Northwest Examiner: Participatory budgeting measure a cheap gimmick
Participatory budgeting measure a cheap gimmick
A participatory budgeting initiative, Measure 26-267, is on the November ballot, and anyone claiming to know how it would work is guessing.
Campaign manager Eddie Kurtz of Your 2 Cents, who made his case at a Downtown Neighborhood Association meeting last month, said it’s about time the taxpayers got to decide where some of their money goes.
A participatory budgeting initiative, Measure 26-267, is on the November ballot, and anyone claiming to know how it would work is guessing.
Campaign manager Eddie Kurtz of Your 2 Cents, who made his case at a Downtown Neighborhood Association meeting last month, said it’s about time the taxpayers got to decide where some of their money goes.
His most repeated lines were, “It’s only $16 million from an $8 billion budget,” and the reason public officials oppose it is, “They don’t want to give up control.”
The money raised would be spent on projects selected by citizens participating in a yet-to-be-defined process. It could not go for staffing or government operations, which leaves capital improvements, such as playground equipment in parks or public benches.
Read the rest at nwexaminer.com.
Northwest Labor Press: Measure 26-267, A Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing
North West Labor Press : Measure 26-267 A Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing
In a world in where ideas compete for your attention and campaigns use buzz words to make you fall in love with their proposals, it’s sometimes tough to sort the facts from the fluff.
That’s why you, dear readers, have me. Let me help you understand the only measure that Portlanders will consider on their Nov. 3 general election ballot.
In a world in where ideas compete for your attention and campaigns use buzz words to make you fall in love with their proposals, it’s sometimes tough to sort the facts from the fluff.
That’s why you, dear readers, have me. Let me help you understand the only measure that Portlanders will consider on their Nov. 3 general election ballot.
Measure 26-267 is an idea brought to you by mostly out-of-state interests that would embed in the city’s constitution – its charter – a virtually un-fixable concept that would redirect 2% of General Fund expenditures each and every year forever to a special pot for new projects. It would peel $16.4 million away from the funds for firefighting, shelter beds, parks maintenance, voter-approved programs, and Portland Street Response to pay for these inessential new projects.
Read the rest at nwlaborpress.org.
KOIN: ‘It takes away money’, Mayor Wilson goes door-knocking to campaign against local ballot measure
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Mayor Keith Wilson, the Portland Firefighters’ Association, and others hit the streets on Tuesday, asking people to vote against a ballot measure aimed at changing the city’s discretionary spending by introducing a participatory budget program.
This November, Portlanders will vote to amend the city’s charter under Measure 26-267.
Voting yes on this ballot initiative, campaigned by “Your 2 Cents Portland,” would be in support of allowing residents to have a say in how the city spends 2% of the city’s discretionary spending and create a participatory budgeting program.
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Mayor Keith Wilson, the Portland Firefighters’ Association, and others hit the streets on Tuesday, asking people to vote against a ballot measure aimed at changing the city’s discretionary spending by introducing a participatory budget program.
This November, Portlanders will vote to amend the city’s charter under Measure 26-267.
Voting yes on this ballot initiative, campaigned by “Your 2 Cents Portland,” would be in support of allowing residents to have a say in how the city spends 2% of the city’s discretionary spending and create a participatory budgeting program.
Read the rest at koin.com.
Willamette Week: Fall 2026 Endorsements Measure 26-267 No
The only measure on Portland ballots this November promises to give residents a greater voice in how the city spends its $803 million general fund budget. It would do it via a mechanism called “participatory budgeting,” by which Portlanders would suggest ideas for how to spend an amount equivalent to 2% of the city’s general fund (roughly $16 million annually) and then vote on which proposals to implement each year.
The backers of the measure, largely aligned with the left flank of the Portland City Council, promise that the program would wrest a sliver of the budget away from fat cats and their lobbyists and place it instead in the hands of frustrated working stiffs. We have our doubts this would actually happen.
The only measure on Portland ballots this November promises to give residents a greater voice in how the city spends its $803 million general fund budget. It would do it via a mechanism called “participatory budgeting,” by which Portlanders would suggest ideas for how to spend an amount equivalent to 2% of the city’s general fund (roughly $16 million annually) and then vote on which proposals to implement each year.
The backers of the measure, largely aligned with the left flank of the Portland City Council, promise that the program would wrest a sliver of the budget away from fat cats and their lobbyists and place it instead in the hands of frustrated working stiffs. We have our doubts this would actually happen.
Read the rest at wweek.com.
Oregonian Readers respond: Test participatory budgeting with a low-cost pilot
In light of all the discussion regarding the participatory budgeting ballot measure, I’d like to mention that last year the Portland City Club released an extensive study of participatory budgeting. I was part of the committee that did that work.
