City of Portland Public Budget Hearing
Thursday, May 10, 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Council Chambers, Portland City Hall
1221 SW 5th Ave Portland, OR 97204

We need to show City Council that we are watching and care about the budget for the NET program. The Council has been supportive of NET, but there is fierce competition for budget dollars.

Make a comment online before the meeting if you can’t attend in person:

https://www.portlandoregon.gov/cbo/61969

Wondering what to say?  Here are some suggested points:

“NET members are volunteers who assist during storms to protect perimeters around downed power lines, during inclement weather in warming and cooling centers, and during events such as major earthquakes.  In 2017, NET volunteers contributed over 58,300 hours, worth $1.4 million.

Budget increases for the 2017-2018 fiscal year has allowed expansion of the NET program, including more training for new members.  There is a strong demand within the city of Portland for further training.  Trained and educated community members will increase the safety and resilience of our neighborhoods in dangerous conditions.

Disaster falls hardest on those with the fewest resources.  We hope NET will be able to provide training to our training to schools, neighborhoods, and communities of faith around Portland, so that everyone in Portland can learn how to better prepare themselves and families.

The Portland Bureau of Emergency Management represents the smallest portion of the city budget, yet when disaster strikes, PBEM will be one of the most active in response.  We support the CBO’s recommendation to maintain funding for PBEM without a 5% decrease in funds.  We look forward to continued growth for the bureau.

Thank you for your support.”