Accept the City of Portland 2023 State Legislative Agenda

The purpose of the 2023 State Legislative Agenda is to advance the City’s legislative priorities at the Oregon State Legislature. The Office of Government Relations initiated the state legislative agenda building process in July 2022. One work session was held with Council on November 29th, 2022. This report will provide guidance for lobbying and advocacy efforts during the 2023 State Legislative Session and prioritize policy, funding and regulatory requests that address the most pressing needs for the City and its residents.

The outcome of lobbying and advocacy efforts on several items in the 2023 State Legislative Agenda could have a direct or indirect impact on City finances by defending existing revenue streams and potentially expanding funding opportunities for programs facilitated by the city, programs that support Portlanders, and initiatives to address the urgent needs the City faces in homelessness, public safety, behavioral health, and affordable housing. The Report does not amend the budget, change expenses, or change current or future revenues or staffing levels.

The Office of Government Relations (OGR) initiated the legislative agenda building process in July 2022. Issue proposals were solicited from all City bureaus and Council offices. OGR worked with bureau liaisons, city attorneys, the Office of Equity and Human Rights, council offices and bureau subject matter experts to research and vet concepts for inclusion in the 2023 State Legislative Agenda. Bureaus were required to submit a racial equity analysis as part of issue proposals, assess the nexus of issue proposals with the City’s adopted core values, and engage with bureau equity managers and/or equity practitioners. OGR met with representatives of community-based organizations to share preliminary concepts, learn about their priorities, and develop strategies for collaboration. Multiple initiatives in the agenda will result in OGR working with coalitions to implement the agenda, including those led by BIPOC and frontline communities. OGR also met with members of the Portland legislative delegation, key legislators from around the state, and other governments as part of vetting, coalition building, and understanding the 2022 state legislative landscape. The resulting agenda centers equity and antiracism in the City’s state policy and budget advocacy work. This commitment is the foundation for all advocacy in the 2023 State Legislative Agenda. The City’s 2023 State Legislative Agenda includes five priority areas: housing and homelessness, community safety and behavioral health, economic recovery and development, environmental justice, climate and infrastructure, and local funding and authority. Successful implementation of the 2023 State Legislative Agenda will impact Portland residents by: Keeping families and individuals housed and establishing appropriate measures to support and shelter houseless community members by ensuring that their essential needs are met. Enacting policies that enhance safety for all Portlanders and expand access to critical behavioral health services and strengthening interjurisdictional partnerships to address the drug supply crisis. Enacting policies and securing resources to promote an equitable recovery and prosperous economic future for residents, employers, and community organizations. Advancing environmental justice by investing in a swift transition to clean energy and centering the protection and well-being of BIPOC communities at the intersection of climate and infrastructure to build resilience and stability. Protecting the ability of the City to nimbly and effectively respond to the needs of the Portland community.