Oregon transportation officials have taken a significant step by ending a longstanding agreement that required Portland to manage homeless camp sweeps on state-owned property within the city.
This decision, made just hours before the contract was set to renew on July 1, comes as the state navigates a budget crisis following the Legislature’s failure to pass a critical transportation package.
The annual contract, valued at $4 million, will no longer be in effect, leading to concerns that this could result in an increase in homelessness-related issues along major roadways.
Rian Windsheimer, a manager with the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT), informed the city in a letter that the agency no longer has the funding to maintain the cleanup services.
Instead, ODOT plans to conduct camp cleanups under a reduced level of service, which could have serious implications for both the unhoused community and Portland residents.
Portland Mayor Keith Wilson expressed deep concern over the agency’s decision, stating that it would likely lead to more hazards and trash in transport corridors.
Wilson emphasized the need for immediate legislative action to address the ongoing transportation crisis in the state.
He said, “The compounding impact of this service disruption will be more trash, more hazards, and more danger to both our unhoused and all those who rely on our critical transportation corridors.”
Despite the cancellation of the contract, the state’s plans to construct permanent iron fencing along Interstate 405 in Southwest Portland, aimed at preventing camping near the freeway, will proceed as scheduled.
City spokesperson Cody Bowman confirmed this detail, indicating that some efforts to manage encampments would continue, albeit at a diminished capacity.
Kavey Davey, a transportation spokesperson for Oregon, stated that while litter, graffiti, and camp clean-up would still occur, service levels would be significantly reduced as the agency assesses all expenses related to the State Highway Fund.
Historically, Portland took over the responsibility of camp cleanups in 2019 after various complaints about ODOT’s management of these tasks.
Residents had often expressed confusion about whom to contact regarding issues of trash and hazardous materials, while those experiencing homelessness felt disconnected from social services during the sweeps.
In another setback, Portland’s transportation budget has been adversely affected by the collapse of House Bill 2025, a legislative priority that would have granted the city an additional $11 million in state funding.
This funding shortfall could result in more than 50 layoffs at the city level and exacerbate the already poor condition of Portland’s streets and sidewalks.
Mayor Wilson warned that the city’s Transportation Bureau might face severe operational challenges as a consequence of this financial blow.
In response to the ongoing transportation funding crisis, Governor Tina Kotek hinted at the possibility of convening a special legislative session to address the state’s pressing transportation needs.
Portland’s challenges are emblematic of larger issues facing cities across Oregon as they grapple with how to manage homelessness and maintain critical infrastructure amid budget constraints.
image source from：oregonlive
