Mayor Keith Wilson’s proposed new budget will keep the St. Johns and Peninsula Community Centers open. It will also complete repairs for Pier Park Pool and increase public safety investments.
“I am proud to say that every community center, every program and every park is going to remain open,” Wilson told the North Peninsula Review. The proposed $8.5 billion budget now goes before the Portland City Council for debate and final approval by them in late June.
City Councilor Dan Ryan praised what he called Wilson’s “thoughtful investments in District 2 and North Portland.” Ryan supports keeping the community centers open and continued funding for the planned North Portland Aquatic Center in Northgate Park in the Portsmouth Neighborhood.
Wilson’s budget plan also increases funding Portland Police Bureau and Portland Street Response, which responds to mental health emergencies. It augments funding for pothole repairs and impounding illegally parked RVs on city streets.
In addition, the mayor proposes using $24.9 million in secured Metro and state funds to provide 1,500 shelter beds for homeless people.
The shelter plan was Wilson’s signature issue in his successful mayoral election last November. He said the Salvation Army’s Moore Street facility near Jefferson High School will be a shelter site and he expects more in N/NE Portland.
Wilson’s proposal closes what has been a $91-million budget shortfall and does not raise taxes. The plan does raise parking fees and adds a 10 percent increase to some Parks & Recreation fees. The mayor acknowledges that maintaining services in the current economy will be tough balancing act.
City Council members Loretta Smith and Candace Avalos have already criticized Wilson’s suggested elimination of nearly 100 positions from the City’s approximately 7,400 total positions.
Council President Elana Pirtle-Guiney and Sameer Kanal were not available for comment before deadline. They along with Ryan, represent District 2.