<body><div><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=1Xk4Fz_0lwqctYb00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=1Xk4Fz_0lwqctYb00" width="1320" height="743" ></figure>The Portland City Council passed an amendment Wednesday that will keep nearly $5 million dollars in the hands of a group that looks to fight racial economic injustice in the city.For the last four years, "Reimagine Oregon" has received just under $2 million a year from Portland's cannabis tax fund, which was intended primarily to support small, Black-owned businesses.Last week, Commissioner Mingus Mapps proposed an amendment to the latest city budget that would stop giving money to Reimagine Oregon unless the group can show what's been done with the money, and what will be done. Council approved that proposal with a 3-2 majority.The council took up the issue again Wednesday and reversed last week's decision with yet another 3-2 vote.Commissioners Carmen Rubio and Dan Ryan presented the amendment in Wednesday morning's session. It would ensure a transfer of $4.8 million in carryover money from the cannabis tax fund to Reimagine Oregonand also guarantees that $825,000 of those funds would transfer to another group, Prosper Portland, by July 1. Since last year, Prosper Portland has worked with Reimagine to create a plan for the money that's accrued since 2020.Commissioners Rubio and Ryan say ultimately, this tax revenue will go towards four organizations that support minority-led businesses, as intended."Since last week’s vote on this amendment, my team did a deep dive to research the issue. In doing so, it became more and more clear that balls were dropped on all sides, with the city tipping the scales," said Commissioner Ryan. "We need to accept this responsibility and reset this work."They also said that said Commissioner Mapps' amendment last week did not include a plan for the funds, nor proper city consideration."What happened last week shouldn’t sit well with any of us. Part of good governance is leading with curiosity, asking questions, and engaging with one another before we walk into these chambers, and that didn’t happen last week, and harm was done," said Commissioner Rubio.Reimagine's executive director, Justice Rajee testified in the Wednesday session. He was visibly enraged by the motion last week.“It’s totally unnecessary. None of this was required,” he said.“If folks had questions about intention, practice, structure, who’s involved, where to go, when we’re going to do it, how we’re going to do it, why we’re here, all you had to do was ask!”A sentiment echoed by Mayor Ted Wheeler who said, “People don’t trust us. They don’t trust their local government, and this is one more reason why.”PAST COVERAGE | Your Voice, Your Vote extended interview with Katrina Holland and Lamar Wise of Reimagine OregonMembers of Oregon’s Legislative BIPOC Caucus sent out a statement ahead of Wednesday’s vote, urging the city council to preserve the funds that would “help spur economic growth and vitality for Black communities in Portland.”Below is the full statement from Reps. Janelle Bynum &amp; Travis Nelson and Sens. Lew Frederick &amp; Kayse Jama.“Promising dollars, not ensuring the delivery of the dollars, and then yanking them, is not how we should continue to treat any organization that is outlined in the City’s budget. As legislators, we know all too well that budgets are a reflection of our values. The world continues to watch how Portland treats its people.”</div></body>

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Portland City Council votes to keep nearly $5M with Black advocacy group

The Portland City Council passed an amendment Wednesday that will keep nearly $5 million dollars in the hands of a group that looks to fight racial economic injustice in the city. For the last four years, \"Reimagine Oregon\" has received just under $2 million a year from Portland's cannabis tax...

The Portland City Council passed an amendment Wednesday that will keep nearly $5 million dollars in the hands of a group that looks to fight racial economic injustice in the city. For the last four years, "Reimagine Oregon" has received just under $2 million a year from Portland's cannabis tax...