Portland leaders agree to pour millions more into police, homeless services and trash pickup
The Portland City Council on Wednesday unanimously approved a $44 million spending plan to bolster policing and public safety, assist those living on the streets and clean up garbage and debris generated at campsites across the city.
Mayor Ted Wheeler and city commissioners delivered the 5-0 decision amid mounting frustration over a deepening homelessness crisis, record shootings and homicides and trash that continues to line commercial and residential blocks.
In recent weeks, hundreds of residents submitted written and public testimony to City Hall decrying what they described as rising disorder and despair.