Fee Increase Poses Burden | Support Encouraged for Mayor's Budget

Unacceptable Burden: Multnomah County's Proposed 33% Health Inspection Fees Increase 
Multnomah County is considering a staggering 33% increase in health inspection fees for FY 2026. This isn't a minor tweak; it's a major financial blow that could jeopardize the fragile recovery of our local restaurants and lodging establishments.

While we appreciate the County holding fees steady during the pandemic, our hospitality sector hasn't "bounced back." Years of lost revenue, accumulated debt, and ongoing operational challenges persist. Many businesses made painful decisions just to survive.

Why This Hike is So Harmful, Right Now: We fully support public health and inspections, but the timing and magnitude of this increase are deeply concerning. The County seems to be recouping deferred costs all at once, burdening an industry still fighting for its footing.

This 33% increase is dangerous because it means:

• Crippling Operating Costs: A direct hit to already thin profit margins.
• Stifling Recovery: Impedes investment and growth for businesses still battling pandemic effects.
• Passing the Buck to Consumers: Could force price hikes, making local dining/lodging less affordable.
• Disproportionate Impact on Local Gems: Small, independent operators will be hit hardest, increasing closure risks.
• A Shock to the System: Disrupts financial planning after five years of stable fees.

Beyond the Balance Sheet: A Community Impact: Our restaurants and lodging establishments are vital to Multnomah County's economy and culture. Their struggles impact us all. Oregon's tourism hasn't fully recovered, and Portland metro revenue is still down from 2019. Businesses already face soaring costs (food, labor, utilities, rent) and upcoming water/sewage rate hikes. This fee increase is simply too much, too soon.

What We're Advocating For: ORLA believes in sustainable solutions. We urge the Multnomah County Board of Commissioners to:

1. Reconsider the Magnitude: Abandon the proposed 33% increase.
2. Explore General Fund Support: Use the general fund to subsidize public health costs.
3. Implement Modest, Phased Increases: If essential, advocate for a manageable, single-digit percentage (e.g., 8% or under), implemented incrementally.

Here's How You Can Help: Contact the Multnomah County Board of Commissioners TODAY. Share your concerns. Learn more and contact your Multnomah County Commissioners through ORLA's action campaign. A sample letter template is available, but we encourage you to share your own words and stories. Together, we can advocate for a solution that supports public health without jeopardizing the businesses that make Multnomah County special. Let's ensure our hospitality industry thrives.

Contact Your Commissioners

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Business Community Urges City Council to Support Mayor Wilson’s Budget
The Portland Business community has put together a letter in support of Mayor Wilson’s proposed budget urging councilors to oppose any further cuts to economic development and public safety, honor the Governor’s call for a tax moratorium and oppose any new or increased taxes and support Councilor Zimmerman’s common sense proposal to restore some parks services. 

The business coalition strongly encourages the council to make minimal changes and avoid pitting critical services against each other as they move toward final adoption. Mayor Wilson’s budget proposal closes what started as a $100M+ budget deficit, while preserving and investing in the highest value services that are most important to the residents and businesses – public safety, homeless services, and livability. The messaging urged the Council to stay clear of budget amendments that make further cuts to the city’s economic development agency, Prosper Portland, cuts to public safety services, or new or increased taxes. 

On Wednesday, May 21st, councilors will need to vote on which amendments they support — and must approve a balanced budget. It won’t be a simple task: Which is why the city has set aside at least 12 hours to figure this out Wednesday.

Councilors are able to make a few more minor budget adjustments before June 11, when they’ll vote to formally adopt the budget. Follow the process, and offer testimony here. | Makenzie Marineau, ORLA