Voters Reject Participatory Budgeting Measure

Portland voters moved to reject Measure 26-267, a proposal to amend the city charter and create a participatory budgeting program. The measure, which was the sole question on the November ballot, was trailing 124,800 to 62,500, or 67% to 33%, following the second round of vote returns.

The initiative sought to allow residents to direct spending on 2% of the city's general fund. That amount equates to approximately $16 million for the current fiscal year. Supporters argued the plan would give Portlanders a greater voice in municipal finances. Opponents contended the measure lacked necessary specifics on implementation and timing.

Jim Labbe, co-chief petitioner for the measure, acknowledged the defeat in a statement. He noted that while the campaign fell short, it altered the local debate on civic engagement. Labbe pointed out that major opponents had previously stated they supported participatory budgeting in general. He said the campaign would seek conversations with various groups to establish a meaningful version of the program in the city.

The campaign, known as Your 2 Cents PDX, relied on television advertising and a dedicated website to promote the initiative. Backers cited successful models in New York City, Paris, and Columbus, Ohio. They also referenced the Metro regional government, which used a limited form of participatory budgeting in two recent cycles, though Metro has no current plans to repeat the effort.

In July, supporters submitted nearly 80,000 signatures to qualify the measure for the ballot. This total was more than double the number required. The campaign's funding structure drew scrutiny in the final days of the race. The Oregonian reported that more than two-thirds of the group's $2 million budget came from undisclosed out-of-state donor networks.

Local political figures split on the issue. The six progressive members of the Portland City Council, along with the Urban League of Portland, the American Federation of Teachers, and Multnomah Democrats, backed the measure. Mayor Keith Wilson, the six moderate councilors, Multnomah County District Attorney Nathan Vasquez, and major city worker unions opposed it. Wilson argued the city needed to focus on basic services and job preservation before experimenting with new engagement tools.

Isaac McLennan, president of the Portland Fire Fighters' Association, praised the outcome. He said the voters showed support for front-line workers, including firefighters, police officers, and dispatchers. Opponents had cited research suggesting the measure's scope was unusual compared to other U.S. cities. They also highlighted unanswered questions in the ballot language regarding project types, idea submission, vetting processes, and voting procedures. Supporters maintained the vague language provided necessary flexibility.