Portland City Council Budget Committee Meeting: FY2026-27 Approved Hearing Day 3 Extended 05/20/26

The Portland City Council Budget Committee convened on May 20, 2026, for an extended hearing on the FY2026-27 approved budget. The meeting featured extensive discussions and multiple amendments related to budget allocations, particularly focusing on homelessness programs, parks and recreation staffing, public safety personnel, and community services. Key procurement-related actions included the approval of amendments to reallocate $1 million from the Impact Reduction Program (IRP) to public sanitation and workforce development initiatives, and the creation of a $1 million restricted reserve for homelessness system governance and regional coordination. Several amendments aimed to restore funding for specific park positions, including those serving East Portland, with funding sources identified as the parks levy or general fund contingency. The council also approved a $450,000 transfer from the golf fund to support small donor elections, ensuring full funding for the current election cycle. Additionally, an amendment was passed to limit cost-of-living and merit pay increases for non-represented employees as a budgetary control measure. Votes on these amendments reflected a mix of support and opposition, with some narrowly passing. The meeting concluded with the approval of the overall budget report, tax levies, and the Prosper Portland budget committee's attendance confirmation, formally adopting the FY2026-27 budget.