Portland’s parks, pools, and community centers are part of what makes our city worth living in.

Without the Portland Parks Levy, many of these public spaces will be closed, cut back, or fall into disrepair. Voting YES protects our most treasured places. 

Here's what the Portland Parks Levy does:

  • Funds daily cleaning and maintenance, ensuring that playgrounds, bathrooms, and nature trails are safe and available to everyone.

  • Provides affordable access and free or low-cost programs that serve families, youth, and seniors.

  • Protects what we have from severe cuts or closure, keeping parks, pools, and community centers operating in every part of the city.

Why It Matters Now:

  • Without this levy, Portland Parks & Recreation will lose nearly half its budget, forcing closures and eliminating programs for those who need them most.

  • Portlanders love our parks; we can’t afford to lose our public spaces when families are relying on them more than ever.

  • In a changing climate, planting trees, restoring habitat, and clearing brush and invasive species helps prevent wildfires, supports healthy communities, and protects the natural environment. 

What It Costs:

  • The City estimates that the levy tax rate of $1.40/$1,000 assessed value would cost the median residential property approximately $11 per month over the current levy (or $26 per month).

  • The levy will raise approximately $86 million in the first year with an estimated average of $91 million raised annually over five years.

Accountability and Oversight:

  • Requires an oversight committee, independent audits, and public reporting ensure transparency and responsible use of funds.

  • Prioritizes new partnerships and funding innovation to help diversify revenue sources into the future.