Portland City Council to Vote on Racial Justice Resolution and Refugee Support Funding Today

City Council Convenes for Packed Wednesday Session

The Portland City Council is scheduled to meet today, Wednesday, February 25, 2026, for a comprehensive legislative session that includes significant resolutions on social justice and crucial funding for legal services. The day’s agenda is split between a morning regular session focused on legislative votes and an afternoon work session dedicated to the city's future budget and service levels.

Morning Session: Racial Justice and Refugee Support

During the 9:30 a.m. regular session, the Council will address Resolution 2026-094, introduced by Councilor Candace Avalos. This resolution aims to commemorate the life of George Floyd and formally reaffirm the City of Portland’s ongoing commitment to racial justice. This item is expected to draw public testimony as the city continues its long-term work on equity and police reform initiatives.

Additionally, Councilors will consider Ordinance 2026-053, a proposal to amend the current fiscal year (2025–26) appropriation schedule. Introduced by Councilor Elana Pirtle-Guiney, the ordinance seeks to reallocate $150,000 from the Legal Priorities Reserve Fund. These funds are designated to support legal services for refugees and immigrants within the Portland metropolitan area. The following key items are also on the morning agenda:

• An amendment to the Campaign Finance Code (Ordinance 2026-055), introduced by Auditor Simone Rede, intended to maintain the enforcement of voter-approved regulations in light of recent court orders.
• A series of reports and routine appointments to city advisory boards and commissions.
• Public communications, providing an opportunity for residents to address the Council on non-agenda topics.

Afternoon Work Session: Fiscal Year 2026-27 Budget

Starting at 2:00 p.m., the Council will transition into a work session to discuss the "Current Service Level Overview." This session is a critical step in the budget process for the upcoming 2026-27 fiscal year. Led by Ruth Levine, Director of the City Budget Office, the session provides a comprehensive, citywide view of what it will cost to maintain Portland's current services. While no official votes are taken during work sessions, the data presented today will shape the Mayor’s proposed budget due later this spring.

Public Participation and Access

Today’s meetings are conducted in a hybrid format, allowing for both in-person attendance at the City Council Chambers on SW Fourth Avenue and virtual participation. The morning session is open for public testimony for those who registered in advance. Residents can watch the live broadcast through the city’s official YouTube channel or via cable access on Xfinity channels 30 and 330.