Budget
Money directly impacting North and Northeast Portland from the State
From Representative Chip Shields:
Directly Impacting North/Northeast Portland:
$3.2 million restored to Oregon Project Independence funding to help seniors, including those served by the Urban League. (HB 5054-A)
$150,000 to The Skanner Foundation for continuation funding for the neighborhood multi-media training center in North Portland. (HB 5054-A)
Over $1 million for funding civil rights enforcement in the Oregon Department of Justice and Bureau of Labor and Industries.
Restored all cuts to funding for Multnomah County gang services ($772,937) and added another $800,000 for gang services in East Multnomah County. (HB 5054-A)
Funding for Project Clean Slate in the Oregon Department of Justice budget.
$1.5 million commitment from the Governor's office for Justice Assistance Grants to fund offender re-entry one-stop centers in Portland, Eugene and Klamath Falls.
Over $100 million to expand Head Start at places like Albina Head Start.
Continued funding of the PCC Skill Center on the PCC Cascade Campus.
$8.9 million to help abused kids through programs like Cares Northwest.
Read more and discuss: Money directly impacting North and Northeast Portland from the State
» June 30, 2009 - 0 comments - Budget, Front Page News, Inner NE, Karol's Blog, North Portland
Chair Wheeler's budget message to employees
Dear Multnomah County Employees,
Today we see the result of months of work as the Board of County Commissioners adopted the FY 2009-10 Multnomah County Budget.
This budget is a result of the hard work of many people and is built on some of the frankest conversations I have experienced among fellow commissioners, county staff and members of the public. I especially want to thank county leadership and community advocates for their efforts in guiding our understanding of the issues. I also would like to recognize the sacrifice and contributions of more than 65 percent of county employees who will forego wage increases. Salary savings, along with our targeted pursuit of new revenue, helped to lessen the blow of the largest budget shortfall in decades.
The impact of this budget is tremendously sobering – every county department has taken reductions – and programs, services, and jobs were eliminated. Many individuals have struggled with the difficult choices that this budget has required. The task ahead is equally sobering as we look to find long-term savings to meet the upcoming state budget reductions. I know that these decisions will not be easy, but I pledge to make them with thoughtfulness and compassion for the people whose lives are affected.
One common theme that has surfaced is the need for flexibility to respond to a rapidly changing environment. On a daily basis, I have learned something new about how the county does business and how we can do better.
Read more and discuss: Chair Wheeler's budget message to employees
» June 4, 2009 - 0 comments - Budget, Front Page News, Karol's Blog
Video: Coffee with Cogen - The County's budget update
Discuss: Video: Coffee with Cogen - The County's budget update
» May 29, 2009 - 0 comments - Budget, Community Involvement, Inner NE, Karol's Blog, Top Stories
Car rental tax increase passes in Multnomah County
The Multnomah County Board of County Commissioners passed an ordinance change – introduced by Commissioner Jeff Cogen – to increase the current Motor Vehicle Rental Tax (MVRT) from 12.5 percent to 17 percent. The increase is estimated to raise an additional $4.7 million for the County’s General Fund.
The increase brought various out supporters from around the County. Their main concerns were funding social services and public safety. Twenty residents testified, mostly in favor of the 4.5% increase. There were also over 60 supporters; most of whom stood when Alisa Keny-Guyer was testifying in favor of funding programs for children and families.
“This is a once in a lifetime financial crisis and it requires bold action from leaders who can make a difference,” said Cogen. “While this doesn’t close our $45 million dollar budget deficit, it is part of a balanced solution that will protect vulnerable populations while not shifting the burden to middle class families in Multnomah County.”
The ordinance passed with all commissioners present in favor. Commissioner Shiprack was absent but expressed her support through Chair Wheeler.
