Portland’s heated budget battle turns into economic development power play

Here’s how Portland councilors want to tweak Mayor Wilson’s budget

This Wednesday, the new 12-person Portland City Council will face the most consequential task of their first few months in office: approving the city’s annual budget. Mayor Keith Wilson released his proposed budget May 5, and it’s been constant politicking in City Hall since. This week offers an opportunity for the eager new councilors to formally weigh in and reflect their campaign promises and policy goals.And they’re not holding back. This ye…

Portland’s heated budget battle turns into economic development power play

A spat over city funding for Portland’s economic development agency is turning into a fight over the agency’s independent governance.