5.5.26 Budget Work Session #6

This was a budget work session held by the Multnomah County Board on May 6, 2026, focusing extensively on homelessness response and the homeless services department's budget. The session included detailed presentations on the homelessness response action plan, highlighting ongoing and planned initiatives, many of which depend on fiscal year budget decisions. Key procurement-related discussions centered on the department's $239 million FY27 approved operating budget, which represents a 23% decrease from the previous year, and includes a $10 million one-time general fund investment for housing placement. The board discussed significant reductions in shelter units (695 units by August and another 120 midyear), day centers, and outreach programs, balanced by increased investments in housing placement and retention, particularly rapid rehousing programs. The budget allocates over 80% to contractual services, reflecting reliance on community partners for service delivery. The session also addressed challenges related to staffing impacts on contracted providers, the need for equitable service distribution, and the importance of maintaining culturally specific services. Several motions and budget amendments were discussed to mitigate shelter closures and enhance housing placements, including potential use of Medicaid funds for housing stabilization. The board emphasized the need for clear role definitions between city and county responsibilities and called for improved data transparency and goal setting tied to budget decisions. Overall, the meeting underscored the complexity of balancing budget constraints with the goal of reducing homelessness through strategic investments in prevention, shelter, and housing placement.