As Portland and Multnomah County prepare their budgets for the upcoming fiscal year, residents have important opportunities to make their voices heard. This guide breaks down the budget process, highlights key dates, and explains how you can effectively participate in shaping your city and county’s financial priorities.

Understanding the Budget Process

Both the City of Portland and Multnomah County operate on fiscal years that run from July 1 to June 30. The budget process for the 2025-2026 fiscal year is already underway, with several critical phases:

City of Portland Budget Timeline

• May 2025 (NOW!): Public hearings and testimony
• June 2025: City Council budget adoption
• July 1, 2025: New fiscal year begins

Multnomah County Budget Timeline

• May 2025 (NOW!): Public hearings and testimony
• June 2025: Board of Commissioners budget adoption
• July 1, 2025: New fiscal year begins
  

Key Public Hearing Dates – May/June 2025

City of Portland

(All meetings at City Hall, with livestream option)

• May 14, 2025 – Budget Work Sessions (9:30-11am and 2-5 pm) (Watch livestream)
• May 15, 2025 – Budget Committee Work Session (2:30-5pm)
  (Watch livestream)
• May 21, 2025 – City Council Meeting (9am-9pm) (Watch livestream)
• May 22, 2025 – Approved Budget Submitted to Tax Supervising & Conservation Commission
• May 28, 2025 – Budget Committee Work Session (9:30am-12 noon) (Watch livestream)
• June 4, 2025 – Budget Committee Work Session (2-5pm) (Watch livestream)
• June 10, 2025 – Tax Supervising & Conservation Commission hearing on Approved Budget (9:30-11am)
• June 11, 2025 – Budget Adoption Vote, first reading (9:30am) (Watch livestream)
• June 18, 2025 – Budget Adoption Vote, second reading (6pm) (Watch livestream)

Multnomah County

• May 14, 2025 – Public Budget Hearing #1 (6pm, County Building at 501 E. Hawthorne, Portland)
• May 21, 2025 – Public Budget Hearing #2 (6pm, County East Building, 600 NE 8th St # 300, Gresham)
• May 28, 2025 – Final Budget Hearing (6pm at County Building; livestream link to be posted soon)
• June 4, 2025 – Tax Supervising and Conservation Commission Hearings
• June 12, 2025 – Budget Adoption Vote (9:30am at County Building)

How To Participate Effectively

Before the Hearings

• Review the proposed budgets: Both the City of Portland Mayor and Multnomah County  Commission Chair have published their proposed budgets online. These documents outline spending priorities and planned programs, and what is under discussion by council.
• Identify your priorities: Consider which services and programs matter most to you and your community.
• Connect with advocacy groups: Many neighborhood associations and community organizations analyze budget impacts and can provide helpful context.

During Public Comment Periods

• Sign up early: Public comment slots fill quickly, especially for evening sessions.
• Prepare brief remarks: Most testimony is limited to 2-3 minutes per person.
• Be specific: Reference particular budget items or programs when possible.
• Share personal impacts: Explain how budget decisions affect you, your family, or your neighborhood.

Written Testimony Options

• Email written comments to Portland City Council: council@portlandoregon.gov
• Submit Multnomah County comments: budget.office@multco.us
• Written testimony carries the same weight as in-person comments.

Key Budget Issues for 2025-2026

Several major issues are likely to feature prominently in this year’s budget discussions:

• Public Safety Funding: Balancing police funding with alternative community safety investments
• Housing and Homelessness: Funding for affordable housing development and homeless services
• Climate Action Plan Implementation: Investments in sustainability initiatives
• Infrastructure Maintenance: Streets, bridges, and public facilities funding
• Equity Initiatives: Programs addressing systemic inequities throughout the region

Resources for Staying Informed

• City Budget Office: portland.gov/budget
• Track City Council meeting agendas and submit testimony
• County Budget Office: multco.us/budget
• Track County Board meetings and submit testimony
• Watch Mayor WIlson’s State of the City speech where he outlines his proposed budget

Citizen Advocacy Tips

• Start early: Engage with the process before the Mayor’s or Chair’s proposed budgets are finalized.
• Build coalitions: Partner with others who share your concerns to amplify your message.
• Use data: When possible, cite research or statistics that support your position.
• Offer solutions: Don’t just identify problems—suggest alternatives or compromises.
• Follow up: After providing testimony, contact officials directly to reinforce your points.

Remember that the budget reflects our community’s values and priorities. Your participation helps ensure that public funds are allocated in ways that benefit all Portland and Multnomah County residents.

This blog post was created as an informational guide for Portland and Multnomah County Democrats. Meeting dates and times are subject to change—be sure to check official websites for the most current information.