Governance Committee

Portland City Council Finance & Governance Committee (Whole)

The Portland City Council’s Finance & Governance Committee convened to discuss the establishment of a new Transportation Utility Fee and a Street Damage Restoration Fee. These fees are designed to fund maintenance and enhance safety across the city’s transportation network. The proposed Transportation Utility Fee would charge residents and businesses a monthly fee, collected on the public utility bill, to address maintenance needs and safety improvements. The Street Damage Restoration Fee aims to recover costs from utilities that cause long-term pavement damage. The meeting included presentations from city staff, public testimony, and discussions on the implementation and expected impact of these fees. The next steps include a council vote on both the ordinance for the Transportation Utility Fee and the resolution for the Street Damage Restoration Fee.

Key Points

  • Introduction of a new Transportation Utility Fee to fund maintenance and safety of the city’s transportation system.
  • Consideration of a Street Damage Restoration Fee to recover costs associated with long-term pavement degradation due to utility work.
  • Discussion on the implementation and impact of these fees, including public testimony and committee recommendations.

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Votes

PENDING
Establish a new Transportation Utility Fee to help fund basic maintenance and safety of the city’s transportation system.
Motion: 2020 6-113
PENDING
Support modification of Bureau of Transportation street opening permits to utilities to include damage cost recovery related to long-term pavement degradation associated with excavation in the public right of way.
Motion: 2020 6-114

Action Items

  • Continue public engagement and gather more feedback on the proposed fees.
  • Develop a detailed plan for the allocation and use of funds collected through the new fees.