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Portland, Oregon, Measure 26-260, Parks and Recreation Property Tax Measure (November 2025)

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Portland Measure 26-260

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Election date

November 4, 2025

Topic
Local property tax
Status

ApprovedApproved

Type
Referral


Portland Measure 26-260 was on the ballot as a referral in Portland on November 4, 2025. It was approved.

A "yes" vote supported enacting a tax at the rate of $140 per $100,000 of assessed property value for five years beginning in 2026 to fund recreational programs and park services.

A "no" vote opposed the tax change, thus allowing the existing tax levy to expire at the end of the fiscal year. 


A simple majority vote was required to approve the measure.

Election results

Portland Measure 26-260

Result Votes Percentage

Approved Yes

95,653 56.01%
No 75,136 43.99%
Results are officially certified.
Source


Overview

What did this measure do?

The measure permitted the City of Portland to increase the property tax used to fund the parks and recreation system from $80.00 to $140.00 per $100,000 in assessed value. The measure allocated $137 per $100,000 in assessed value to park and recreation operations and the remaining $3.00 per $100,000 in assessed value to capital projects.

Have previous measures been on the ballot like this before?

In November 2020, Portland voters decided a property tax levy of $80.00 per $100,000 in assessed value. Voters approved the measure, with 64% voting yes. The levy is set to expire in 2026, at the end of the 2025-2026 fiscal year.

Text of measure

Ballot title

The ballot title for Measure 26-260 was as follows:

“

Should Portland maintain parks, recreation, fund repairs; five-year levy $1.40 per $1,000 assessed value beginning 2026-2027? This measure may cause property taxes to increase more than three percent.

”

Ballot summary

The ballot summary for this measure was:

“

In 2020, City of Portland voters approved a five-year levy to support parks and recreation operations that expires in 2025. If a new levy is not approved, the Parks operating budget would be reduced by approximately half, resulting in fewer programs and services.

A new five-year levy would maintain operations, fund capital projects:

ENSURE NEIGHBORHOOD PARKS MAINTENANCE AND CLEANLINESS

-Daily restroom cleaning, trash pickup -Routine maintenance, minor repairs -Repair or renovate facilities like playgrounds, restrooms, pools -Park ranger safety patrols, incident responses

PROTECT NATURE IN A CHANGING CLIMATE

-Plant, maintain trees -Preserve natural areas, trails, water quality, wildlife habitat -Clear brush, maintain emergency access routes to reduce wildfire risk

PRESERVE PROGRAM ACCESS

-Continue free, discounted recreation programs for families experiencing poverty -Preserve classes, community center hours, arts and cultural centers, parks, pools -Community oversight committee would review levy expenditures, provide annual reports. Independent audit required.

A median homeowner would pay about $310 per year, or $26 per month - a $11 monthly increase.

Levy would raise approximately $86,268,997 in 2026–2027, $88,719,730 in 2027–2028, $91,411,705 in 2028–2029, $93,588,449 in 2029–2030, and $96,068,483 in 2030–2031, for a total of $456,057,364.		”

Full Text

The full text of this measure is available here.


Explanatory statement

The Portland City Council issued an explanatory statement with this measure. The full text of that exhibit can be found here.

Support

PortlandersforParks.png

Portlanders for Parks led the campaign in support of the "yes" vote.[1]

Supporters

Officials

Political Parties

  • Democratic Socialists of America-Portland
  • Multnomah Democrats
  • Oregon Working Families Party

Unions

  • AFSCME Local 189
  • AFSCME Local 328
  • Oregon AFSCME
  • Portland Association of Teachers

Organizations

  • APANO Action Fund
  • Coalition of Communities of Color
  • League of Women Voters of Portland
  • Oregon League of Conservation Voters
  • PROTEC17
  • Portland Jobs with Justice
  • Portland Metro Chamber
  • Portland for All
  • SEIU Oregon
  • The Nature Conservancy
  • The Trust for Public Land
  • UFCW 555
  • Urban League of Portland


Arguments

  • Portlanders for Parks: "Measure 26-260 provides essential funding that keeps playgrounds safe, pools open, bathrooms clean, and trails clear. It also funds free and low-cost programs for every Portlander, and helps protect our natural areas through tree planting, wildfire prevention, and habitat restoration."
  • Isaac McLennan, president of Portland Fire Fighters' Association, IAFF Local 4I3: "This levy provides essential funding for brush clearing, trail maintenance and tree card. These are practical, proactive and effective steps that help prevent fires from starting and spreading."
  • Marcus Mundy, executive director of the Coalition of Communities of Color: "The Portland Parks Levy presents a crucial opportunity for the City of Portland to prioritize equity within our parks system and fund essential programs benefiting youth of color and low-income families. Passing this levy allows the city to maintain accessible and affordable parks for all residents. It enables everyone to experience the best of our beautiful city’s offerings and serves as a pathway to progress for Portland as a whole."


