Mayor Keith Wilson implored the Portland City Council on Monday afternoon to direct much of $21 million in unspent funds from the Portland Housing Bureau to the general fund to “preserve public programs and at-risk city staff positions.”
Wilson’s request comes after the council last week indicated an appetite for spending much of the $21 million on rent assistance and the creation of affordable housing.
The Housing Bureau found the money unspent in its coffers late last year. How it piled up remains a matter of great contention between the council and administration—especially after former bureau director Helmi Hisserich said the saga contributed to her departure…