Discuss: Car rental tax increase passes in Multnomah County
» May 7, 2009 - 3 comments - Budget, Front Page News, Karol's Blog
Cogen to introduce increase to the Motor Vehicle Tax
The Multnomah County Board of County Commissioners will hear a proposed ordinance change – introduced by Commissioner Jeff Cogen – to increase the current Motor Vehicle Rental Tax (MVRT) from 12.5 percent to 17 percent. The proposed increase is estimated to raise an additional $4.7 million for the County’s General Fund. The hearing is scheduled for Thursday at 9:00 a.m.
Read more and discuss: Cogen to introduce increase to the Motor Vehicle Tax
» May 6, 2009 - 3 comments - Budget, Karol's Blog, Top Stories
Jeff in the news - East County courthouse
GRESHAM -- Life in the east Multnomah County Courthouse works like this: If defense attorneys want to meet privately with clients, they have to use the kitchen.When an office flooded in December, the smell of mold was so strong, staff members still complained of head and chest aches three weeks later. And on rainy days, buckets line the courtroom floor, waiting to catch water that has leaked from the roof for years.
Read the rest over there.
Discuss: Jeff in the news - East County courthouse
» May 5, 2009 - 0 comments - Budget, Front Page News, Karol's Blog, Public Safety
Schedule of County budget hearings
Tuesday, May 5 - 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
North Portland Library, Second Floor Meeting Room, 512 North Killingsworth Street, Portland
Wednesday, May 13 - 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Multnomah County East Building, Sharron Kelley Rooms, 600 NE 8th Street, Gresham
Monday, May 18 - 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
(IRCO) Gymnasium, 10301 NE Glisan, Portland
Hosted by Coalition of Communities of Color at the Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization
Tuesday, May 26 - 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Multnomah Building, Commissioners Boardroom
Discuss: Schedule of County budget hearings
» April 29, 2009 - 0 comments - Budget, Community Involvement, Front Page News, Karol's Blog
Proposal to increase the rental car tax May 7th
On May 7th, the Board of Commissioners will hear Jeff's proposal to raise the motor vehicle rental tax from 12.5% to 17%. This proposed increase - in Multnomah County only - is projected to raise $5 million dollars in new revenue. This revenue, while not closing the gap in the County budget, will help prevent some cuts to vital human services.
Read more about Chair Wheeler's proposed budget here.
Watch Jeff's budget discussion here.
Do you support protecting human services? Let your commissioners know here.
Discuss: Proposal to increase the rental car tax May 7th
» April 29, 2009 - 0 comments - Budget, Front Page News, Karol's Blog
County forum to save human services
From the Services Employees International Union:
Attend the Multnomah County forum to save our human services. Join us Tuesday, April 28th, from 4:30 to 7pm. We'll host this event at 501 SE Hawthorne in the first floor boardroom.
Read more and discuss: County forum to save human services
» April 21, 2009 - 0 comments - Budget, Community Involvement, Front Page News, Karol's Blog
Video: Coffee with Cogen - The County's budget
For more information on the County's budget and the public hearings, click here.
Discuss: Video: Coffee with Cogen - The County's budget
» April 21, 2009 - 0 comments - Budget, Front Page News, Karol's Blog, Videos
Joint Budget Update from the City of Portland and Multnomah County
The City of Portland and Multnomah County continue their outreach on the FY 2009-10 budget using new and collaborative methods of engagement. New this year is a joint City of Portland/Multnomah County scientific telephone and online survey process. These are accompanied by a community survey available to all and posted online on both the City and County web sites. The City-County partnership on surveys conducted by Davis, Hibbitts & Midghall will help both jurisdictions assess service priorities of the public. The City and County are sharing the costs, resulting in savings for both jurisdictions.
Read more and discuss: Joint Budget Update from the City of Portland and Multnomah County
» March 23, 2009 - 0 comments - Budget, Community Involvement, Front Page News, Karol's Blog
The Mercury talks County budget issues
Never has an interview made me want to buy a gun until I talked on Monday with county Department of Human Services spokesman Dave Austin about the incredibly dire budget cuts facing Portland.