Official arguments

The following arguments were included in the official Multnomah County Voter's Pamphlet for the 2025 election:[2]

  • Official Voter Pamphlet: "Parks Are Essential to Portland’s Economic Future. Businesses know: a city where people want to live is a city where businesses thrive. Clean, safe, accessible parks are part of what makes Portland a place where businesses want to stay, employees want to work, and families want to lay down roots. Measure 26-260 invests in our city’s reputation as a vibrant, livable community by: ● Keeping parks and restrooms clean and safe. ● Reinvesting in community centers and pools that serve as anchors in neighborhoods. ● Ensuring free and low-cost programs that allow every Portlander to participate. ● Providing the kind of public spaces that attract residents, visitors, and customers. This levy also includes stronger accountability measures: a community oversight committee, annual audits, and performance reporting to City Council. Taxpayers deserve transparency, and Measure 26-260 delivers. Businesses large and small are united: thriving parks and thriving communities go hand in hand. Vote YES on Measure 26-260 — because Portland’s economy depends on Portland’s quality of life. Portland Metro Chamber On behalf of our 2,200 member businesses and organizations
  • Official Voter Pamphlet: "Let’s Keep Our Parks Clean, Safe, and Open for Everyone. Parks are where Portlanders come together. They’re where we meet friends for a walk, where our kids learn to swim, where seniors stay active, where families gather on sunny days, and where nature thrives in the heart of our city. But right now, the parks we love are at risk. Without Measure 26-260, Portland Parks & Recreation will lose nearly half its budget. That would mean closed community centers, locked pool gates, neglected natural areas, and the loss of free and low-cost programs that thousands of Portland families rely on. Measure 26-260 provides essential funding to keep our parks open and thriving. It will: ● Keep playgrounds safe, pools open, bathrooms clean, and trails clear with daily maintenance and safety checks. ● Fund free and low-cost programs so every Portlander can participate. ● Protect our natural areas with tree planting, wildfire prevention, and habitat restoration. ● Ensure accountability through independent audits and a community oversight committee. This levy is not just about parks — it’s about Portland’s quality of life. When our parks are clean, safe, and welcoming, our entire community is stronger. Join the growing coalition of labor unions, environmental advocates, businesses, community groups, and neighbors across the city who are voting YES on Measure 26-260 to keep Portland’s parks open, clean, green, and thriving. Vote YES for Portland’s Parks! Vote YES for Measure 26-260! Coalition of Communities of Color Portland Mayor Keith Wilson Laborers’ International Union of North America Local 483 League of Women Voters of Portland Northwest Oregon Labor Council, AFL-CIO Oregon & Southern Idaho District Council of Laborers Oregon League of Conservation Voters Portland Metro Chamber Portland Parks Foundation The Intertwine Alliance Trust for Public Land And many more! Visit PortlandersforParks.org for the full list of endorsers. "
  • Official Voter Pamphlet: "As a resident of North Portland for the past two decades, I have witnessed firsthand the positive impact the Charles Jordan Community Center and its programs have had on our community, particularly on low-income families. My children have actively benefited from the center’s resources, including the swimming pools, and I strongly believe in the importance of maintaining accessible and supportive programs for youth and families in need. These programs are vital in providing positive environments, and encouraging healthy, active lifestyles. The continued operation of our community centers, pools, and parks programs is crucial for current and future generations. I know my family is not alone. Thanks to Portland Parks & Recreation’s Access Discount Program — funded by this levy — thousands of Portland families can be part of our city’s parks, not excluded because of cost. Please vote YES on Measure 26-260 — so all kids can play, learn, and grow."


Opposition

Ballotpedia did not locate a campaign in opposition to the ballot measure.

Opponents

Candidates

  • Bob Weinstein (Nonpartisan) - Former Candidate for City Council

Organizations

  • Taxpayer Association of Oregon


Arguments

  • Taxpayers Association of Oregon: "The average homeowner will pay more than $300 annually in new taxes—money that could pay for groceries or gas. Families in large numbers have moved out of Portland because it is too expensive to raise a family here. Don’t make it worse."
  • Taxpayers Association of Oregon: "Portland’s track record on managing tax money is terrible. Why throw more money at a system that doesn’t work? Portland has a massive general fund budget but claims it can’t afford basic park maintenance without soaking taxpayers again. This is government greed, pure and simple. Don’t reward politicians who hold essential services hostage for more of your money. VOTE NO on Measure 26-260."


