Early election returns Tuesday show voters rejecting a ballot measure meant to give Portlanders a bigger say in the city’s budget process.

Measure 26-267 would create a “participatory budgeting program” where the public would be able to vote on how to spend 2% of the city’s annual discretionary budget. The measure’s advocates say the model would improve transparency on how the city spends public dollars and build Portland’s trust in their elected officials.

The measure had collected 67% votes in opposition as the polls closed at 8 p.m.

Opponents, including Mayor Keith Wilson, say it could lead to further cuts to critical city departments at a time when the city’s budget is already strapped for cash. Wilson joined the local public safety labor unions and moderate city councilors in campaigning against this measure.

Progressive Portland city councilors have backed the measure. The campaign collected more than $1 million, largely from local progressive PACs like East County Rising Action Fund and Next Up Action Fund, which aren’t required to share the names of their contributors.

This story may be updated.

News Source : https://www.opb.org/article/2026/11/03/portland-oregon-participatory-budget-ballot-measure-election/