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Rates and fees pay for critical investments in the systems Portlanders rely on every day, like water, sewers, streets, parks, and garbage pickup. When the City's costs to operate and maintain these systems go up, we increase our rates and fees to cover those expenses - and those changes typically kick in July 1, when a new financial year begins.

For example, many of our underground pipes are more than 80 years old. We need to invest in repair and replacement so they can serve us for generations to come. Every dollar invested in preventative maintenance can save up to $10 in future reconstruction. Failures cost more to fix and create risks to safety, livability, public health, and the environment. At the same time, costs are rising for construction, materials, and energy needed to replace, maintain, and operate these systems.

As a city government, we set rates to cover the costs of providing services, not to generate profit. Every dollar supports essential work to keep public services safe and reliable for current and future generations.

Facing a historic deficit in the City's budget, Mayor Keith Wilson and City Councilors held public hearings to solicit feedback on budget priorities. Council approved the following rate and fee increases as part of the budget for fiscal year 2026-27. Some of these go into effect July 1. (See below.) Additional increases go into effect next year.

Sewer, stormwater, and water rates

On July 1, sewer and stormwater rates will increase 5.15% and water rates will increase 8.1%. Together, these changes will increase the typical single-family residential customer's utility bill by 6.36%, or about $10.20 per month. The exact change to your bill will depend on your use, property, and account type.

This rate increase is needed to cover the rising costs of providing clean drinking water; moving and treating wastewater; and safely managing stormwater. It also supports necessary investments in the infrastructure these services rely on, like the Bull Run Filtration Project. These investments protect public health and the environment and improve long-term system reliability.

Learn more about the rate increase and why it's necessary

If you are having trouble paying your bill, help is available. We offer bill discounts, crisis vouchers, and interest-free payment plans. Learn more about financial assistance

New flood safety benefit fee

On July 1, ratepayers will see a new Flood Safety Benefit Fee added to your utility bill. The fee will be collected through the utility bill, but it is not a sewer, stormwater, or water charge.

In 2024, the Urban Flood Safety and Water Quality District started charging the City of Portland for the cost of maintaining the levees, pump stations, and other infrastructure that protects people living and working along the Columbia River from flooding. The Flood Safety Benefit Fee funds the City's annual payment to the district. For a typical customer, this fee is about $1.20 per month.

Learn more about the Flood Safety Benefit Fee

Garbage and recycling

Most residential customers will see an increase on their monthly garbage bill between $1.20 and $2.25. The increase is primarily due to increased costs of providing garbage, recycling, and compost service due to inflation, increased cost of labor, and higher garbage and compost disposal fees. We've also got new rules for recycling.

Learn more: New residential garbage rates, collection schedules, recycling rules, and more

Permitting and development

These include permit fees for building, electrical, plumbing, accessory short-term rentals and more. Fees for some programs will not increase at all, while fees for other programs will increase to cover their costs.

Learn more about permitting and development fees that take effect July 10

Parking

On July 1, a variety of parking fees will change for fiscal 26-27. These adjustments are needed to support cost recovery and inflation. The changes ensure that parking services are funded sustainably and that fees match the actual cost of providing and administering these programs.

SmartPark Garage hourly rates will increase by $0.15 and the weekday all-day rate will increase by $1 in all garages. On-street pay-to-park rates will increase by $0.20 per hour in the Downtown, Central Eastside, and Northwest parking districts due to inflation. The transaction fee will increase by $0.05 to cover the cost of processing credit card transactions.

Learn more about parking by meter, by permit, by garage and how Portland manages space for parking