The study considered different flavors of participatory budgeting across many cities, and recommended that before we adopt a city-wide program, the city should explore it through a limited, carefully designed and low-cost pilot.
Candidates for office should consider endorsing this approach, rather than coming out either in favor of, or in opposition to, Measure 26-267 as it is worded on the November ballot.
In light of all the discussion regarding the participatory budgeting ballot measure, I’d like to mention that last year the Portland City Club released an extensive study of participatory budgeting. I was part of the committee that did that work.
The study considered different flavors of participatory budgeting across many cities, and recommended that before we adopt a city-wide program, the city should explore it through a limited, carefully designed and low-cost pilot.
Candidates for office should consider endorsing this approach, rather than coming out either in favor of, or in opposition to, Measure 26-267 as it is worded on the November ballot.
Read the rest at oregonlive.com.
Mercury Endorsements: No on Measure 26-267 – Community Budgeting For All
Mercury Endorsements: No on Measure 26-267 – Community Budgeting For All
This measure seeks to implement a participatory budgeting program in Portland, giving residents the chance to decide how to spend a certain amount of the city’s annual budget through an engaged, democratic process. Proponents say it’s a proven way to improve people’s faith in local government, something that’s sorely lacking in Portland right now.
The Mercury’s endorsement team spent hours weighing this measure’s pros and cons, arguing with each other and with ourselves. Ultimately, we have too many concerns to warrant a full-throated endorsement, and we feel it would be irresponsible to give a tepid one. So, forced to choose a binary “yes” or “no” answer (wishy-washy endorsements aren’t much of a public service), we must opt for the latter.
“This measure seeks to implement a participatory budgeting program in Portland, giving residents the chance to decide how to spend a certain amount of the city’s annual budget through an engaged, democratic process. Proponents say it’s a proven way to improve people’s faith in local government, something that’s sorely lacking in Portland right now.
The Mercury’s endorsement team spent hours weighing this measure’s pros and cons, arguing with each other and with ourselves. Ultimately, we have too many concerns to warrant a full-throated endorsement, and we feel it would be irresponsible to give a tepid one. So, forced to choose a binary “yes” or “no” answer (wishy-washy endorsements aren’t much of a public service), we must opt for the latter.”
Read the rest at portlandmercury.com.
Portland Tribune: Election 2026 Portland’s guide to the November election
This measure would allow Portland residents to decide how to spend at least 2% of the city’s annual General Fund discretionary ongoing expenses.
Residents could submit ideas for citywide or district projects, which city staff and community budget delegates would review and narrow to a list of feasible options.
Residents would then vote on the projects, with the results binding.
If approved, the program would begin in July 2027, with an estimated $16.4 million allocated in fiscal year 2027–28 and $17 million in 2028-29.
If the measure fails, the city’s existing budget process would remain unchanged.
This measure would allow Portland residents to decide how to spend at least 2% of the city’s annual General Fund discretionary ongoing expenses.
Residents could submit ideas for citywide or district projects, which city staff and community budget delegates would review and narrow to a list of feasible options.
Residents would then vote on the projects, with the results binding.
If approved, the program would begin in July 2027, with an estimated $16.4 million allocated in fiscal year 2027–28 and $17 million in 2028-29.
If the measure fails, the city’s existing budget process would remain unchanged.
Read more at portlandtribune.com.
KATU: Participatory budgeting on the ballot for Portland, officials fear cuts to public safety
PORTLAND, Ore. (KATU) — Portlanders will vote in this election on a ballot measure that would create a participatory budgeting program with a hefty budget.
Measure 267, backed by the campaign Your Two Cents Portland, would amend the city charter to require an annual budget for the program equal to 2% of the city's general fund (estimated to be over $16 million).
The measure would require the city to form an "oversight committee" for the program. Each City Council district must be represented in the group, which would oversee the collection of project ideas and the election to decide which gets funding.
PORTLAND, Ore. (KATU) — Portlanders will vote in this election on a ballot measure that would create a participatory budgeting program with a hefty budget.
Measure 267, backed by the campaign Your Two Cents Portland, would amend the city charter to require an annual budget for the program equal to 2% of the city's general fund (estimated to be over $16 million).
The measure would require the city to form an "oversight committee" for the program. Each City Council district must be represented in the group, which would oversee the collection of project ideas and the election to decide which gets funding.
Read the rest at katu.com.
Portland City Cast: The Fight Over Closing Portland Schools, Who Should Control $16 Million in City Spending, and Could Oregon Drivers Get Refunds?
