Coalition of Portland City Staff Visit Vienna to Research Social Housing

Portland, Oregon- Councilor Jamie Dunphy and his Chief of Staff Madeline West recently participated in a delegation to Vienna to learn about their globally renowned social housing ecosystem. The group consisted of architects, developers, advocates, and City staff representing the full spectrum of people responsible for building the affordable, housing-secure Portland we deserve. This trip was paid for using funds from Councilor Dunphy's office budget.

Specific costs included:

Travel: $2,296.01 per person, at $4,592.02 total

Lodging: $987.66 per person ($123.24 per night), at $1,975.32 total

In-Town Ground Transportation: $99.95

Program Registration: $3500 each, at $7000 total, with an expected partial refund owed.

Meals + Incidentals: $813.00 of a budgeted $2,021.00 (40% utilization)

Budgeted Total: $15,688.49

A note on travel expenses:the City mandates use of an approved travel agency for this kind of travel. This agency booked tickets on the budget airline Condor for $2,200 each, when the same itinerary was available for $850 each if purchased directly. Despite identifying and suggesting this more cost-effective option, we were required to use the City's agency. We believe this administrative policy is wasteful and must change.

Media Contacts:

Eben Joondeph Hoffer

[email protected]

Madeline West

(971) 421-6864

[email protected]

Office of Councilor Jamie Dunphy
City Hall, Portland, OR