Fewer than half of Oregon’s 36 counties have anything on the ballot this fall.
Portland voters have just one decision to make — but it’s a big one: whether to raise taxes and fund the maintenance of city parks.
What would it cost?
The Parks Levy 2025 Ballot Initiative (Measure 26-260) would raise some $456 million over the next five years.
It would increase the property tax paid for city parks by an estimated 75%. The proposed tax is $1.40 (up from the current $0.80) per $1,000 of assessed property value. That means that the owner of the city’s median home will pay about $310 annually, or roughly $26 a month, if the measure passes.
What would it pay for?
The measure pays for maintaining parks and offering recreation services.
The 2020 parks levy paid to “spruce up parks and natural areas, pay for outdoor and community center programs and provide low-income residents with free or reduced-cost swim lessons, summer camps and other recreational activities,” the Oregonian reports. Similar services would be covered this time.
The current parks levy expires at the end of this year — and if the city had asked to renew it at the same rate, the Portland Parks and Recreation Bureau would be facing $35 million in budget cuts. (“If the measure fails altogether, PP&R will face a $90 million budget deficit, requiring mass layoffs and service cuts,” the Portland Mercury reports.)
What’s the criticism of the measure?
There is no formal opposition to the measure. It was referred unanimously to the ballot by City Council. The business group Portland Metro Chamber (which sometimes opposes new taxes) supports this levy, as does the Portland Police Association.
But one key criticism: As a new audit highlights, the parks have a massive $550 to $800 million backlog of unattended-to maintenance projects. And this measure only dedicates just $2 million to the backlog.
🗞️ Further Reading:
The Oregonian endorsed a no vote.
Willamette Week said vote yes.
Tip: Ballots are out. If you haven’t gotten yours yet, you may want to request a replacement from Multnomah County Elections.
