Portland's Safety Boost: Using Green Funds for Community Protection

Portland is growing, but its police force isn't keeping up. With fewer officers than in 1993, response times have doubled. This isn't just about numbers; it's about trust. When people call 911, they expect help to arrive quickly. But with only 809 sworn officers, Portland ranks near the bottom among the 50 largest U. S. cities in police staffing per capita. This shortage strains the entire system, from community policing to partnerships with behavioral health responders. The city has a chance to change this. A ballot initiative for 2026 proposes hiring 400 additional officers over several years. This would bring the ratio from 1. 2 to 2. 0 officers per 1, 000 residents, still below the national average but enough to stabilize emergency response. The proposal is fiscally responsible, using 25% of an existing revenue source—the Portland Clean Energy tax on large corporate retailers. This tax generates nearly $200 million annually, with a surplus that could be used to strengthen public safety without raising taxes. Critics argue that vacancies justify opposing staffing increases, but this is misleading. Even if all 68 vacancies were filled, Portland would still have fewer officers than 30 years ago. The city has been using funds budgeted for vacancies to pay overtime, which is not sustainable. In September, Portland added 22 new officers—the largest number in over 20 years. This initiative aims to build on this success. Adding officers won't solve all of Portland's challenges, but it's a crucial step. Without a reliable public safety system, addressing issues like behavioral health, homelessness, and economic development becomes much harder. Portlanders deserve to feel safe walking to school, using parks, and operating businesses. This initiative offers a responsible way to take meaningful action to move the city forward.