Portland permitting bureau warns reserves strained under fee‑based model, outlines tech and process fixes

Portland Permitting and Development (PPD) told the Homelessness and Housing Committee that its largely fee‑dependent funding model has left the bureau drawing reserves and operating with far fewer staff than a decade ago. Donnie Olivera, deputy city administrator for community and economic development, and the bureau’s interim director said the bureau began the fiscal year drawing roughly $3.2 million from reserves after roughly $25 million in revenues versus $28 million in expenditures during the first four months.