Date: February 10, 2025
Summary
On February 10, 2025, the Portland City Council’s Finance Committee held its inaugural meeting, chaired by a councilor with Commissioner Novick and others in attendance. The meeting began with a roll call and a statement of conduct for public testimony, emphasizing the importance of orderly and respectful participation. The committee discussed its operating procedures, which will align with the broader council’s established guidelines. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to a presentation by Jonas Beery, the city’s Deputy City Administrator of Budget and Finance, and Ruth Levine, the Director of the City Budget Office. They presented the proposed city budget hearings and adoption schedule, highlighting the need for transparency, good governance, and enhanced community engagement in the budget process. The committee resolved to use the information presented to formulate a recommended budget schedule proposal for the entire council. Additionally, plans were made to organize community listening sessions across the city’s districts to gather public input on the budget, aiming to enhance public participation and feedback in the budgeting process.
Key Points
- Introduction of the first meeting of the Portland City Council’s Finance Committee
- Discussion on committee procedures and conduct guidelines for public testimony
- Presentation on proposed city budget hearings and adoption schedule by CFO Jonas Beery and Budget Office Director Ruth Levine
Watch Full Meeting
No votes were recorded in this meeting.
Action Items
- Based on the information from the CFO and Budget Office, the committee will put together a recommended proposal for the council regarding the adoption of a budget schedule.
- Schedule and organize district-based community listening sessions for public engagement on the budget.