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Council restores $2 million to parks maintenance by rolling back one‑time police increase
Summary
Council adopted an amendment that removed a $2 million one‑time increase from the Portland Police budget and redirected that money to parks maintenance and operations; supporters said the change addresses critical park upkeep shortfalls, opponents warned of policing service impacts.
Portland City Council adopted an amendment (Avalos 1, worked with Councilor Murillo and others) to reverse a $2,000,000 one‑time increase the police bureau had received in the mayor’s proposed budget, and to redirect those funds to parks maintenance and operations.
Supporters framed the action as restoring park services (restroom cleaning, graffiti removal, playground and facility upkeep, trash removal, and other maintenance) after cuts in the budget cycle that reduced maintenance capacity. Parks Director Adina Long told councilors the reductions would slow restroom cleaning, delay repairs, increase deferred maintenance and raise safety and accessibility risks across parks, trails and community facilities if not addressed.
Opponents said the move reduces the police bureau’s ability to hire or support crime-reduction strategies and warned of service impacts; Chief of Police testified that reductions would reduce services but did not specify immediate layoffs tied to the single $2 million adjustment. The council debated recruitment challenges, vacancy numbers and alternative funding sources (for example asset forfeiture or special revenue funds) before voting.
Vote: The amendment passed by roll call, 7 yes to 5 no. Several councilors said they supported parks funding but would prefer to identify other sources; supporters pointed to asset forfeiture and other restricted funds as possible police resources. The adopted change was implemented as a budget amendment in the FY25‑26 package the council forwarded to the TSCC.
Implementation: Parks Bureau staff were instructed to use redirected funds for maintenance needs; the police bureau and budget office will reconcile any special revenue balances and report on operational impacts during upcoming budget reporting.
