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Portland,

Each May, Council takes up the City budget for the following fiscal year, which begins July 1, and each year the Council conversation brings new issues to the forefront. This year, though, was unlike any other. This year’s budget process presented us with an opportunity – and an obligation – to think differently, and to reimagine the way we do business.

Over the last couple of months, my Council colleagues and I have been deep in conversation about how to ensure that this pandemic doesn’t undo recent progress we’ve made on our equity and climate goals.

Wednesday, City Council unanimously approved the City budget for fiscal year 2020-2021.

I am very proud of the approach we took in the face of this pandemic, and that we have been able to close an anticipated $75 million gap from COVID-19-related revenue loss without major impacts to our work or our workforce. We turned around what could have easily been a financial freefall, into a budget that still protects the most vulnerable in our community.

Council worked collaboratively to put this budget together, and I’m pleased we reached an agreement with several of our labor partners. The short-term impact of the pandemic has caused financial hardships for many Portland households, but I’m confident that we will sustain and emerge from this crisis even more resilient and stronger as a community.
In the approved budget, we prioritized core community values:
  • Climate action both at the City and with regional partners
  • Homelessness work through the Joint Office of Homeless Services
  • Local small businesses, especially those owned by people of color and women
  • Safety net services for vulnerable Portlanders
  • Community parks, which are some of our most important spaces right now
We have not yet closed the entire gap. There is much more work to do.

Between now and then, bureaus will be working to identify the most thoughtful approach to cuts.

We will have a clearer picture in the coming months and we will make necessary decisions to balance the budget.

Thank you to Jessica Kinard and the City Budget Office, Council Chiefs of Staff and their teams, and my colleagues for the collaboration and leadership you’ve brought to this conversation. Thank you to all our public servants.

Thank you, the community, for having our backs. We will continue to move and lead from a position of strength, resolve, and clarity.

We will continue to serve the City of Portland with everything we’ve got.

Hope you are safe and healthy.

Sincerely,



Ted Wheeler
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