"Approving Measure 26-260 will help keep public pools and splash pads open, providing families with safe places to cool off on hot summer days. It will fund tree care and park maintenance to create shade and reduce urban heat. And by caring for natural areas by removing brush, the Portland Parks Levy helps prevent wildfires and limits smoke in the air we breathe."

"The measure will also provide staff to find community partnerships to help reduce the maintenance backlog. This measure cannot undo past mistakes, but points the way to a more sustainable parks system."

“If the levy fails, Portland Parks & Recreation (PP&R) will face a roughly $90 million budget shortfall, forcing major layoffs and service cuts … At a time when families are struggling to afford the basics, the city’s natural areas and neighborhood parks are an essential, free asset.”

"Nearly every Portlander visits a park each year. Measure 26-260 ensures those visits remain safe, welcoming and accessible for everyone – no matter where you live or what you can afford."

"As firefighters, we’re trained to respond when danger strikes – but we also know that one of the most effective ways to protect our community is through prevention. Fire prevention isn’t just about fighting flames. Prevention helps us protect lives, homes and the natural spaces that we all cherish. The parks levy gives our city the tools it needs to do just that, while also keeping parks clean, safe, and accessible for everyone."

Portlanders are being asked to approve a new, increased parks levy to fund the city’s parks system. If the measure doesn’t pass, the city will be forced to make major cuts.

"There is no civic asset Portlanders cherish more than parks … where we gather to commune with nature and each other … Polling shows that nearly three-quarters of voters oppose any cuts to Portland Parks & Recreation … Vote yes.”

"The levy addresses this by funding free and low-cost programs that remove financial barriers, which is critical for the families we serve. It also invests in equitable tree canopy distribution, bringing cooling shade, cleaner air and climate resilience to neighborhoods that have historically been denied these benefits."

"Portlanders know our city is beautiful and vibrant. Our parks, community centers and art centers embody the best things about our home, but these aging facilities have a severe backlog of repairs and maintenance. Delaying could soon mean these facilities are beyond repair and forced to close forever."

"Portland’s parks and community centers are where this city comes alive … families rely on parks and community centers for affordable classes, safe places to play, or just a spot to meet up with friends. These are not luxuries. They’re part of what makes Portland work."

"This ballot measure is about more than parks – it is about ensuring our kids have what they need to grow. When students have access to recreation and arts programs, sports and community centers, they build confidence, make friends and stay engaged in positive activities."

“This kind of broad-based support demonstrates that our parks are important to every Portlander.”

“I really don’t think people understand what they would be losing.”

"The proposed levy funds operations to keep our parks clean, green and safe. It also funds urgent repairs while the city identifies ways to address longer-term capital improvement needs. Without the levy, Portland Parks & Recreation faces a 42% budget cut next year. Fewer open pools, community center closures, fewer park rangers and cuts to critical maintenance and programs are real threats."

“At a time when culture and the arts are under attack by the Trump Administration and even facing state and local funding cuts, many Portlanders are wondering what they can do to fight back.

One option is to support the Portland Parks & Recreation property tax operating levy on the Nov. 4 special election. It will not only keep city parks and community centers open, but also continue funding for a wide range of arts- and cultural-related events and programs supported by PP&R.”

On Wednesday, July 16, City Council voted 11-0 to refer a new Parks Levy to the ballot this coming November 2025.