We're looking at the uproar over Portland Public Schools' plan to close up to 14 schools, breaking down the participatory budgeting ballot measure on your fall ballot, and asking: Are Oregon's yellow lights too short? Executive producer John Notarianni is joined by Willamette Week City Hall reporter Sophie Peel and KBOO news director Althea Billings.
We're looking at the uproar over Portland Public Schools' plan to close up to 14 schools, breaking down the participatory budgeting ballot measure on your fall ballot, and asking: Are Oregon's yellow lights too short? Executive producer John Notarianni is joined by Willamette Week City Hall reporter Sophie Peel and KBOO news director Althea Billings.
Listen at portland.citycast.fm.
Oregonian Readers respond: Protect the services working families depend on
As a longtime advocate for working people, I believe city government should make the lives of all our families better. That means safe neighborhoods, reliable emergency response, well-maintained parks and community centers and essential services that are there when people need them.
Portland just went through an extraordinarily difficult budget year. The city faced a $170 million general fund shortfall. Millions were cut from police, fire, parks, homelessness services and other city operations. Even after the city council restored some positions, about 70 city workers lost their jobs.
That should put Measure 26-267 in perspective, (“Who should decide how Portland spends $16 million a year? Voters will weigh in,” Sept. 23).
As a longtime advocate for working people, I believe city government should make the lives of all our families better. That means safe neighborhoods, reliable emergency response, well-maintained parks and community centers and essential services that are there when people need them.
Portland just went through an extraordinarily difficult budget year. The city faced a $170 million general fund shortfall. Millions were cut from police, fire, parks, homelessness services and other city operations. Even after the city council restored some positions, about 70 city workers lost their jobs.
That should put Measure 26-267 in perspective, (“Who should decide how Portland spends $16 million a year? Voters will weigh in,” Sept. 23).
Read the rest at oregonlive.com.
Willamette Week: Key Questions About the Only Measure on Portlanders’ Ballots Won’t Be Answered Until After the Election
ortland voters will see only one city measure on their ballots this fall. Measure 26-267, if approved, would create a participatory budgeting program that gives Portlanders discretion over how to spend an amount equivalent to 2% of the city’s general fund (roughly $16 million) every year.
But voters won’t know the answers to key questions about how the program would work until after it passes—including how the $16 million would be funded, how project ideas would be vetted and honed, how residents would vote on projects, and even who could vote on projects.
Portland voters will see only one city measure on their ballots this fall. Measure 26-267, if approved, would create a participatory budgeting program that gives Portlanders discretion over how to spend an amount equivalent to 2% of the city’s general fund (roughly $16 million) every year.
But voters won’t know the answers to key questions about how the program would work until after it passes—including how the $16 million would be funded, how project ideas would be vetted and honed, how residents would vote on projects, and even who could vote on projects.
Read the rest at wweek.com.
Oregonian Readers respond: Portland can’t afford participatory budgeting
There are 16 million reasons to vote no on Measure 26-267, the participatory budgeting proposal. The Oregonian/OregonLive Editorial Board reached the same conclusion, and the reasons are compelling, (“Editorial endorsement November 2026: Vote ‘no’ on Portland’s pricey participatory budgeting measure,” Sept. 27).
The idea sounds appealing: let residents decide how public money is spent. But this measure would permanently write into Portland’s charter a program costing $16 million in its first year alone. This is money we don’t have. The city just cut community center hours, closed homeless shelters, drained savings and laid off 100 workers to close a $170 million budget gap.
Portland would become the only U.S. city with a mandatory set-aside for a participatory budgeting, and this program would be far larger per capita than those in Los Angeles, Boston, Denver or New York City.
There are 16 million reasons to vote no on Measure 26-267, the participatory budgeting proposal. The Oregonian/OregonLive Editorial Board reached the same conclusion, and the reasons are compelling, (“Editorial endorsement November 2026: Vote ‘no’ on Portland’s pricey participatory budgeting measure,” Sept. 27).
The idea sounds appealing: let residents decide how public money is spent. But this measure would permanently write into Portland’s charter a program costing $16 million in its first year alone. This is money we don’t have. The city just cut community center hours, closed homeless shelters, drained savings and laid off 100 workers to close a $170 million budget gap.
Portland would become the only U.S. city with a mandatory set-aside for a participatory budgeting, and this program would be far larger per capita than those in Los Angeles, Boston, Denver or New York City.
Read the rest at oregonlive.com.
Oregonian Readers respond: Portland won’t listen to people’s voice
Jim Labbe, founder and director of the nonprofit Participatory Budgeting Oregon, says “We have to make a permanent commitment to giving people a voice, and if we do that, people will come out and use that voice,” (“Who should decide how Portland spends $16 million a year? Voters will weigh in,” Sept. 23.)
