What I’m Fighting for in this Year’s Budget: the 2026 District 1 Budget Survey Report

Hey Portland,

You might remember that last year’s budget negotiations got a bit...tense. In part, that’s because councilors didn’t have a lot of time to prepare ahead of time. This year, I wanted to make sure that I was entering budget discussions with a clear idea of where East Portlanders want their dollars spent and protected.

That’s why my office launched the 2026 District 1 Budget Survey. Close to 350 East Portlanders responded and when we went through the data, one clear theme stood out:

You want investment in the basic building blocks of livable neighborhoods.

Candace Call to Action: Read my full 2026 District 1 Budget Survey Report here. For more information, the City has a dedicated budget webpage where you can see presentations, factsheets, and upcoming meetings, work sessions, and deadlines for the budget.

I also heard that you needed more information about the Mayor’s proposed budget to make decisions about what to prioritize and what to cut.

In my 2026 District 1 Budget Survey Report, you’ll find some high-level information about the Mayor’s Proposed Budget. You’ll learn the key takeaways from the survey, and where East Portland neighbors want to see more investments. You’ll see where I think there are gaps in the Mayor’s Proposed Budget, based on the survey key findings. And you’ll read exactly what I’m fighting for in this year’s budget process.

For years, East Portland has been told to wait for our turn for the fundamental infrastructure and services that other parts of town can take for granted.

Sidewalks.

Streetlights.

Parks.

Community spaces and vibrant small business districts.

But I’m not satisfied with continuing the status quo in this budget. My approach to this budget process remains simple:

Equitable investments.

Fair cuts.

People-first decisions.

That means asking hard questions when cuts disproportionately hurt communities that have already been underinvested in for decades. It means pushing for funding decisions that reflect actual community needs — not the same old tired narratives other people like to push on East Portland. And it means continuing to make sure East Portland residents are part of this process every step of the way.

District 1 was intentionally named District 1. Because for too long, this City put East Portland last.

I reject that. It’s time we level the playing field. It’s time we invest in our neighborhoods

And I will continue fighting to make sure East Portland gets what it deserves.

One Thing to Know from Last Week’s Budget Work sessions:

That’s how much the Mayor’s proposed budget puts into a “Visit Downtown Campaign” while other programs that help small businesses – particularly small businesses from communities of color – and workers get cut.

East Portlanders told me instead of more downtown-focused efforts, they want investments in neighborhood commercial corridors, community gathering spaces, safer streets, and basic infrastructure closer to home.

At the May 7 work session that included Prosper’s budget, I asked why the City continues prioritizing an additional $200,000 toward downtown marketing and reputation management.  And I wanted to know how we are evaluating whether these recurring downtown-focused investments are producing meaningful public benefit versus subsidizing older economic patterns that may need to adapt to new community realities.

Prosper Executive Director Cornell Wesley answered:

“Our GDP [Gross Domestic Product] resides within our central business district. The bulk of our impact resides there. That is a lived reality. And it's important that while we are using all of the tools available, because the $200,000 is just one tool, we have many other tools that are being used to target and address needs of the east side of our city. And so, this is one small pocket, but it is one important piece to generate interest in the assets that generate the most amount of income and impact for our city.”

I’ll let you decide if you agree with that strategy.

Upcoming Budget Work Sessions:

• May 12, 9:30 am – 12:30 pm: Budget Committee work session for FY2026-27: Portland Solutions & revenue generating options
• May 13, 9:30 am – 12:30 pm: Budget Committee work session for FY2026-27: Community & Public Safety (Community Safety Programs, DCA's Office, Portland Police Bureau)
• May 14, 9:30 am to– 12:30 pm: Budget Committee work session for FY2026-27: Public Works #2 (Portland Water Bureau, Portland Bureau of Environmental Services)

Key Budget Dates:

• May 14 – Last day for council to submit amendments
• May 21 – Submit budget to the Tax Supervision and Conservation Commission (TSCC)
• June 9 – TSCC hearing on budget
• June 10 – Budget at full council (first reading)
• June 17 – Budget at full council (vote on adoption)
• June 30 – Last day of FY 25-26

In solidarity,

Candace Avalos