order to reduce expenses. Anyone know the change in FTE? The council certainly didn't address this issue during their budget deliberations. For example, how many positions in PBOT are there that don't actually repair and maintain roads?
The city apparently has added 1,000 positions (!!) from June 2022 (charter vote was November 2022) and late 2025. In the just approved budget, there are 57 communications, 37 equity, and 37 public engagement staff * for just 4 service areas despite supposed centralization of these functions.
* so-called public engagement staff, since much of the engagement seems to not be intended to engage all of us, or, witness the secret decisions about the Lincoln statue pedestal, not involve any engagement whatsoever except for a select small number of insiders.
Thank you, Bob. The city also hires outside facilitators for some committees--one would think public engagement staff would (or should) be qualified to handle those meetings. Of the 57 communication staff, are any of them IT employees? Those positions would be critical to making sure the technology works correctly.
As you have pointed out correctly in past posts, the city should have started its post-charter budget process using a zero-based budgeting model. Jordan wouldn't have had the stomach for it since he was long-time politician on the verge of retirement. But Raymond Lee could for FY 27-28. Until we see a clear, public-friendly organizational chart that includes FTE with the underlying rationale for job duties, none of us can be certain that the most critical pieces of the charter mandates have been met.
Mitch Green didn’t pay his property taxes. Do as I say not as I do.
He was too busy defunding public safety and promoting the DSA Peacock agenda.
Which doesn't include making life easier for middle class taxpayers, as we're apparently not an historically marginalized community.
Portland’s attitude toward taxation reminds me of the bumper sticker: “How can I be overdrawn? I still have more checks.” With a parking fee increase, Portland will simply increase the disincentive for those of us living outside the City to visit — not exactly the economic result the City needs.
Thank you TWO gentlemen. Your attentiveness to, and passion for, the management of our city is truly appreciated.
I am a new resident but I am empathetic to long standing ones for whom this news is further evidence of how far Portland has fallen.
The solution(s) seem to be new leadership and honest discussions about what Portland can truly afford.
Cutting taxes would spell relief.
Cutting taxes means certain services need to be reduced, eliminated or made more efficient.
Government does not police itself. Leaders DO.
Actually I believe the solution is a bit more than "new leadership", and the likelihood of "honest discussions" in our City and County Governments seems unlikely to me. The unspoken elephant in the room is our deeply flawed, so-called "Charter Reform" which has placed decision making in a radically untenable process (thanks to Julia Meier and Candace Avalos among others). Witness the continuous gridlock that has marked the first year of the new form of government's functioning, along with the hyper-partisanship (looking at you, DSA) dominating our supposedly "nonpartisan" city elections.
This is a design feature, not just a flaw. Until multi-district, ranked choice voting is eliminated, and the Mayor is given a real tie-breaking vote, nothing can possibly change for the better.
Did anybody on the council vote against these increases?
Dan Ryan and Eric Zimmerman were the only two who voted against this, just fyi to everyone who will be weighing this (among all the other hits to our pocketbooks) when they vote.
The Growing Cost of Living in Portland
Estimated Annual Impact for a Typical Portland Household
Tax / Fee Increase
Estimated Annual Cost
Transportation Utility Fee $144
Street Damage Restoration Fee $100–150*
Parks Levy Increase +$130
Arts Tax Increase (2 adults) +$30
Water & Sewer Rate Increases ~$75–125*
Electric Rate Increases ~$75–150*
Flood Safety Benefit Fee $14
Higher Parking Costs ~$100–250*
Permit & Transaction Fee Increases. Varies
Estimated Additional Annual Cost
Typical Portland Household: Approximately $700–$1,000+ annually
Households with regular downtown commuters: $1,000–$1,500+ annually
*Estimates vary depending on household size, assessed value, utility usage, and commuting patterns.
I would like the city to disclose how many positions have been eliminated under the new charter. The plan was sold to the voters, in part, as a way to eliminate duplication across the departments. Michael Jordan, and now Raymond Lee were supposed to reorganize staffing levels in order to reduce expenses. Anyone know the change in FTE? The council certainly didn't address this issue during their budget deliberations. For example, how many positions in PBOT are there that don't actually repair and maintain roads?
The city apparently has added 1,000 positions (!!) from June 2022 (charter vote was November 2022) and late 2025. In the just approved budget, there are 57 communications, 37 equity, and 37 public engagement staff * for just 4 service areas despite supposed centralization of these functions.
* so-called public engagement staff, since much of the engagement seems to not be intended to engage all of us, or, witness the secret decisions about the Lincoln statue pedestal, not involve any engagement whatsoever except for a select small number of insiders.
Thank you, Bob. The city also hires outside facilitators for some committees--one would think public engagement staff would (or should) be qualified to handle those meetings. Of the 57 communication staff, are any of them IT employees? Those positions would be critical to making sure the technology works correctly.
As you have pointed out correctly in past posts, the city should have started its post-charter budget process using a zero-based budgeting model. Jordan wouldn't have had the stomach for it since he was long-time politician on the verge of retirement. But Raymond Lee could for FY 27-28. Until we see a clear, public-friendly organizational chart that includes FTE with the underlying rationale for job duties, none of us can be certain that the most critical pieces of the charter mandates have been met.