PORTLAND, Ore. — Nearly two weeks after Portland City Council finished its main run of budget deliberations, three city councilors are introducing a last-ditch proposal to leverage the city’s climate tax and other contingency funds to avoid layoffs.
The “Services First Budget Amendment,” introduced by Councilors Mitch Green, Candace Avalos and Angelita Morillo, is to appear before the full council on June 10, as they consider adopting the final budget.
According to a joint release from the councilors, the package would keep 103 city positions funded using $16.5 million in Portland Clean Energy Benefits Fund (PCEF) interest accrued in the 2025-26 fiscal year, as well as $4.8 million in other fund contingencies…