Portland Housing Bureau outlines $243 million budget for fiscal year 25-26

During the recent Portland City Council Work Session on May 14, 2025, significant discussions centered around the proposed budget for the fiscal year 2025-2026, highlighting key changes in the organizational structure and funding allocations within the city’s service areas.

One of the most notable changes is the integration of the Arts and Culture Office and the Children's Levy into the city’s service area. This move aims to enhance community engagement and support for cultural initiatives, reflecting a commitment to vibrant community development. The council acknowledged the contributions of key directors, including Pellegrino and Montez, who are instrumental in this transition.

The proposed budget also includes the continuation of the Permanent Improvement Team, which will shift its operations to the Bureau of Planning and Sustainability (BPS). This transition is expected to streamline the permitting process, allowing for more effective implementation of development projects. The council emphasized the importance of this restructuring in improving service delivery to the community.

Financially, the proposed budget outlines expenditures totaling approximately $1.3 billion across various bureaus. This budget reflects a diverse funding structure, incorporating fees, grants, and taxes, including the Portland Clean Energy Fund and cannabis tax revenues. The council noted that while there are substantial funds available, the discretion in spending is often limited by the specific requirements tied to these funding sources.

Director Helmi Hysorek of the Portland Housing Bureau provided an overview of her bureau's budget, which amounts to $243 million for the upcoming fiscal year. This budget allocates significant resources for staff, homeless services, and affordable housing programs. Notably, $24.8 million is designated as a pass-through to the Joint Office for Homeless Services, indicating a collaborative approach to addressing homelessness in the city.

The discussions during this work session underscore the city council's ongoing efforts to address pressing community needs through strategic budget planning and resource allocation. As the council moves forward, the implications of these budgetary decisions will be closely monitored, particularly in terms of their impact on housing, cultural initiatives, and overall community well-being.