Oregon lawmakers to hear priorities at community budget hearings, including one in Warm Springs

By Barney Lerten

Published March 7, 2025 3:53 pm

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) – The co-chairs of the Joint Committee on Ways and Means announced Friday the dates and locations of the 2025 community budget hearings - including one in Warm Springs - and encouraged Oregonians to sign up to testify about which projects and programs the state should prioritize this budget cycle.

Members of the committee and legislative leadership will attend six public hearings across the state over the next two months as the upcoming 2025-2027 biennial state budget begins to take shape. Individuals interested in testifying before the committee should sign up in advance for the hearing they plan to attend.

This year will be the first time since at least 2005 a community budget hearing has occurred on tribal lands when the committee visits Warm Springs on Friday, April 4. The April 16 public hearing will prioritize virtual testimony, so everyone in the state has an opportunity to testify on their budget priorities.

In the days before the first community budget hearing on March 22, the co-chairs will release their budget framework, which will outline the state's budgetary outlook and what resources might be available to use.

Legislators are constitutionally required to pass a balanced budget every two years.

"We have limited resources, many worthy projects and programs, and significant uncertainty due to actions by the federal administration," said Sen. Kate Lieber (D-Beaverton), co-chair of the Joint Committee on Ways and Means. "I'm looking forward to hearing directly from Oregonians about what our state budget should prioritize."

“As we look ahead to balancing the 2025-27 state budget, we know that we are facing uncertain federal headwinds,” said Rep. Tawna Sanchez (D-Portland), co-chair of the Joint Committee on Ways and Means. “It’s more important than ever that we hear from communities about the budget issues that matter most to them.”

The dates and locations of the community budget hearings are:

Gresham | Saturday, March 22 (10:00am – 12:00pm)

Mt. Hood Community College, College Theater

26000 S.E. Stark Street, Gresham, OR 97030

Members of the public can register to testify here

Astoria | Friday, March 28 (5:00pm – 7:00pm)

Liberty Theatre Astoria

1203 Commercial Street, Astoria, OR 97103

Members of the public can register to testify here

Warm Springs | Friday, April 4 (5:00pm – 7:00pm)

Old Warm Springs Elementary School

1112 Wasco Street, Warm Springs, OR 97761