Portland Says Basic Street Maintenance ‘at Risk’ After Sweeping State Transportation Package Implodes
OREGON, JUL 1 – The Oregon Legislature's failure to pass House Bill 2025 creates a $300 million shortfall, risking 600 layoffs, halted infrastructure projects, and reduced transit services, officials said.
- The Oregon Department of Transportation plans layoffs of up to 700 employees starting the week of July 7, 2025, amid a funding crisis.
- This follows the Oregon Legislature's failure to pass House Bill 2025 or a watered-down version, which would have raised taxes and fees to generate nearly $14.6 billion over ten years.
- The consequences include over $300 million in budget shortfalls, risking unsafe roads, reduced basic safety services like pothole filling, and service cuts by transit agencies including TriMet.
- ODOT Director Kristopher Strickler called the legislature's inaction "shocking, scary and frustrating" and said losing ODOT employees' knowledge is an "immense cost" threatening vital infrastructure jobs and safety services.
- Advocates and officials urge a special legislative session to address urgent funding needs, as ongoing delays will result in long-term deterioration of Oregon’s transportation system and safety risks.
15 Articles
15 Articles

ODOT director calls legislature’s transportation bill failure ‘shocking,’ ‘scary’ warns of layoffs
The Oregon Department of Transportation plans to lay off up to 700 employees as soon as the next week, with layoffs taking effect by the end of the month, according
Portland says basic street maintenance ‘at risk’ after sweeping state transportation package implodes
Portland officials warned that the city’s crumbling streets and sidewalks are likely to plunge further into disrepair after state lawmakers failed to pass a sweeping transportation package last week.
ODOT director calls legislature’s transportation bill failure ‘shocking,’ ‘scary,’ warns of layoffs
The Oregon Department of Transportation plans to lay off up to 700 employees as soon as the week of July 7, with layoffs taking effect by the end of the month, according to emails from agency leadership obtained by the…
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 63% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium