PRESS MEET | Multnomah County Chair Jessica Vega Pederson unveils $4 billion budget proposal

Multnomah County Chair Jessica Vega Pederson has unveiled a $4 billion balanced budget proposal, addressing the county’s largest funding gap in over a decade. The budget, which prioritizes direct services for children, families, and individuals in need of shelter, rent assistance, and mental health services, aims to mitigate the impact of a $15.5 million shortfall in the county’s General Fund.

Chair Vega Pederson emphasized the importance of maintaining essential services despite the financial challenges. "Under my leadership, our community can trust that the County will focus on helping people who face the most challenges, as well as preserving the most direct and impactful ways we can serve them," she said. "My budget ensures no shelter bed is lost and no health clinic closed. Still, it is not possible to make cuts to this degree and not have it affect the services we provide."

The budget proposal includes a $142.5 million investment in community safety, maintaining staffing levels for the county’s jails, and supporting initiatives to combat the fentanyl crisis and reduce violence. It also allocates funds for the strategic rebuilding of animal services and the security of future elections.

Facing a significant reduction in revenue from the Supportive Housing Services tax, the Homeless Services Department is set to experience a 22% budget cut, officials say.

READ MORE: https://katu.com/news/local/multnomah-county-chair-proposes-4-billion-budget-amid-funding-shortfall-jessica-vega-pederson

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Author: KATU News
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News post in at: April 25, 2025, 3:00 am.

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