The Multnomah County Board of Commissioners convened for a Board Briefing on September 24, 2025, focusing on the impacts of funding changes on the county's fiscal year 2026 budget. The meeting commenced with procedural reminders for attendees and a note that Commissioner Edwards would be participating virtually.

Chair of the Board emphasized the importance of this briefing as the beginning of the budget rebalance process, highlighting the challenging economic forecast that suggests continued budget constraints for the county. The chair noted that the recently approved fiscal year 2026 budget had already implemented significant cuts across departments, including workforce reductions and limitations on contracts and supplies. This context set the stage for the discussions on how further budget constraints could be managed.

Budget Director Christian Elkin provided an overview of the budget landscape, indicating that the briefing would include detailed presentations from various departments regarding their specific funding streams and program impacts. Elkin outlined the schedule for the week, which included sessions with the Department of County Human Services, the Sheriff’s Office, Community Justice, the Health Department, and the Homeless Services Department.

The Board is expected to engage in discussions that will inform future work sessions scheduled for October, where themes from the briefings will guide the agenda. The meeting underscored the collaborative effort required from the Board to navigate the fiscal challenges ahead, with a focus on strategic management of the county's resources.

Overall, the briefing marked a critical step in addressing the financial realities facing Multnomah County and preparing for the upcoming budgetary decisions.