Portland transportation bureau outlines $38 million GTR shortfall, proposes deep service cuts

Portland Bureau of Transportation Director Millicent Williams told the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee on Monday that the bureau faces a projected $38 million shortfall in general transportation revenue for fiscal 2025-26 and must consider deep reductions across programs if new revenue or bond financing is not secured.

The shortfall stems from updated revenue forecasts for state highway funds and parking, anticipated citywide administrative cost increases, planned interagency costs and other new expenditures in the five-year forecast, Williams said. "After six years of budget decisions that have required us ... we are where we are today," Williams said, adding the bureau must "maintain minimal operability where possible" and manage risk and liability.

The committee heard a line-by-line explanation of where PBOT's revenues and expenses flow. Jeremy Patton, PBOT deputy director for finance and administration, described the bureau's budget structure, saying most of PBOT's resources are restricted to capital programs or specific fees and grants and that about $90 million of…