US EditionLayoffs or Redirecting Funding: Oregon Lawmakers Grappling Again with ODOT's Budget Gap
Lawmakers face options to close a $242 million Oregon Department of Transportation budget gap, risking up to 400 layoffs or redirecting funds from major infrastructure projects.
- On February 11, Oregon lawmakers debated how to fill a $242 million gap in the Oregon Department of Transportation's 2025-27 budget after informational hearings this week.
- Because the referendum pause removed expected revenue, the Republican-led No Tax Oregon campaign halted anticipated funds, leaving limited options for ODOT to fill the shortfall, lawmakers debate moving the vote to May.
- ODOT proposed three personnel tiers, with tier two saving $140 million by 71 layoffs, and tier three including 400 layoffs to save $242 million, according to agency leaders.
- Union leaders warn that proposed cuts would leave 700 vacancies, with coastal crews managing 304 shoulder miles, risking DMV office closures, as workers cover multiple roles, ODOT said.
- A review of unobligated funding shows that reallocations require legislative action and are constrained by legal limits, with up to $137 million from House Bill 2017 scenarios, Oregon Legislature said.
13 Articles
13 Articles
Layoffs or redirecting funding: Oregon lawmakers grappling again with ODOT's budget gap
SALEM, Ore. -- Oregon lawmakers are once again discussing ways to fill a massive shortfall within the Oregon Department of Transportation’s budget — except this time, they can’t raise taxes or fees.
Herald and News
Layoffs or redirecting funding: Oregon lawmakers grapple with ODOT budget gap again
Oregon lawmakers are once again discussing ways to fill a massive shortfall within the Oregon Department of Transportation’s budget — except this time they can’t raise taxes or fees.
State lawmakers ponder $27 million cut from Safe Routes to School, mass layoffs, and more
Fewer ODOT workers means more dangerous conditions for the ones who remain. (Photo: ODOT) It’s official: Oregon lawmakers are pondering the sacrifice of program that makes streets safer for kids to walk and bike to school in order to keep our transportation system above water. A program that builds bike paths with revenue from the $15 tax on new bikes is also on the chopping block, as is the payroll tax that funds public transit statewide. It’s …
ODOT warns 22% workforce cut possible amid $288 million budget gap
The Oregon Department of Transportation told lawmakers it faces a $288 million budget gap and may cut up to 22% of its workforce. Officials also outlined redirecting hundreds of millions from planned projects and grant programs to avoid layoffs.
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