1. What did the 2024 Parks Levy audit find?
The independent 2024 audit confirmed that funds from the 2020 Parks Levy were spent as promised to voters and that Portland Parks & Recreation (PP&R) has been an effective steward of taxpayer dollars. The audit found no misuse of funds, and highlighted transparency improvements.

2. What accountability measures are built into this new levy?
Measure 26-260 requires measurable performance goals, an independent oversight committee that reports directly to City Council, and annual public reporting on spending and outcomes — stronger oversight than any prior parks measure.

3. How is this levy different from the 2020 levy?
The 2020 levy stabilized the system after years of cuts. This proposed levy updates the rate—from .80 per $1,000 of assessed value to $1.40 per $1,000 of assessed value—to maintain today’s level of services and maintenance as costs rise.

This proposed levy also adds new financial sustainability strategies, including development of a long-term financial plan to sustain parks facilities and programming, a position dedicated to securing sponsorship and other new non-taxpayer revenues, and a plan to pursue new sources of revenue for larger capital maintenance needs.

4. What is the Parks Levy Oversight Committee?
The Parks Levy Oversight Committee is a volunteer group of Portlanders who review expenditures, ensure funds are used as voters approved, and report publicly each year. In its 2024 report, the committee found that PP&R “continues to be fiscally accountable” with levy funds.

5. Why does the city need another levy if the last one was successful?
Costs for maintenance, staffing, and basic operations have risen sharply. Without renewed funding, PP&R’s budget will be cut nearly in half — forcing closures of parks, pools, and community centers, or cuts to police, fire, and transportation. This levy keeps today’s service levels steady while long-term funding solutions are developed.

6. What steps are being taken to improve financial management?
Council directed PP&R to develop a comprehensive financial sustainability plan, explore sponsorships and grants, and clarify how system development charges (SDCs) that developers pay can be used for major maintenance — all aimed at making taxpayer dollars go further.

7. How does this levy address the city auditor’s concerns about cost-saving strategies?
The bureau has already reduced administrative overhead and centralized operations. The levy’s performance tracking will help identify efficiencies and savings year over year — something the audit encouraged.

8. Will the public be able to see how funds are spent?
Yes. Annual reports, the PP&R budget, and performance metrics will be published so residents can see what’s being achieved with levy dollars.

9. What happens if the levy fails?
PP&R would face a $73.8 million annual shortfall — nearly 42% of its total budget. That could mean shuttered community centers, fewer programs for youth and seniors, and declining park conditions citywide. If this levy fails, the city would face painful choices in terms of which critical services to cut.

10. How will this measure help prevent future maintenance crises?
By funding routine, daily upkeep and natural area restoration now, the levy helps avoid costly emergency repairs later, saving taxpayers money in the long run.