Council earmarks $677,664 from PBOT general fund for Vision Zero outreach and safety work

Portland City Council approved the Vision Zero portion of an amendment (a divided component of Dunfee 8) to redirect $677,664 in general fund resources within the Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) back into Vision Zero programming.

Discussion: Councilors discussed tradeoffs in using PBOT general fund rather than waiting for new TNC fee revenue (which councilors also increased in the same session) to cover Vision Zero needs. PBOT staff outlined program impacts when general fund support is reduced, noting derelict RV removal, paving and other maintenance lines that rely partly on general fund. Supporters of the motion argued that Vision Zero work — pedestrian safety, traffic calming, outreach — is urgent and that a partial restoration is appropriate; opponents expressed concern about shifting limited general fund dollars away from maintenance or other operational needs.

Vote: The Vision Zero portion was approved by roll call (8 yes, 4 no). The sponsor withdrew the remainder of the broader amendment for further work and discussion.

Implementation: PBOT will reallocate the specified $677,664 to Vision Zero outreach and related program lines for FY25‑26; staff noted that increased general transportation revenue from the recent TNC fee action (estimated separately) could be used in future budget amendments.