Multnomah County Proposes $3.9 Billion Budget With Cuts to Homeless Services

MULTNOMAH COUNTY, Ore. — A $3.9 billion budget, representing a $93.2 million overall budget decrease from the previous year, was put to the Multnomah County Commissioners yesterday, but cuts to homeless initiatives have raised concerns.

Multnomah County Budget Reduces Costs, Including Homeless Spending

The Multnomah County budget proposed by County Chair Jessica Vega Pederson addresses an $11.1 million shortfall in the County’s $918 million General Fund, but the $93.2 million overall budget decrease doesn’t make provision for eliminating 166 full-time county positions that would close the gap.

Declining property tax revenues tied to downtown Portland’s struggling real estate market are the primary driver of the deficit, which has been complicated by expiring one-time funds and reductions in federal and state funding.

Aside from cuts to the general fund gap, a $67 million shortfall has been penciled in for the Homeless Services Department, which relies on revenue from the Supportive Housing Services tax on wealthy income earners.

While the county will continue to manage and fund 1,667 shelter beds, the deficit will force the closure of approximately 605 adult shelter beds and reduce the number of shelter vouchers, affecting about 90 families who will be offered ‘scattered-site shelter vouchers.’

Public hearings are scheduled for April 29, May 13, and May 20 and will be published on Multnomah County’s YouTube page.

The proposed budget prioritizes public safety and social services through strategic reallocation. Key highlights include full funding for county jails and $1.87 million for DA digital evidence and pretrial services, despite a 5% departmental cut.

Mental health remains a focus with $9.3 million for Portland’s Behavioral Health Resource Center and a new sobering center. Housing stability receives $3.5 million to prevent 500 evictions.

While the SUN Community Schools program faces a $1.2 million reduction, funding is sustained for immigrant resilience programs, animal shelter staffing, and election operations. This plan balances critical infrastructure with essential community support.

County commissioners are expected to meet next week to discuss the budget, and a final vote is scheduled for June 4.