Durham could be eligible for a proposed $1 million state emergency fund for small Oregon cities, but Tigard and Tualatin are too large to qualify under a plan a state lawmaker announced Wednesday, Sept. 2.

State Rep. Paul Evans, D-Monmouth, said he will introduce the proposal during the 2027 legislative session, according to the Oregon Capital Chronicle.

The fund would be housed at Business Oregon, the state's economic development agency, and would offer grants or low-interest loans of up to $50,000 to cities with fewer than 20,000 residents to keep parks, libraries, museums and other community spaces open during budget shortfalls.

Durham's population of about 1,983 falls well under that threshold, according to 2024 American Community Survey estimates. Tigard, at roughly 56,000 residents, and Tualatin, at about 27,000, do not qualify.

The proposal still speaks to budget pressures across the region. Tigard's adopted budget for fiscal year 2026-2027 shows General Fund expenditures are projected to exceed revenues over the next three to five years. The city cited inflation, rising personnel costs and limits on property tax growth as drivers.

Evans framed the fund as a stopgap for deeper structural problems with Oregon's property tax system. Between 1990 and 1997, voters passed three ballot measures capping what local governments could collect.

"The underlying need for comprehensive, thoughtful revenue reform is long past due, and we're living with the consequences … and right now, I'm trying to put a Band-aid on a bleeding chest wound," Evans told the Capital Chronicle on Wednesday, Sept. 2.

The fund would likely draw on Oregon Lottery revenue, the Capital Chronicle reported. Evans acknowledged the proposal faces a crowded 2027 session, where lawmakers must also address a $200 million shortfall at the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT).

No bill number has been assigned. The 2027 Oregon legislative session begins in January.