News

Levy hiring progress in 2025

March 9, 2026

Year One of the Fire and Police Levy “demonstrates clear progress in staffing,” Heather Coleman-Cox, Chair of the independent levy oversight committee, reported to City Council at the close of 2025.

Two police officers are being sworn in by the Gresham Police Chief in front of the American and state flags. Both officers raise their right hands.  A smiling firefighter in a dark blue uniform shakes hands with another firefighter in a dark uniform and cap at his graduation ceremony. Other uniformed individuals are visible in the background.

The 2024/25 City budget paid for:

40 Gresham Police Department positions through the local option levy.

Of these:

  • 25 of 26 positions previously paid through General Fund and retained through the Levy are staffed.
  • Nine positions previously paid through limited-duration American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding have been retained, with seven currently filled.
  • All five new sworn levy-created positions made available for the fiscal year were filled.

33 Fire Department positions through the local option levy.

Of these:

  • All 18 positions previously paid through General Fund and retained through the Levy are staffed.
  • All four positions previously paid through limited-duration ARPA funding have been retained and are filled.
  • All 11 new positions made available for the fiscal year have been hired and completed Fire Academy training.