Portland's Budget

The Mayor announced his budget for the next year early last week.  There were some serious cuts included. 
It seems to me that we could have a much better city if we stopped paying all these fees to study this or that proposal, often for the second time, as one person or the other didn't like the original outcome.  For example; we have done at least four reports on a new Interstate Hwy. bridge to Vancouver, Wa.  We've also done about three on whether, or not, to build Light Rail to Clackamas County; and just how to get the train across the river.
Why is the City involved with all of this, anyway?  They don't seem to be able to solve any of their old, regular problems, like crime, or homelessness.  I know they don't listen to the cry of the citizens who are tired of paying for this stuff.