Commissioner Julia Brim-Edwards started this week in Salem, joining the Association of Oregon Counties and commissioners from around the state as part of a county advocacy day. Improving public safety is a priority for Commissioner Brim-Edwards, and it was the focus of her discussions with the Governor’s Office and State Legislators.
Last legislative session Multnomah County received $25 million of State funding, enabling the County to move forward with plans to open the 24/7 Sobering and Crisis Stabilization Center spearheaded by Commissioner Brim-Edwards. She thanked Legislators for the investment and shared news that construction on the Sobering Center is on-track to begin in the coming months.
In the meantime, 13 sobering beds are coming online at the end of this month at the Pathway Deflection Center. These sobering beds will be available 24/7 until the permanent 24/7 Sobering and Crisis Stabilization Center opens.
As part of Commissioner Brim-Edwards’ focused work to improve public safety, she pressed Legislators on the importance of fully funding county community corrections - an integral part of the County’s public safety system.
“If we want to reduce crime and support long-term rehabilitation, we have to invest in the front lines of public safety and local community corrections," said Commissioner Julia Brim-Edwards. “This is an issue that is supported by urban and rural communities alike, and we need the State to fulfill its commitment so counties can continue doing the important work that is shown to reduce crime and break the cycle of incarceration.”
A recent statewide cost study confirmed it takes $18.18 per day to safely and adequately supervise individuals on parole and probation, who are also connected with social services that are proven to result in improved long-term outcomes and lower rates of recidivism.
However, the State currently funds counties at just about $13 per day per individual under supervision. So for years, Multnomah County has needed to back-fill this state funding gap with the General Fund.
The Governor’s proposed budget increases the rate slightly to about $15 per day—but that still leaves counties short. As the County begins the FY 2026 Budget process and considers difficult budget decisions, Commissioner Julia Brim-Edwards called on Legislators to close the gap to fully fund Multnomah County’s community corrections.