Building a Safer Milwaukie Together
Crime increased significantly in Milwaukie in 2024 — even as crime declined 4.5% nationally. Our police are understaffed at 40% below the national average per capita. The camping ordinance has no publicly available enforcement data. People camp in plain sight during banned hours because a $50 citation with no consequence is meaningless.
Meanwhile, Oregon City — in the same county, with the same legal authority — has built a comprehensive safety system that Milwaukie lacks: a Civil Exclusion Zone for repeat criminal offenders, a dedicated Homeless Liaison Officer since 2017, a Behavioral Health Unit since 2020, a Community Court, regular camp cleanup crews, and a published annual police report.
Despite meaningful investments in behavioral health staff and body cameras, key strategic tools are still missing. Milwaukie spends more per resident on policing ($330 vs Oregon City’s $291) — the gap is not funding, it’s strategy.
What We’re Asking For
We have 8 specific, actionable proposals — from adopting a Civil Exclusion Zone to creating a dedicated Downtown-Riverfront Officer to publishing enforcement data. Every proposal pairs enforcement with services. We’re not asking to criminalize homelessness. We’re asking for the same tools Oregon City already uses.
Why Now
Three City Council seats are on the ballot November 3, 2026 — including the Mayor and Council President. Filing opens in July. This is a generational opportunity to elect leaders who will invest in the strategy our city needs.
Sign the petition and join us.
Safer Milwaukie is a community coalition of concerned residents. We are not affiliated with any political party, candidate, or organization.