Give me a break. It didn’t work when 83% of the 730 people giving written testimony to the Portland City Council wanted César E. Chávez Boulevard to revert back to 39th Avenue. And it doesn’t work when we ask that potholes be made a priority.
Jim Labbe, founder and director of the nonprofit Participatory Budgeting Oregon, says “We have to make a permanent commitment to giving people a voice, and if we do that, people will come out and use that voice,” (“Who should decide how Portland spends $16 million a year? Voters will weigh in,” Sept. 23.)
Give me a break. It didn’t work when 83% of the 730 people giving written testimony to the Portland City Council wanted César E. Chávez Boulevard to revert back to 39th Avenue. And it doesn’t work when we ask that potholes be made a priority.
Read the rest at oregonlive.com.
KGW: 'Your 2 Cents': Ballot measure would give Portlanders a say in part of city budget
PORTLAND, Ore. — Portland voters will decide this fall whether to give residents a direct say in how a portion of the city’s budget is spent.
The measure asks: “Should Portland create a participatory budgeting program for residents to make binding decisions to spend 2% of the city’s discretionary budget?”
Supporters say the program would allow residents to propose and choose projects for their neighborhoods or the city as a whole. Eddie Kurtz, campaign manager for Your 2 Cents PDX, said 2% of the discretionary budget would amount to about $16 million.
PORTLAND, Ore. — Portland voters will decide this fall whether to give residents a direct say in how a portion of the city’s budget is spent.
The measure asks: “Should Portland create a participatory budgeting program for residents to make binding decisions to spend 2% of the city’s discretionary budget?”
Supporters say the program would allow residents to propose and choose projects for their neighborhoods or the city as a whole. Eddie Kurtz, campaign manager for Your 2 Cents PDX, said 2% of the discretionary budget would amount to about $16 million.
Read the rest at kgw.com.
Bob Weinstein: Portland Can’t Afford Measure 26-267
There are $16 million reasons to vote no on Measure 26-267, Portland’s “Community Budgeting for All (except you and me) proposal — and I hope you’ll join me in voting to reject it. The Oregonian/OregonLive editorial board agrees in its recent Vote No endorsement.
The editorial noted that “the measure would enshrine in the city charter a program larger than New York City’s on a per-capita basis. In its first year, it would claim $16.4 million in scarce funds, even though Portland just reduced community center hours, closed homeless shelters, raided savings and laid off 100 people to bridge a $170 million budget gap.”
There are $16 million reasons to vote no on Measure 26-267, Portland’s “Community Budgeting for All (except you and me) proposal — and I hope you’ll join me in voting to reject it. The Oregonian/OregonLive editorial board agrees in its recent Vote No endorsement.
The editorial noted that “the measure would enshrine in the city charter a program larger than New York City’s on a per-capita basis. In its first year, it would claim $16.4 million in scarce funds, even though Portland just reduced community center hours, closed homeless shelters, raided savings and laid off 100 people to bridge a $170 million budget gap.”
Read the rest at bobweinsteinpdx.substack.com.
Oregonian Readers respond: Participatory budgeting is champagne socialism
The participatory budgeting measure on November’s ballot — Measure 26-267 — claims to give Portlanders more say over the budget. In practice, it will do the opposite: It dilutes representation for the communities that can least afford it, and is champagne socialism exemplified, (“2 Portland ballot initiatives have each raised staggering amounts to reshape how the city spends millions,” June 10).
Participatory budgeting rewards whoever has the time to organize, meet, petition and campaign for grant funding. Neighborhoods like Laurelhurst, Irvington and Westmoreland have armies of retirees and stay-at-home activists who can spend hours crafting proposals and raising votes for street murals and bioswales.
Portlanders in Powellhurst-Gilbert, Hazelwood and Mill Park, already disenfranchised and busy working two jobs, don’t have the time or energy to compete for the same dollars, even though their potholed roads and public safety needs are just as real.
The participatory budgeting measure on November’s ballot — Measure 26-267 — claims to give Portlanders more say over the budget. In practice, it will do the opposite: It dilutes representation for the communities that can least afford it, and is champagne socialism exemplified, (“2 Portland ballot initiatives have each raised staggering amounts to reshape how the city spends millions,” June 10).
Participatory budgeting rewards whoever has the time to organize, meet, petition and campaign for grant funding. Neighborhoods like Laurelhurst, Irvington and Westmoreland have armies of retirees and stay-at-home activists who can spend hours crafting proposals and raising votes for street murals and bioswales.
