City Council Work Session 03/03/2026

The City Council Work Session of Milwaukie, Oregon, held on March 3, 2026, focused primarily on updates regarding behavioral health and housing services, as well as a detailed presentation from the Tri-County Metropolitan Transportation District of Oregon (TRIMET) about proposed transit service cuts. The council heard from police and community partners about the expansion of behavioral health outreach, including the addition of a new behavioral health case manager to increase coverage from four to six days a week. The discussion highlighted the success of partnerships with local organizations like Love One and the library, which provide critical support and resources to the homeless population. On the transit front, TRIMET officials presented the financial challenges leading to a $300 million structural deficit, necessitating at least a 10% service cut and layoffs. They detailed proposed route reductions, including changes to the Green Line and bus routes serving Clackamas County, and emphasized efforts to minimize impact on transit-dependent riders. The council engaged in discussions about community outreach efforts, equity considerations, and potential mitigation strategies involving local agencies to backfill service gaps. No specific contract awards or procurement actions were reported, but the transit service changes and behavioral health staffing expansions represent significant operational decisions with budgetary implications.