And that's how the article starts in today's Mercury Blogtown post about the County's budget woes.
Jeff's quote:
"We like to think of ourselves as a progressive, caring people in Multnomah County. But during the good times, we cut the budget. During the bad times, we eviscerate it," says Cogen. "We need this money to save our community."
Discuss: The Mercury talks County budget issues
» March 18, 2009 - 0 comments - Budget, Front Page News, Karol's Blog, News
County budget forum, March 16
The Multnomah County Board of County Commissioners and the Citizen Involvement Committee (CIC) will hold two public meetings to gather public input on the county’s Fiscal Year 2010 budget.
Read more and discuss: County budget forum, March 16
» March 13, 2009 - 0 comments - Budget, Karol's Blog, Sidebar Alerts
Town hall with your representatives this weekend, March 14th
Representative Chip Shields, Representative Tina Kotek and Senator Carter will host a town hall meeting to discuss legislative issues with constituents this weekend.
The Oregon Legislature has been in session for 50 days. So far Legislators have managed to close the gap in the 2007-2009 budget and save school days and vital human services. The House of Representatives has also passed the first installment of our stimulus package to help jump start shovel-ready construction jobs and the Housing Opportunity Bill, which provides funds for more affordable housing.
Read more and discuss: Town hall with your representatives this weekend, March 14th
» March 13, 2009 - 0 comments - Budget, Community Involvement, Front Page News, Inner NE, Karol's Blog, North Portland
MLS deal will hurt Multnomah County
This is what Jeff said in The Mercury yesterday:
"Every dollar that goes into urban renewal includes 26 cents that would otherwise be going to Multnomah county's general fund in taxes," says Multnomah County Commissioner Jeff Cogen. "Multnomah County really protects public safety and helps poor people. We're looking at a $45m budget hole right now, and to take money away from those needs at this time really calls into question what our priorities are as a community."
"The average person in this community hears urban renewal and their eyes glaze over," Cogen continues. "And because nobody understands it, there's this opportunity to abuse the system."
I think that sums it up.
Discuss: MLS deal will hurt Multnomah County
» March 10, 2009 - 4 comments - Budget, Karol's Blog, Top Stories
Jeff in the news - MLS in PDX funding
Jeff is in The Mercury's Blogtown this morning with our former office mate, Rep. Nick Kahl, discussing the funding for soccer in Portland. Check it out.
Discuss: Jeff in the news - MLS in PDX funding
» March 9, 2009 - 1 comments - Budget, Front Page News, Karol's Blog
Fighting for the #33 bus line
We've heard concerns from several of our neighbors about the termination of the #33 bus line and I've sent a letter to Fred Hansen and the TriMet Board of Directors urging them to reexamine the proposed closure of the line. We disagree with the notion that other Northeast Portland TriMet routes adequately serve public needs in these neighborhoods.
Thousands of riders use the #33 bus line for trips that don’t begin, end or pass through downtown Portland. Many of these trips are on the east-west portion of the route on NE Freemont St. NE Broadway and NE Killingsworth are the next nearest east-west routes, both of which are about a one mile walk from NE Freemont. Of further concern to me are the hundreds of students attending one of the eight schools on or near the #33 route.
Contact Trimet
Read more and discuss: Fighting for the #33 bus line
» March 6, 2009 - 0 comments - Budget, Children and Families, Community Involvement, Jeff's Blog, Top Stories
Banking crisis explained in 59 minutes
Is there anyone out there who not only understands the banking crisis but can explain it so a layman can get it? There are people and they did a little radio show about it. Last week on This American Life, the Planet Money team hosted a fantastic show that explained what is happening in this banking crisis, what could be done to solve it, and where and when it's happened before - here and around the globe.
It's worth a listen so you can be clear on what's happening. You can podcast it or just listen to it while you work. Check it out here.
Check out the mortgage crisis explained here.
Discuss: Banking crisis explained in 59 minutes
» March 5, 2009 - 0 comments - Budget, Front Page News, Karol's Blog
Another urban renewal area for a soccer stadium?
