Safer Portland Ballot Initiative
For those unfamiliar, this initiative is tied to the Portland Clean Energy Fund (PCEF), which Portland voters approved in 2018 through a 1% tax on large retailers. At the time, the fund was projected to raise approximately $40–50 million annually, but revenues have significantly exceeded expectations and are now closer to $200 million per year.
The proposal being discussed would dedicate a portion of those surplus funds toward public safety efforts, including:
Hiring additional police officers over time
Reducing 911 and emergency response times
Expanding community policing
Supporting programs where officers work alongside mental health professionals and crisis responders to help ensure the right response for different situations
Supporters of the initiative also believe that improving public safety can help strengthen Portland’s economic recovery by making neighborhoods, business districts, parks, and commercial corridors feel safer and more welcoming for residents, employees, customers, and visitors.
It is also important to note that the current phase is simply the signature-gathering process required to qualify the initiative for the ballot. Signing a petition does not represent a vote for or against the proposal itself — it simply allows Portland voters the opportunity to review and decide on the measure during a future election.
The PDNA and the ballot initiative group is planning to host an event on June 22, 2026, at Portland Center Stage at 5pm to allow for more questions and understanding, and signature gathering. Details will be available on NWCC and PDNA social media and news as they unfold.
For more information, visit Safety Portland website or contact Cameron Smith, Campaign Manager for Safer Portland directly at: cameron@citystatestrategies.com, 503-385-6229 (call or text).
