Portland, Ore. – As Multnomah County prepares for a new leadership year, newly elected County Chair Shannon Singleton is moving quickly from campaign promises to concrete governance. In an exclusive interview with FOX 12 Oregon, Singleton detailed her immediate priorities, emphasizing fiscal responsibility, holistic service delivery, and strategic use of existing tax revenues.
Budget discipline after pandemic spending
Singleton, who served as a county commissioner for the past two years, highlighted the need to transition the county’s $1 billion budget away from the surge of one‑time federal relief dollars that funded emergency shelters during COVID‑19. “There was a lot of one‑time‑only money that was going in to build that system,” she explained. “My budget will not show a lot of one‑time‑only dollars in those ongoing programs.”
She pledged to scrutinize every line item, aiming to protect essential services while eliminating reliance on temporary funding streams. By doing so, Singleton hopes to create a sustainable financial foundation that can weather future economic fluctuations.
Integrating health and housing services
Recognizing the interconnected nature of homelessness and behavioral health, Singleton said her administration will bring health clinics and related budgets into the same conversation as housing initiatives. “When I’m doing housing and homelessness, behavioral health programs that touch housing need to be in that conversation,” she said. This holistic approach is intended to improve outcomes for vulnerable residents by ensuring that medical, mental‑health, and shelter services operate in coordination rather than in isolation.
Moda Center renovation financing
One of the most visible projects on the county’s agenda is the $101 million pledged for renovations to the Moda Center. Singleton discussed leveraging the county’s motor‑vehicle rental tax, which currently services bonds for the Oregon Convention Center, to help fund the upcoming work. She noted that the tax could be redirected once the existing bonds are paid off in 2031, allowing the county to contribute without raising new taxes.
“It wouldn’t be too long to wait because the city and state dollars can go in before that,” Singleton said. “The December timeline feels really challenging, and I think part of the conversation needs to be with the state, because that’s their deadline.” She plans to begin formal discussions with state officials this week.
Managing a large workforce
Beyond the budget, Singleton will oversee more than 6,000 county employees who deliver critical services ranging from public safety to social programs. She emphasized the importance of clear communication and efficient operations, promising to keep the workforce focused on serving Multnomah residents effectively.
“I have some really trusted folks in my life who have been able to figure out how to help me with a transition,” Singleton said, acknowledging the support network that will assist her in the coming months.
Looking ahead
Singleton’s early actions signal a commitment to responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars, integrated service delivery, and strategic financing of major infrastructure projects. As she steps into the chair in January, residents can expect a focus on long‑term fiscal health and coordinated programs that address the county’s most pressing needs.
Original reporting: KPTV FOX 12 Portland (news) — read the source article.