We know that when the City of Portland creates an urban renewal area, those property tax dollars no longer come in to Multnomah County for essential services, but to repay the initial debt created by the URA. A new soccer stadium would create another situation where the county will not receive it's tax money to fund our services for our vulnerable populations.
A Willamette Week article today explains the situation. Read it here.
Discuss: Another urban renewal area for a soccer stadium?
» March 4, 2009 - 1 comments - Budget, Front Page News, Karol's Blog
Sellwood Bridge funding on the horizon?
Is funding for the Sellwood Bridge on the horizon? Potentially, if things go Chair Wheeler's way with the City and the County's way with our congressional delegation. Here's a blurb from Willamette Week.
The text of the request from Chair Wheeler to the City is after the jump.
Read more and discuss: Sellwood Bridge funding on the horizon?
» March 3, 2009 - 0 comments - Budget, Front Page News, Karol's Blog
Chair Wheeler's memo regarding upcoming layoffs
This morning, all County employees received a e-memo from Chair Ted Wheeler announcing budget shortfalls and upcoming layoffs for some employees. Read the full memo after the jump.
Read more and discuss: Chair Wheeler's memo regarding upcoming layoffs
» March 3, 2009 - 0 comments - Budget, Karol's Blog, News, Top Stories
No merit or cost of living increase for County management
Today, Chair Wheeler sent a memo to all County management staff letting them know that he has not included a merit increase or cost of living increase in next year's executive budget.
See the memo after the jump.
Read more and discuss: No merit or cost of living increase for County management
» February 27, 2009 - 0 comments - Budget, Karol's Blog, Top Stories
Multnomah County budget: What we are facing
In the coming weeks Multnomah County will start to finalize our budget for next year. It’s not clear yet how it will all wind up, but one thing is crystal clear: at the end of the day, a lot of people in this community will be suffering. This is the ninth straight year that the County has had to cut its budget. We are past the fat, past the flesh and deep into the bone. Simply put, our safety net is shredded; our public safety at risk.
We need to use this crisis to ask ourselves some important but uncomfortable questions. Are we really who we say we are? That is, do we really care about people in need? Do we really believe in giving young people the support they need to thrive? Do we really believe in preventing crime rather than just locking up criminals? Do we even really believe that crime should have consequences?
Read more and discuss: Multnomah County budget: What we are facing
» February 25, 2009 - 14 comments - Budget, Front Page News, Jeff's Blog
Chair Wheeler's budget memo to county employees
The weakening of the economy continues to bring disheartening news for Multnomah County. Today’s state revenue forecast predicts further erosion of the state economy which will result in a significant decline in state funding to Multnomah County. The state reports a $855.3 million budget shortfall for the current year and a $3 billion deficit for the 09-11 biennium. Multnomah County faces a $36.5 million General Fund shortfall in FY 2010, which grows to $45.9 million in FY 2011. These numbers are unprecedented, continue to change, and will result in deep reductions to county services.
Read more and discuss: Chair Wheeler's budget memo to county employees
» February 20, 2009 - 2 comments - Budget, Front Page News, Karol's Blog, News
State Budget Forecast: Revenue Down Almost 1 Billion
Oregon State lawmakers have just learned that they will have almost 1 billion fewer dollars to spend on schools, human services and public safety. From the Oregonian:
"State economists reported that revenue for the current two-year budget is down by $140 million, prompting Gov. Ted Kulongoski to order state agency heads immediately to slash the remainder of their budgets across the board by 5 percent.
The news for the upcoming two years is much worse. Revenues are projected to be down by $718 million, compared with the forecast from three months ago. "
Multnomah County's budget analysts are already hard at work determining how this state revenue shortfall will impact the County. To give you some perspective, about 75% of the County's Department of Human Services Budget (Mental Health Services, Aging and Disability Services to name a few) comes from state and federal resources. State funds also flow to our jails and parole and probation services.
