Oregon Public Broadcasting

Portland Mayor Sam Adams presented his budget Friday with an eye toward protecting basic services.

Adams’ first budget as mayor cuts nearly nine million dollars, even as it raises park fees and other taxes, to keep public safety and other vital services going.

Mayor Adams says Portland’s budget situation is not as bad as other places - like Multnomah County. And Adams says worse budget problems at the state and county pushed some of the city’s decisions.

Sam Adams:  “Given what we know what are coming forward in terms of cuts from the county and state in human services, this budget reflects a 62 percent increase in spending for housing assistance, homeless programs, human services.”

Adams also boosted spending on youth programs to improve the dropout rate. The budget’s deepest cuts are to parks and planning. The mayor says those, and other cuts may help delay longer term planning and climate change efforts.