Portland City Council Regular Session 05/13/26

The Portland City Council held a regular session on May 13, 2026, addressing several key procurement and budget-related items. Notably, the council authorized the transfer of city-owned property to Habitat for Humanity Portland Region for the True North affordable housing project, which includes 50 family-sized homes with permanent affordability covenants. This emergency ordinance passed with 12 affirmative votes, with discussions clarifying the timing and budget implications of the $8 million funding involved. The council also deliberated extensively on a non-emergency ordinance to regulate law enforcement identification and facial covering requirements, particularly concerning federal agents, amid constitutional concerns and community safety considerations. Additionally, the council approved funding recommendations for the Portland Children's Levy for 2026-2029, supporting grants to organizations serving children and families. A significant portion of the meeting focused on the authorization of up to $525 million in water revenue bonds to finance the Bull Run filtration plant project, a multi-billion-dollar infrastructure effort. Public testimony highlighted concerns about escalating costs, affordability impacts on ratepayers, and alternative water treatment options. Council members discussed the financial implications, project delays, and the necessity of the filtration plant to meet federal water quality standards. The meeting concluded with the approval of amendments to the arts tax code aimed at making the tax less regressive and more sustainable, despite some opposition to tax increases. Overall, the session involved critical decisions on housing, public safety policy, children's services funding, water infrastructure financing, and arts funding reforms, with several votes taken to advance these procurement and budget matters.