As always, we'll keep you up-to-date as information develops. The next big news is expected in December when Governor Kulongoski releases his 2009-2011 budget.
Drop us a line with your ideas for increasing revenue or cutting services.
Discuss: State Budget Forecast: Revenue Down Almost 1 Billion
» November 19, 2008 - 0 comments - Budget, Children and Families, Front Page News, Human Services, Libraries, Marissa's Blog, Public Safety
Big Breakthrough on County Veterans Service Officer Funding
County Veterans Service Officers are at work everyday in each Oregon County, assisting veterans with claims for benefits from the Federal Veterans Administration (VA). These claims tend to be complex, and often times veterans face arbitrary delays and unjust denials. Multnomah County's team of County Veterans Service Officers (CVSOs)--like other CVSOs around the state--advocate for veterans' benefit claims, taking on the VA bureaucracy for clients who cannot do so effectively themselves, fighting for every dollar their clients deserve.
Read more and discuss: Big Breakthrough on County Veterans Service Officer Funding
» October 10, 2008 - 0 comments - Budget, Front Page News, Issues, News, Warren's Blog
Letter from Chair Wheeler to county employees
As we watch the economic upheaval at the national level I know that you are concerned, as I am, about the impact on Multnomah County. While our national economic situation is more precarious than any time in recent memory, Multnomah County has faced a fundamental
imbalance of declining revenues and rising costs, such as inflation, for many years now.
Since I took office, fiscal stability has remained a high priority. Unfortunately, this has meant a number of staff and service reductions. As the national economic picture worsens, I expect that
even more cuts will become inevitable in the next budget cycle. These decisions are not easy, but we are committed to the belief that facing up to our challenges and taking clear, thoughtful
action will help us weather the economic storm. As we await further developments on the national scene, I wanted to share with you some analysis.
Read more and discuss: Letter from Chair Wheeler to county employees
» September 30, 2008 - 0 comments - Budget, Karol's Blog, Top Stories
Chair Wheeler's statement on Cascadia
State and County Partner to Avert Mental Health Crisis
Statement of Multnomah County Chair Ted Wheeler
May 1, 2008
For the last two weeks, Multnomah County staff has been working closely with the State of Oregon and Cascadia Behavioral Health to avoid a crisis in the provision of mental health services to our community. This morning, in Executive Session, the Board of County Commissioners heard a briefing on the crisis at Cascadia Behavioral Health. Last night, Cascadia’s bank told us that they had collected an outstanding loan by seizing the funds in Cascadia’s bank account which would have covered the paychecks that are due today to Cascadia’s employees.
Read more and discuss: Chair Wheeler's statement on Cascadia
» May 1, 2008 - 0 comments - Budget, Front Page News, Human Services, Karol's Blog, News
Chair Wheeler releases his budget today
Today Chair Wheeler released his budget. The work begins now to reach some consensus on how best fund the important work of helping our most vulnerable populations. Please read this letter the Chair sent to Multnomah County employees:
Dear Multnomah County Employees,
This morning I am addressing the Board of County Commissioners and releasing my Executive Budget for the fiscal year that begins July 1, 2008.
In Oregon we are already experiencing impacts of the downturn in the national economy. In Multnomah County government those impacts compound the problems created when we failed to cut the budget to match the decline in revenue from the expiration of the Itax.
My responsibility is to propose a budget that will improve the stability of Multnomah County government, allowing us to continue to provide services to the most vulnerable members of our community. Multnomah County taxpayers have a reasonable expectation that their government will conduct its financial affairs with the same prudence that a responsible household would exercise. Part of my job is demonstrating to the public that we understand that expectation.
Rest of the letter after the jump.
