Portland City Council Budget Committee Meeting: FY2026-27 Approved Hearing Day 1 05/18/26

The Portland City Council Budget Committee convened on May 18, 2026, to conduct a public hearing on the fiscal year 2026-27 budget, including the city and Prosper Portland budgets, as well as related ordinances on utility rates, water system bonds, and fund transfers. The meeting featured extensive public testimony from city employees, union representatives, community members, and organizational leaders addressing concerns about proposed budget cuts, particularly those affecting public safety services such as fire and police staffing, emergency response, and community programs. Testimony also focused on the impacts of workforce reductions, the use of Portland Clean Energy Fund (PAF) dollars, and the need to maintain funding for parks, urban forestry, and homelessness services. Several technical amendments to correct budget errors were introduced and approved. The council discussed the process for considering pre-filed budget amendments and emphasized transparency and public engagement. The meeting concluded with the council recessing to continue deliberations and votes on amendments in subsequent sessions. No final budget votes were taken during this session, but the hearing set the stage for detailed budget amendment discussions and decisions.