Keeping Portland Affordable

Taxes. We all know that it is getting harder for ordinary people to pay their property taxes, yet we value the education, public safety and other services they purchase. In the short term, Portland needs to lower property taxes for lower and middle income people and supplement the state renters’ rebate, but unfortunately Mayor Ed Suslovic is the one vote preventing the City from doing this. Over the longer term, pursuing my economic development strategies and attracting more families through my livable city and education plans will broaden the tax base and lower taxes for everyone.

Addressing the heating crisis. Portland is not doing enough to help residents pay for heating costs this winter. The City’s weatherization assistance program is already running out of money and does not do enough for middle income people.

Affordable housing. There is a shortage of housing not just for the least fortunate, but for people who work full time in Portland. We need a comprehensive strategy that address this problem. Not only will it ease the burdens on Portland’s families, but it will attract businesses, who demand reasonably affordable housing for their employees.

Fostering livable wage jobs. In all of its activities, Portland must ensure that taxpayer dollars create jobs that pay a livable wage, and meet health, safety and other standards.