Read more and discuss: Chair Wheeler releases his budget today
» April 17, 2008 - 0 comments - Budget, Karol's Blog, Top Stories
Update on BIT/BLF Business Tax Reform...Next Installment of Reform Rolls-Out This Summer
In 2007, the City of Portland and Multnomah County approved extensive reforms to the city business license fee (BLF) and the county business income tax (BIT). The reform effort sought to ease the tax burden on small businesses and to improve the economic competitiveness of our city and county. With about a month until tax day, we have a quick update on the changes and what's next (click for more).
Read more and discuss: Update on BIT/BLF Business Tax Reform...Next Installment of Reform Rolls-Out This Summer
» March 14, 2008 - 0 comments - Budget, Front Page News, Issues, Warren's Blog
Town halls to focus on funding for bridge repairs
From Public Affairs: Multnomah County has scheduled a series of town hall meetings to present information on the condition of its Willamette River bridges and a proposal to fund their repair.
Read more and discuss: Town halls to focus on funding for bridge repairs
» January 25, 2008 - 0 comments - Budget, Community Involvement, Events, Karol's Blog, Sidebar Alerts
Jeff in the news
Jeff fought for millions of dollars for Multnomah County's capital needs yesterday at the Portland Development Commission's Urban Renewal Advisory Group. The accompanying article in the Oregonian online briefly tells the tale.
Discuss: Jeff in the news
» January 16, 2008 - 0 comments - Budget, Front Page News, News
Business Tax Reform Package Signed Into Law
Today the County Board of Commisssioners finalized a set of reforms to Multnomah County's Business Income Tax (BIT) system. This reform package marks the first substantive update to our BIT system since 1994. It will result in tax relief for approximately 20,000 businesses, and it will make our local tax structure both more equitable and more stable.
Read more and discuss: Business Tax Reform Package Signed Into Law
» December 20, 2007 - 0 comments - Budget, Front Page News, Issues, News, Warren's Blog
Jeff talks to the PDC today about the County sharing in urban renewal's bounty
Jeff is in the Portland Tribune today talking about the future of three urban renewal districts downtown and how Multnomah County is proposing a way to get back some of the $16 million dollars per year the PDC currently diverts from the County; money that would be otherwise spent for vital human services.
Read the article, then come back and let us know: is Jeff making a fair offer to the PDC?
Discuss: Jeff talks to the PDC today about the County sharing in urban renewal's bounty
» December 18, 2007 - 0 comments - Budget, Front Page News, Human Services, Karol's Blog, Public Safety
Ending the Bias Against Venture Capital Firms: A Step Forward for Local Economic Development
Yesterday Jeff Cogen wrapped up a successful effort to make Multnomah County a viable place for venture capital firms to locate. An oversight in the Business Income Tax (BIT) code had caused all local venture capital funds to move outside of Multnomah County and the City of Portland's taxing jurisdiction. For them to stick around here meant subjecting capital returns on investment that they deliver to their shareholders (limited partners) to the city and county business income taxes.
To subject returns on capital to those taxes would have made local venture funds both uncompetitive and likely targets of shareholder lawsuits, so they moved (at least any with taxable income to report). The solution Commissioner Cogen developed in close collaboration with Commissioner Sam Adam's office, the Revenue Bureau, and a workgroup comprised of members of the venture capital industry, will level the playing field by giving venture capital firms the same tax treatment mutual funds get.
We have removed an inequity, and done so with zero impact to the city or county budget. We have also done so in a manner that preserves fairness and integrity in the tax system and avoids unintended consequences. There may even be some economic development upside to this change. Commissioner Adam's office and the Portland Development Commission (PDC) plan to track the future impacts of this change using an online benchmarking survey. Since venture capital plays a vital role in today's global economy by nurturing emerging businesses and helping their innovative ideas and technologies achieve market success, Commissioners Cogen and Adams felt it was very important to address this problem. Unanimous votes in favor of the change at both the county and city indicated the broad support this solution had. Click below to see three recent media pieces on this.
Read more and discuss: Ending the Bias Against Venture Capital Firms: A Step Forward for Local Economic Development
» November 30, 2007 - 0 comments - Budget, Front Page News, Issues, News, Warren's Blog
Venture capital tax change take effect following meeting
Multnomah County Board of Commissioners approved new administrative rule that addresses the tax treatment of venture capital funds.
