Portland — City staff told the Portland City Council on Oct. 30 that the Climate Investment Plan totals about $1.6 billion over five years and that portions of that total remain allocated but not yet contracted or encumbered.

The numbers staff presented: actual spending through fiscal year 2024–25 totaled about $146 million; the current fiscal year is budgeted at roughly $340 million; the city has approximately $170 million in encumbrances and about $479 million under contract; and about $515 million is committed in the CIP but not yet contracted or encumbered, Sam Brasso, PCEF program manager, told the work session.

Council concerns and requests: Several councilors pressed staff for clearer fiscal definitions and for a breakdown of what the uncontracted allocations are expected to fund. Councilor Clark asked whether the remaining allocations are one‑time capital projects, ongoing program funding, or pilot investments that would require future budget decisions. Staff said bureaus budget and contract differently and that some remaining sums are for bureau‑led capital projects that may be in later procurement stages; staff committed to providing more granular characterizations by program and bureau.

Why it matters: The CIP is a policy roadmap that serves as the basis for annual budgeting and future program decisions. Councilors said they need a clearer map of which allocations are fixed commitments, which are contingent on future bureau budgets and which could be reallocated if council priorities change during upcoming budget cycles.

Next steps: Staff said they will provide a program‑level characterization (one‑time capital vs. ongoing program vs. pilot/start‑up) for the remaining uncontracted portion and will work with the City Budget Office and implementing bureaus to increase transparency on encumbrances and contract status ahead of the mid‑December committee recommendation and the January council action.