ARTICLE
Portland is entering a challenging and contentious budget season following the election of a new City Council. The Bureau of Development Services—now renamed the Permitting & Development Bureau—is facing a projected $16 million budget shortfall for FY 2025–26. Mayor Wilson released his proposed budget on May 7, kicking off the formal review process. Portland’s permitting system already struggles to meet service benchmarks and process new development promptly. Additional staff cuts would further delay housing and commercial projects across the city. HBA, in coordination with partner organizations, is actively engaging in the process to mitigate the most harmful impacts of the proposed cuts. We are also advocating for a long-term strategy to rebuild and modernize the Planning and Permitting Bureau post-layoffs, to ensure Portland can meet the region’s growing housing and infrastructure needs.
Portland is entering a challenging and contentious budget season following the election of a new City Council. The Bureau of Development Services—now renamed the Permitting & Development Bureau—is facing a projected $16 million budget shortfall for FY 2025–26.
Mayor Wilson released his proposed budget on May 7, kicking off the formal review process. Portland’s permitting system already struggles to meet service benchmarks and process new development promptly. Additional staff cuts would further delay housing and commercial projects across the city.
HBA, in coordination with partner organizations, is actively engaging in the process to mitigate the most harmful impacts of the proposed cuts. We are also advocating for a long-term strategy to rebuild and modernize the Planning and Permitting Bureau post-layoffs, to ensure Portland can meet the region’s growing housing and infrastructure needs.