Measure 26-267 to Propose Participatory Budgeting Plan
Voters will decide in November 2026 whether to earmark 2% of the city's general fund for community-led projects.
Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Civic Engagement
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Portland voters will decide this November 2026 whether to amend the city charter to establish a mandatory participatory budgeting program. If passed, the initiative would require the city to dedicate at least 2% of its general fund toward community-led projects.
Why it matters
The proposal marks a shift in how city dollars are distributed by giving residents direct control over a portion of the municipal budget. It remains to be seen how such a funding mandate would interact with other competing financial priorities in future budget cycles.
Measure 26-267 seeks to carve out 2% of the general fund for community projects, an amount estimated to exceed $16 million during the first year of the program. The exact dollar figure will depend on the final total of the city's general fund in the 2027-28 fiscal year.
The players
Portland City Council
The newly restructured governing body representing the city's geographic districts.
The details
Under the proposed amendment, residents would submit project ideas that city staff and budget delegates would review and refine. If the measure passes, an oversight committee comprising representatives from each city council district would manage the process. Qualifying project proposals would then move to a public vote before funding begins in the 2027-28 fiscal year.
Timeline
November 2026: Election Day vote on Measure 26-267.
2027-28 fiscal year: Start of program funding if approved by voters.
Beyond the Bridges
This proposal seeks to amend the Portland city charter to create a permanent participatory budgeting mechanism. It represents a structural change to local fiscal policy that would prioritize community-led spending over traditional budget-making procedures.
If the measure is approved, residents will gain a direct role in shaping the budget by submitting project ideas and voting on the final slate. The oversight committee will eventually hold seats for members from every city council district to ensure geographic representation.
The takeaway
Portlanders should look for information on district-based committee requirements to understand how their neighborhood will be represented. Watch for upcoming public information sessions regarding the 2027-28 budget planning cycle should the measure pass.
Further reading
Learn more about local decision-making and how to get involved at Civic Engagement.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KATU.
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Should residents have a direct say in how the city spends a portion of its budget?
