Stephen Gomez

Portland Street Response is being stabilized and set up for long term success. The Mayor’s proposed budget includes $7.4 million for PSR that protects their current level of service and ensures no effective cuts. It also includes $6.5 million in ongoing general fund dollars. This means PSR will no longer rely primarily on one-time dollars to keep going every year. This adds a foundation of real financial stability to the program and builds on additional work PSR leadership has been doing to set the program up for long-term success. It is also important to mention these ongoing general fund dollars ensure job security for PSR staff moving forward, so they can focus on their important work without worrying about whether the funding for their positions will expire the next year. Finally, the program will move to the Programs & Policy division within the Public Safety Service Area effective July 1, 2024. This will allow for closer coordination with other bureaus, continued coordination with CHAT, and more effective integration with other first responders across the continuum of care.