Frustration Over "Unbudgeted" Portland Housing Bureau (PHB) Funds

(PORTLAND, OR)—"The Portland City Council meeting on April 8, 2026, was marked by significant public frustration and internal discord, primarily revolving around the allocation of previously 'unbudgeted' Portland Housing Bureau (PHB) funds,” OpGov.news reports.

Photo Credit: YouTube

The agenda was approved by unanimous consent after no amendment requests.

Public communications brought a wide range of issues before the council.

David Gwyther expressed significant concern over the potential introduction of Autonomous Vehicles (robo cabs) to Portland streets. He argued that these vehicles would extract money for billionaires, resulting in considerable loss of tax dollars and various fees for the city and state.

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“The company Radio Cab is owned by the drivers, and we’ve been around for 80 years and been paying property taxes on our headquarters and lots that we store the cabs in all that time, which helped build the 16,200 miles of roads that the robo cabs will be using so far for free as far as I know,” Gwyther said.

Jonathan Star spoke in opposition to the proposed transportation utility fee (TUF), noting that utility bills have already risen significantly. He argued that the TUF is disconnected from actual driving behavior, which is the primary cause of road damage, and therefore would not incentivize sustainable transportation choices. 

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“My 3-mile commute costs $2.80 by bus. If I drive, I pay $0.05 and pay state and local gas taxes and the parking is free. If you do the math, I contribute 5,500% more revenue to the city when I choose the bus over the car. The financial incentives here are backwards, and I’m frankly not surprised PBOT has a $6.6 billion backlog,” Star said.

Star goes on to suggest that the city should instead raise the gas tax, which is directly correlated to road usage, and implement congestion pricing, citing New York City's success, as more financially responsible.

City Administrator Raymond Lee gives no new updates as related to the Macadam ICE facility but reminds residents that if they have violations to report that it can be done through the city’s website.

For any keeping up with OpGov.news coverage of the Macadam ICE Facility, previous city administrator reports can be found here and here.

Council President Jamie Dunphy announces a new city council webpage launching next week to improve public visibility of legislative items and provide advance notice.

Media: YouTube / eGov PDX

Carrying over from last week’s meeting, Ordinance 2026-077, amending the business license tax gross receipts exemption, was passed with 11 'Aye' votes.

The debate over housing funds became highly contentious, exposing deep divisions among council members and drawing sharp criticism from the public for perceived delays and political maneuvering. 

Public commenters, many from housing advocacy groups and those with lived experience of homelessness, passionately urged immediate action on the housing crisis, condemning the council's indecision and the piecemeal approach to funding. 

Molly Hogan, the Director of Welcome Home Coalition, urgently implored the council to pass any of the proposed housing fund amendments, calling the delay 'unacceptable.'

Media: YouTube / eGov PDX

Pastor Mark Jackson, representing District 3, called for immediate allocation of funds, stating that delays are a 'privileged and oppressive posture.'

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“Delaying funds to the community is no longer an option. Any other decision reflects a privileged and oppressive posture of thinking. The urgency of now is upon us, and black and brown communities continue to be asked to wait.,” Jackson said.

Multiple amendments to the Technical Adjustment Ordinance, aiming to direct these housing funds, were proposed, with most failing, highlighting a lack of consensus. 

Accusations of selective funding and a disregard for community-based priorities were leveled, with critics lamenting the council's inability to deliver a comprehensive, equitable solution despite acknowledging substantial available funds.

“The meeting's conclusion saw the passage of the underlying Technical Adjustment Ordinance with specific amendments related to housing, but not without significant procedural confusion and expressed dissatisfaction regarding transparency and effective governance,” OpGov.news said.

OpGov.news will continue to cover the discussion surrounding the PHB funds.

If you would like to comment or add to this report, please email me at rory.h@lead4earth.org or comment below.