At the recent budget public hearing for Multnomah County, residents showed up in force to voice their concerns, dreams, and sometimes, their frustration over proposed austerity measures facing the fiscal year 2026 budget. Citizens spoke on behalf of a variety of programs which are staring down the barrel of potential cuts—ranging from animal services to public safety, as detailed in an article by Multnomah County News.
Stacey Mingo was one of several community members who addressed the Board of County Commissioners at the May 28 virtual meeting, stating, "I’m here today with my heart out, saying help is needed all around," Mingo said. "All I’m asking is for you guys to look at the budget and put the money where the heart is. Because the heart is what’s helping the community." Chair Jessica Vega Pederson has proposed a $4 billion budget, navigating the county's most significant funding gap in over a decade fueled by reduced revenue and uncertain federal funding, according to the same article.
The plight of DoveLewis Animal Hospital was highlighted, with nearly 50 written comments in favor of maintaining its after-hours veterinary care that’s under threat of losing $200,000 in funding. The importance of the Office of Sustainability was also underscored by more than 30 supporters who submitted comments against the proposed elimination of four out of five full-time positions, as reported by Multnomah County News. Anders Hart commented on the essential climate action efforts, including a community-driven draft Climate Justice Plan that the office oversees.
Public safety concerns were also a topic at the hearing, with Karen Chirre expressing her worry about safety in her neighborhood, given a recent rise in shoplifting incidents. Chirre highlighted that one assistant district attorney is currently overwhelmed with 500 cases, questioning the feasibility of effective legal work under such conditions. Grant Hartley of the Metropolitan Public Defender stressed the significance of supporting programs beyond law enforcement for real public safety improvements. "Our case managers help stabilize those who end up in the system by providing connections to services and supporting them in their journey out of the system," Hartley explained, as noted by the Multnomah County News.
Additionally, the Chinese American community's past sufferings were brought to light with a call for funding towards a memorial in Lone Fir Cemetery, commemorating those affected by the discriminatory relocation of graves in the 1920s. Community member Lucas Zhang told the Board about the importance of this memorial, expressing, "Over time, I’ve learned about the history of anti-Chinese discrimination at Block 14 in Lone Fir Cemetery," and emphasized the need to honor the Chinese community members affected by that decision, as mentioned by the Multnomah County News.
