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Portland manages numerous federal grants totaling approximately $387 million, with 90% allocated to housing and transportation. Last year alone, Portland received nearly $98 million in federal aid to support these critical sectors. However, the city’s adherence to federal mandates, particularly regarding diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies, is under intense scrutiny.
The Biden administration has emphasized compliance with federal executive orders that restrict or eliminate certain DEI initiatives deemed divisive or racially discriminatory. Former President Donald Trump’s administration explicitly threatened cities and states that fail to comply, with the federal government holding the authority to withhold grants from jurisdictions that do not align with federal mandates.