The Portland Metro Chamber, along with a united coalition of regional business organizations, strongly supports Mayor Keith Wilson’s proposed 2025-26 budget and urges the City Council to adopt it with minimal changes. This budget represents a critical opportunity to stabilize Portland’s finances while protecting the services that matter most to our business community.
Why This Budget Matters to Your Business
Mayor Wilson’s budget tackles what started as a $100+ million deficit while avoiding new taxes and preserving key priorities: public safety, homeless services, and economic development. For Chamber members, this means maintaining the city’s commitment to creating a business environment where you can thrive. The budget protects funding for Prosper Portland, our city’s economic development agency, and continues modest but essential investments in rebuilding the Portland Police Bureau’s staffing levels.
The Economic Reality We’re Facing
Portland is experiencing significant economic challenges that directly impact our members. Recent data shows Portland is one of only 12 major metros with negative job growth, ranking 9th worst nationally. Local business taxes have increased 82% from 2019-2023, while housing permits have dropped to just 196 in the intake stage. According to the Governor’s Central City Task Force, Portland now has the second-highest top marginal income tax rate in the United States.
What We’re Asking For
The Chamber is urging the Council to resist proposals that would further cut economic development funding, reduce public safety investments, or impose new taxes. We particularly oppose suggestions to “divert” police overtime funding—overtime exists because the bureau is understaffed, not because of inefficiency. Portland currently has just 1.2 sworn officers per 1,000 residents, ranking 48th out of the top 50 largest U.S. cities.
Supporting Sustainable Growth
We’re encouraging the Council to focus on long-term solutions that support business growth and job creation. This includes advancing major development projects like the Rose Quarter, OMSI District, and Broadway Corridor, while working to streamline permitting processes that have frustrated many of our members. The Chamber remains committed to collaborating with city leaders to develop sustainable operating models that prioritize efficient service delivery.
Moving Forward Together
This budget represents the first step in what will likely be a multi-year fiscal reset for Portland. By supporting Mayor Wilson’s balanced approach—no new taxes, protected core services, and continued economic development investment—we can set the stage for meaningful collaboration in the year ahead. The Chamber will continue advocating for policies that help Portland’s businesses thrive and contribute to the city’s economic recovery.
The Portland Metro Chamber continues to advocate for policies that support a vibrant, prosperous business community throughout Portland. We invite our members to join us in supporting Mayor Wilson’s budget and other initiatives that strengthen our region’s economic future.