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Portland Council Postpones Decision on $21 Million in Unspent Housing Funds
Councilmembers delayed the vote due to an anti-ICE protest that disrupted the meeting.
Published on Feb. 24, 2026
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The Portland City Council voted to postpone deciding how to use nearly $21 million in unspent housing dollars. The council was set to discuss a resolution outlining top priorities for the unused funds, but the meeting was disrupted by protesters, forcing the council to continue remotely. Some councilors supported the delay to get more information, while others wanted to get the money "on the streets right now" to help those in need of housing assistance.
Why it matters
The unspent housing funds represent a significant amount of money that could have a major impact on addressing Portland's affordable housing and homelessness crisis. The council's decision to postpone the vote raises questions about their priorities and process, as well as public trust in how the funds will be allocated.
The details
The $21 million in unspent housing funds is part of $106 million that was not budgeted properly, according to a recent city audit. The council was set to discuss a resolution outlining top priorities for the unused funds, such as rent assistance for at-risk renters, renters facing eviction, and those experiencing homelessness, as well as funding for affordable housing projects. However, the meeting was disrupted by an anti-ICE protest, forcing the council to continue the discussion remotely.
- The Portland City Council voted on Wednesday, February 19, 2026 to postpone the decision.
- The council is scheduled to hold a work session on March 5, 2026 to further discuss the resolution.
The players
Jamie Dunphy
Council President who spearheaded the delay in the decision.
Candace Avalos
Councilor who supported the president's decision to delay the vote, citing the need for more information and clarity on how the funds can be used.
Loretta Smith
Councilor who did not support the decision to delay the vote, arguing that the money needs to be "on the streets right now" to help those in need.
What’s next
The Portland City Council is scheduled to hold a work session on March 5, 2026 to further discuss the resolution on how to allocate the $21 million in unspent housing funds. The council is expected to vote on the resolution shortly after the work session.
The takeaway
The postponement of the decision on the unspent housing funds highlights the complexity and challenges the Portland City Council faces in addressing the city's affordable housing and homelessness crisis. The council's decision to delay the vote raises questions about their priorities, decision-making process, and public trust, underscoring the need for transparent and inclusive policymaking to ensure these critical funds are allocated effectively.