Portlanders in Powellhurst-Gilbert, Hazelwood and Mill Park, already disenfranchised and busy working two jobs, don’t have the time or energy to compete for the same dollars, even though their potholed roads and public safety needs are just as real.
Read the rest at oregonlive.com.
Willamette Week: Participatory Budgeting Measure Faces Organized Opposition, Including From the Mayor
The only ballot measure Portlanders will decide this November is facing organized opposition, and it’s coming from the city’s top elected official and some of the region’s most powerful labor unions.
Ballot Measure 26-267 seeks to let Portlanders decide how 2% of the city’s general fund is spent every year, a practice called “participatory budgeting.” Under the program, city residents would suggest ideas for how to spend 2% of the city budget (about $16 million annually), citizen delegates would shape those ideas into project proposals, and the concepts would receive a citywide vote.
The opposing campaign has garnered support from Mayor Keith Wilson and the Northwest Oregon Labor Council.
The only ballot measure Portlanders will decide this November is facing organized opposition, and it’s coming from the city’s top elected official and some of the region’s most powerful labor unions.
Ballot Measure 26-267 seeks to let Portlanders decide how 2% of the city’s general fund is spent every year, a practice called “participatory budgeting.” Under the program, city residents would suggest ideas for how to spend 2% of the city budget (about $16 million annually), citizen delegates would shape those ideas into project proposals, and the concepts would receive a citywide vote.
Read more at wweek.com.
OPB: Portland ballot measure for more public say in city budget clears hurdle
Portlanders rallying to infuse the city’s budget process with more public input are a step closer to getting their proposal on the November ballot.
The group says they plan to submit more than 78,000 signatures to the city elections office Monday, far surpassing the required 40,437 signatures needed to qualify for the ballot.
The ballot measure would create a “participatory budgeting program” in the city. Under that model, the public would be able to vote on how to spend no less than 2% of the city’s annual discretionary budget (roughly $15 million in the current fiscal year).
Portlanders rallying to infuse the city’s budget process with more public input are a step closer to getting their proposal on the November ballot.
The group says they plan to submit more than 78,000 signatures to the city elections office Monday, far surpassing the required 40,437 signatures needed to qualify for the ballot.
The ballot measure would create a “participatory budgeting program” in the city. Under that model, the public would be able to vote on how to spend no less than 2% of the city’s annual discretionary budget (roughly $15 million in the current fiscal year).
Read the rest at opb.org.
Northwest Examiner: Follow the money on Portland’s participatory budgeting push
The latest reporting from The Oregonian/OregonLive raises serious questions about the transparency and accountability of the campaign behind Portland’s proposed “participatory budgeting” initiative. And about the initiative itself.
Much of the money supporting this measure appears to be flowing through nonprofit organizations that do not have to disclose their donors. One political action committee backing the initiative initially reported receiving $270,000 from an organization that, on paper, appeared to have only about $7,000 available to spend. Following inquiries from The Oregonian, the campaign amended its filings, blaming a campaign finance software “autofill” error and saying the money actually came from a related nonprofit action fund. Campaign representatives have still declined to name the original sources of the funding.
The latest reporting from The Oregonian/OregonLive raises serious questions about the transparency and accountability of the campaign behind Portland’s proposed “participatory budgeting” initiative. And about the initiative itself.
Much of the money supporting this measure appears to be flowing through nonprofit organizations that do not have to disclose their donors. One political action committee backing the initiative initially reported receiving $270,000 from an organization that, on paper, appeared to have only about $7,000 available to spend. Following inquiries from The Oregonian, the campaign amended its filings, blaming a campaign finance software “autofill” error and saying the money actually came from a related nonprofit action fund. Campaign representatives have still declined to name the original sources of the funding.
Read the rest at nwexaminer.com.
Oregonian: Editorial endorsement November 2026: Vote ‘no’ on Portland’s pricey participatory budgeting measure
“A recurring allocation for the participatory budgeting program would inevitably translate into fewer police officers, less parks maintenance and more crumbling streets.”
The supporters of the “Your 2 cents PDX” ballot measure start with a reasonable premise: Portlanders are frustrated with their city government and have lost trust in their elected leaders. Something needs to change.
However, the solution they offer — creating a “participatory budgeting” program in which the city sets aside the equivalent of 2% of the general fund for projects selected by Portlanders — would only make matters worse. The measure would enshrine in the city charter a program larger than New York City’s on a per-capita basis. In its first year, it would claim $16.4 million in scarce funds, even though Portland just reduced community center hours, closed homeless shelters, raided savings and laid off 100 people to bridge a $170 million budget gap.
Read the rest at OregonLive.