Background

In Fall 2023, the Portland Central City Task Force (PCCTF) launched a Tax Advisory Group (TAG), chaired by Charles Wilhoite of Willamette Management Associates, to examine Portland’s fiscal health, service delivery, and economic competitiveness. The group was convened in response to growing concerns about rising local tax burdens, service performance, and the city’s ability to attract jobs and investment. Drawing on the expertise of leaders from business, government, and community organizations, TAG was tasked with assessing current conditions and developing policy options to align Portland’s tax and service systems with today’s realities.

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About this report

This report, Strengthening Portland’s Future: Options to Address Economic, Fiscal, and Service Related Challenges in Portland, Oregon, represents the policy options phase of TAG’s work. It identifies systemic challenges—including complex tax layering, lagging job recovery, public safety and homelessness strains, and large program fund balances alongside visible community needs. The document presents 20 policy options, organized into three areas:

• Strengthening Local Fiscal Governance and Transparency

• Reforming Major Revenue Programs for Long-Term Stability and Community Benefit

• Revitalizing Portland’s Central City through Targeted Economic Tools

 

These options are not recommendations but a framework for informed debate, offering leaders and the public a menu of potential reforms to improve accountability, strengthen services, and support Portland’s long-term resilience.

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Read the full report here. 

See a summary of the report here.