Board discusses federal targeting, grant terminations, SNAP risk and ICE activity; asks for shared statement of principles

The Multnomah County Board held a work session focused on federal impacts, ranging from changes in federal grant decisions to recent federal immigration enforcement activity in the county.

Deputy Chief Operating Officer Justin Black told commissioners county staff have completed an initial program-level review of policies that may be affected by the federal administration’s anti‑discrimination and grant guidance and that legal review is ongoing. "We have not preemptively made any changes to programs or policy," Black said, adding that the county is trying to avoid reacting only to press releases and wants formal federal guidance before making operational changes.

Black also told the board the county is involved in two lawsuits related to grant decisions — one concerning diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) and another related to sanctuary jurisdictions — and that the federal administration has in some cases terminated grant activity, which has already affected funding for some programs.

Commissioners raised near-term concerns about SNAP benefits. Director of government relations Stacy Cowan said contingency funding remains possible but that the situation is evolving and community groups and food banks are organizing responses. Cowan said there is still time for the federal government to release contingency funds and that local partners are planning support for food providers if a lapse occurs.

Several commissioners described a surge in ICE activity near community sites. Commissioner Moyer reported reports of federal officers near schools and clinics — she named Adler Elementary, Highland Elementary and a WIC clinic in Rockwood — and said the county has heard multiple accounts that the enforcement presence is sowing fear, deterring people from accessing services and disrupting students. Commissioners asked staff to continue coordination with service providers and community organizations and to consider a board‑level statement of principles to guide communications and advocacy.

Board members discussed two parallel objectives: documenting specific program and funding impacts to inform outreach to federal and state elected officials, and publicly conveying county values to reassure residents targeted by federal actions. Multiple commissioners volunteered to draft a short, joint statement of principles to be circulated for board approval and recommended closer coordination with the county’s delegation and community partners.