PORTLAND, Ore. (KATU) — A ballot initiative that would divert 25% of Portland’s clean energy tax revenue to police staffing has cleared an initial legal hurdle and will move forward with signature gathering.
The Portland Clean Energy Community Benefits Fund (PCEF) was passed by voters in 2018, creating a 1% tax on large retailers in Portland. Over the next three years, it is projected to bring in close to $2 billion.
The group backing the initiative includes the Portland Police Association, a large dealership owner and a former Portland City Council candidate. If approved, the measure would use the revenue to hire an additional 400 police officers…