Multnomah District 2 candidates offer distinct plans for county budget gaps

Voters in Multnomah County Commission District 2 face three candidates with different strategies for handling a shrinking budget. The district covers North and most of Northeast Portland, including St. Johns. Shannon Singleton is running for county chair, leaving the District 2 seat open. Candidates must address federal cuts that have reduced funding for food, housing, and health care.

Nabil Zaghloul, a county director, proposes a focus on prevention. He argues that keeping families housed is cheaper than rehousing them after they become homeless. Zaghloul plans to review administrative costs and overlapping programs before cutting direct services. He wants to create a public report card to track spending and outcomes. He believes the county must act responsibly despite losing tens of millions in federal funds.

Serena Cruz, a former county commissioner, highlights the role of the county as a safety net. She notes that the Supportive Housing Services tax has placed 5,500 households in housing. Cruz argues that if this tax expires in 2030, thousands will return to the street. She proposes a new measure in 2028 with clear targets and independent audits. She also wants to align local governments to share outcomes for homeless populations.

Nathan Ong Norris, a stagehand, advocates for new revenue sources. He supports a local tax on data center construction and a charge on fuel storage. Norris suggests cutting upper management positions and reducing funding for the sheriff’s department and jails. He proposes investing those savings in community care and core services. He notes that Multnomah spent half its housing funds on shelter in 2025.

Four other candidates did not respond to questions about their plans. The county currently relies on the Supportive Housing Services tax for more than 60 percent of its homelessness budget. Voters have not yet approved an extension for this funding source.

Zaghloul emphasizes protecting frontline services like eviction prevention and behavioral health. Cruz points to a decline in domestic violence reports from 36 percent to under 10 percent during her previous term. Norris cites the Fair Share Tax Ordinance as a model for raising money from wealthy corporations.