Portland Voters to Decide Participatory Budgeting Measure
The November 2026 ballot will include a proposal to dedicate 2% of the city general fund to resident-led project spending.
Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Civic Engagement
Live Poll
Should residents have a direct say in how the city spends a portion of its budget?
Portland voters will cast ballots in November 2026 on Measure 26-267, a proposal to amend the city charter and establish a formal participatory budgeting program. If passed, the initiative mandates that at least 2% of the city's general fund be allocated annually to projects selected directly by the public.
Why it matters
The measure aims to shift budgetary influence directly to residents, creating a structured path for the community to identify and vote on local spending priorities. Proponents intend for this framework to integrate public input into the city's fiscal decision-making process.
Measure 26-267 requires the city to allocate a minimum of 2% of its general fund toward the program. This funding level is projected to exceed $16 million in its inaugural year starting in the 2027-28 fiscal year.
The players
Portland City Council
The legislative body responsible for the oversight and administration of city operations and municipal budgets.
The details
Under the proposed charter amendment, residents would submit project ideas that are later refined by city staff and budget delegates before reaching a final public vote. The program would be managed by an oversight committee featuring residents drawn from city council districts.
Timeline
Portland residents will vote on Measure 26-267 during the November 2026 election.
Funding for the program would commence in the 2027-28 fiscal year if the measure is approved.
Political Context
The measure proposes a formal amendment to the Portland City Charter to institutionalize direct community control over a portion of public spending. This move reflects a broader effort by some local officials to increase civic engagement by shifting power away from traditional legislative bodies.
If Measure 26-267 passes, the city will be required to reserve over $16 million annually from the general fund for community-selected projects. Residents will gain the ability to directly influence how this portion of their tax dollars is spent through a structured submission and voting process.
The takeaway
Participatory budgeting allows for greater transparency and community ownership in how municipal resources are distributed. Residents should review the full text of Measure 26-267 to understand the rules and oversight requirements before the November 2026 vote.
Further reading
Learn more about local voting initiatives in the Civic Engagement section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KATU.
Live Poll
Should residents have a direct say in how the city spends a portion of its budget?
