23,619

Source: PDF p. 1606 · raw: 1606

Breadcrumb: 7 vs › vc-dps_06-03-2025_16-20 › Package Details › 23,619

23,619 - Reduce Irrigation and Regional Trails EMS Budget Service Area Vibrant Communities DCA Sonia Schmanski Bureau Name Portland Parks & Recreation Director Adena Long Funding Type Name Reduction Status: Recommended Package Desc Expense Recommended Total This proposed budget reduction would cut funds from the Irrigation Services and Regional Trails External Materials and Services ($77,175) EMS budget and could have significant impacts on both the quality and accessibility of public green ($77,175) spaces. For regional trails, the reduction would limit the purchase of essential materials like soft surface chips, boulders, fencing, and eco-blocks. Without these materials, maintaining safe and Revenue Recommended Total accessible trails will be increasingly difficult, potentially leading to degraded surfaces and unsafe conditions that may deter use, particularly for individuals who rely on these spaces for recreation and General Fund Discretionary ($77,175) commuting. ($77,175) Service Impacts Starting in FY 2025-26, this budget reduction would directly impact service levels for these work groups. Without sufficient funds, the regional trails team will be unable to purchase enough wood chips for the upkeep of soft surface trails, leading to fewer trail replenishments and, over time, more holes and uneven surfaces. This degradation will not only reduce trail quality but could also create safety issues for trail users. For the irrigation team, the reduced budget means they won’t be able to replace failing Central Irrigation Control (CIC) systems, which are crucial for water-efficient management. Without the CIC, these sites would need to be run on a stand-alone basis, which is far less efficient in terms of water use and would require more staff time to manage. This could strain resources further and limit the zone staff’s ability to keep up with maintenance needs across green spaces. Overall, the budget cut would lead to reduced quality and efficiency in trail and irrigation management, impacting the user experience and requiring more labor-intensive solutions. Equity Impacts This budget reduction would likely exacerbate equity issues by limiting access to well-maintained public green spaces, especially for communities that rely on these areas for recreation, exercise, and social connection. Reduced resources for trail maintenance will mean that trails become less accessible, safe, and inviting over time, which may disproportionately impact individuals and families in underserved neighborhoods who may have fewer recreational options nearby. As trail conditions deteriorate, those with mobility challenges could find these trails increasingly difficult to use, further reducing inclusivity. In terms of irrigation, less efficient water management could lead to less vibrant and healthy green spaces, which impacts park aesthetics and the cooling effects that these areas provide in urban settings. This can disproportionately affect communities in areas with fewer trees and green spaces, which are often also lower-income or historically marginalized communities. Access to high-quality green spaces is crucial for physical and mental well-being. Overall, these cuts risk deepening inequities by reducing the quality and accessibility of spaces that are particularly valuable to those who may already have limited access to nature and recreational areas.

Parent: Package Details · PDF: p. 1606