Legislative BIPOC Caucus Supports Portland’s Diversity and Civic Leadership Programs

SALEM, Ore. - Following the City of Portland’s proposed budget that would divert funding from the Diversity and Civic Leadership programs, the Oregon Legislative Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) Caucus issues the following statement:

“We are deeply concerned by the Office of Community and Civic Life’s request to cut the budget of the Diversity and Civic Leadership programs by half.

"These established programs have touched thousands of BIPOC Portlanders. A 50% cut to the Diversity and Civic Leadership programs means fewer people of color and non-English speaking community members will be engaged by the Office of Civic Life and will be a net loss in the volume of community engagement.

“It is more important than ever that we invest in the leadership of BIPOC Portlanders and remove barriers to participation. We call on the city to live up to its values of anti-racism and equity and restore full funding to the Diversity and Civic Leadership’s programs.

"This budget cut must not come to fruition. The City of Portland deserves better.”