Last week I released my Proposed Budget for FY 2020-21, a budget unlike any other I’ve ever produced due to the pandemic. I’m proud that our proposed budget was able to close a $75 million COVID-19-related revenue gap by almost 90 percent and prioritizes protecting the most vulnerable in our community. I’m proud that we centered equity and climate action at the heart of our budget.
 
This is our moment to reshape, reimagine, and rebuild Portland.  

As we now work toward reentry into City facilities, and reopening our community and our economy, it is vital that we work closely with the County and State to ensure we’re all on the same page and following the guidance of our health officials.

We will share more information on the Governor’s guidance soon, but in the meantime read her announcement on a phased approach to reopening here.

Addressing the Digital Divide Work Group 

As part of Prosper Portland’s Economic Recovery Task Force, we launched an Addressing the Digital Divide Work Group to tackle the disadvantage of those living in Portland with limited access to the Internet or a computer. The goal is to overcome the lack of digital connectivity in frontline communities and to help local organizations support residents in need.

The Work Group recently launched a technology distribution program. As an initial pilot, they are providing 100 “technology kits” – a donated device, software, internet connection, and training – to community members in need. Community members will receive a technology kit through local non-profits and community organizations.

You can learn more about the first 10 frontline community-serving organizations selected as initial partners in the technology distribution program in the Work Group's latest article.

You can also learn more background about this important work, how to access connectivity resources, and find out how to donate or become involved on the project website, by emailing connectingportland@portlandoregon.gov, or by calling (503) 823-2005.

The Global Mayors COVID-19 Recovery Task Force

Last week I joined C40, a network of the world’s megacities committed to addressing climate change, in launching a Global Mayors COVID-19 Recovery Task Force and a statement of principles to guide cities’ recovery from COVID-19 toward a more sustainable and resilient future.

It is essential that our collective responses and recovery from the COVID-19 crisis put us on a path for a more resilient, equitable, and healthy future for all. The City of Portland is building for a better future by putting frontline communities and climate action at the forefront of our priorities.

How we respond to the needs of those hit the hardest by COVID-19 and climate change reflects our priorities and values, and in my proposed budget I am prioritizing equity at every level of spending.