After listening carefully to complaints from local venture capital firms during hearings on reform to the Business License Fee in April of 2007, the Revenue Bureau, City Commissioner Sam Adams’ Office and County Commissioner Jeff Cogen’s Office put together a workgroup that included representatives from the venture capital industry, tax professionals and city and county representatives. This workgroup was tasked to review the tax treatment of venture capital funds. If venture capital funds were found to be disadvantaged in Portland and Multnomah County, the group was to jointly design a solution that would overcome this disadvantage without creating unintended consequences for the Revenue Bureau or other businesses.
Read more and discuss: Venture capital tax change take effect following meeting
» November 29, 2007 - 0 comments - Budget, Top Stories, Warren's Blog
Convention Center Hotel
Today's Oregonian included a front page story on Metro's upcoming vote on a Convention Center hotel. It reports on a funding gap and the need for an annual public subsidy, at least for the first 8 years.
While this is not directly a Multnomah County matter, it could affect local property taxes, a portion of which fund Multnomah County. There are several ideas for covering the funding gap including creating a new business improvement district, raising the hotel/motel tax, and getting funding from the Oregon Lottery. What do you think of a Convention Center hotel?
Discuss: Convention Center Hotel
» September 20, 2007 - 1 comments - Budget, Front Page News, Inner NE, Issues, News, Warren's Blog
What does Multnomah County need from the state?
In the coming months, Jeff is going to meet with state representatives and senators to help paint a clearer picture of what Multnomah County's needs are and how we can make sure we are getting our fair share to help our most vulnerable populations.
Are there issues in our county that the state should step up to the plate and help with? Tell us what you think and what you would say to some of our delegation.
Discuss: What does Multnomah County need from the state?
» August 20, 2007 - 4 comments - Budget, Front Page News, Karol's Blog, News, Top Stories
Governor Vetoes OMSI Bailout
Good news PGE ratepayers! Governor Kulongoski vetoed the Legislature's attempt to pay off a 1991 OMSI construction debt with PGE ratepayer dollars. Jeff Cogen was part of a broad (and now successful!) effort to convince the Governor to nix this bad idea. Chair Ted Wheeler and Commissioner Lonnie Roberts also weighed in from Multnomah County to encourage a veto. Here are links to KGW's and the Oregonian's story on the news. Straigtening OMSI's books out doesn't seem as important as funding energy conservation and renewable energy, but what do you think? Also, is it appropriate to think of OMSI as a resource only within PGE's service territory, or should any potential bailout be broader based?
Read more and discuss: Governor Vetoes OMSI Bailout
» August 9, 2007 - 3 comments - Budget, Front Page News, Warren's Blog
Bridge Collapses: San Francisco, Minneapolis, Portland?
Yesterday during rush hour, the Interstate bridge - 35w - in Minneapolis came crumbling down in what has been described as harrowing. In San Francisco this year, the 580 freeway overpass fell onto the 880 freeway. This leaves us to wonder, are Portland's bridges safe?
Read more and discuss: Bridge Collapses: San Francisco, Minneapolis, Portland?
» August 2, 2007 - 72 comments - Budget, Community Involvement, Front Page News, News
Cogen to lead to county’s effort to reform business income tax
Portland, OR – The Multnomah County Board of Commissioners approved a proposal by Commissioner Jeff Cogen (District 2) to convene a Business Income Tax Reform Workgroup. The workgroup, chaired by Commissioner Cogen, will be made up of county representatives, business people and other community stakeholders. Over the next six weeks, the focus of the group will be on the tax reforms adopted by the City of Portland and assess whether the county’s Business Income Tax (BIT) should be aligned with the City’s new policies.
Read more and discuss: Cogen to lead to county’s effort to reform business income tax
» March 1, 2007 - 1 comments - Budget, Front Page News
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