Press & Media

Background

The Problem

• Portland and Multnomah County operate as two separate governments serving largely the same population
• Jurisdictional confusion creates finger-pointing without accountability (e.g., Central Library safety incidents)
• The Joint Office of Homeless Services spent $1.3 billion while homeless deaths quadrupled from 113 (2019) to 450+ (2023)
• Only 25% of residents trust local elected officials, down from 63% in 2019

The Solution

• Oregon law provides a clear path to consolidate city and county governments through voter-approved charter
• Other cities have successfully consolidated: Jacksonville (1968), Nashville (1962), Louisville (2003)
• San Francisco, Denver, Philadelphia, and Honolulu already operate as unified city-counties
• Other Multnomah County cities (Gresham, Troutdale, etc.) can choose whether to join

The Process

1. Initiation — By petition (6% of gubernatorial votes within 180 days) or by resolution of the city council and county commission
2. Charter Commission — 13-member commission designs the new government structure
3. Voter Approval — Portland and Multnomah County residents vote on the charter
4. Implementation — If approved, new government takes effect per charter timeline