The Portland City Council has voted to send a proposed parks levy increase to voters in November. The current levy, which is $0.80 per $1,000 of assessed property value and set to expire in 2026, would rise to $1.40 if approved. This 75% increase is expected to generate about $91 million per year to support parks programs and operations and avoid major budget cuts, as reported by KGW.
The proposed increase to the Portland parks levy follows the recent resignation of Portland Parks and Recreation Director Adena Long, who had been on administrative leave since last month, according to KGW. City officials have not shared details about her departure. The leadership change comes as the city considers future funding for parks services. Council President Elana Pirtle-Guiney, along with Councilors Steve Novick and Angelita Morillo, supports renewing the levy to prevent major cuts to operations, which could be reduced by nearly half if a new levy is not approved.
Portland voters will decide in November on a proposed property tax increase to support the city’s Parks Bureau. The measure would raise the annual tax from $177 to about $310 for a median single-family home, and to around $440 for commercial properties. The Parks Bureau is facing a possible $90 million budget shortfall, which could lead to laying off about half its staff. Councilor Loretta Smith said, "It’s not about expanding or increasing and improving shiny objects, but preserving what Portlanders love," as mentioned by OPB. If approved, the funding is expected to last until at least summer 2031, as per KATU.
