Multnomah County commissioners approved budget modification DCJ‑001‑25 Oct. 31, a technical reallocation of Justice Reinvestment Initiative (JRI) evaluation funds intended to preserve data‑analytic capacity in the county justice ecosystem.
Jay Scroggins, interim deputy director of the Department of Community Justice, outlined two funding fixes: (1) reassigning an ongoing 3% evaluation/research allocation in local JRI funds from DCJ to the District Attorney’s Office to support an existing DA data analyst position, and (2) accepting a one‑time supplemental competitive award from the state to restore a second Oregon Judicial Department analyst position. Michelle Myers, finance director for the DA’s Office, confirmed the DA currently fills the analyst role and will continue the work.
Commissioners voiced support for preserving data capacity used to evaluate justice programs and for continuing to press the legislature to fund JRI where needed. The budget modification was adopted by roll call vote.