Official arguments

The following arguments were included in the official Multnomah County Voter's Pamphlet for the 2025 election:[2]

  • Official Voter Pamphlet: "We Love Our Parks! That’s Why We’re Voting NO! Parks Are Treasures—But We Need Real Solutions Our parks enrich our lives. But loving our parks means demanding a plan that sustains them—not just throwing more money at a system that’s failing to deliver. The Problem With This Levy The proposed levy is a 75% tax hike. Supporters say it will “save” our parks, but it actually locks us into an unsustainable spiral. Without a course change, levies will keep rising every five years while Park services stagnate— and one in five park assets remain at risk of failure or closure within 15 years. Since the 2020 levy: • Parks’ authorized staffing jumped from 521 to 826 positions • New, maintenance-intensive amenities were added • Critical repairs at existing assets were sidelined • The backlog of repairs ballooned from $450 million to $600 million Portland already spends $318 per person on parks— well above the national average of $192. The issue isn’t funding; it’s discipline. What Supporters Don’t Tell You Out of the proposed $1.40 per $1,000 tax rate, just three cents—about $2 million per year—will be dedicated to major maintenance. That won’t scratch the surface of the $600 million capital maintenance crisis. The rest—$84 million annually—will continue funding the operational bloat that created this crisis. A Smarter Alternative This is not a do-or-die vote. The City Council still has time to propose a smarter, more balanced levy. For instance, a $1.00 tax rate with 20 cents dedicated to capital maintenance would yield over $13 million annually for maintenance—nearly seven times more than the proposed levy provides. Our Parks Deserve Better A basic rule of budgeting is simple: don’t build what you can’t maintain. City Hall has ignored that rule while asking taxpayers for ever-bigger blank checks. Vote NO on the 75% tax increase. Demand accountability and real stewardship of Portland’s parks. Bob Weinstein Rod Merrick"
  • Official Voter Pamphlet: "Taxpayers Association of Oregon urges No on Measure 26-260 FIVE REASONS OUR PARKS NEEDLESSLY COST MORE
    1. 1. Our parks cost more because criminals who are
    caught engaging in graffiti vandalism are released with little punishment. Lacking harsh penalties, these released criminals simply go back to what they did before and continue to vandalize our parks and spray paint our entire city.
    1. 2. Our Parks cost more because Multnomah County
    handed out over 25,000 free tents to homeless. The freetents-for-all idea only attracted more homeless to come to Portland from other states in order to get their free tents and camp in our parks. Now we are all overwhelmed.
    1. 3. Our parks cost more because politicians refuse
    to enforce trespassing laws. This has made our parks a great place for homeless encampments because trespassers know it is hard for their camps to be moved.
    1. 4. Our parks cost more because local governments
    (at taxpayer expense) hand out free drug paraphernalia to addicts. This makes Portland a top destination for drug addicts from other states to move here. #5. Our parks cost more because police cannot keep our parks safe from crime and destruction because liberal politicians defunded our police. The politicians have made these 5 major policy mistakes and they now expect you, the taxpayers, to foot the bill for the cost of their mistakes. Politicians need to take responsibility for what is causing park expenses to rise and to fix it – not just punish taxpayers for their own mistakes. For daily tax news/updates, please visit OregonWatchdog.com"
  • Official Voter Pamphlet: "Taxpayers Association of Oregon urges No on 26-260 8 REASONS TO OPPOSE PARK LEVY MEASURE 26-260
    1. 1. It’s a 75% Tax Hike, Not a Renewal
    This isn’t a simple renewal—it explodes your parks tax from 80 cents to $1.40 per $1,000 of home value.
    1. 2. Costs You Over $300 Every Year
    The average homeowner will pay more than $300 annually in new taxes—money that could pay for groceries or gas. Families in large numbers have moved out of Portland because it is too expensive to raise a family here. Don’t make it worse.
    1. 3. Political Tax Hostage Tactics
    City officials threaten to slash parks budgets in half if you don’t approve their massive tax hike. There is no discussion of a smaller increase, only 75% or else. That’s not fair.
    1. 4. Creates the Tax Ratchet Effect
    First, they passed a temporary tax and now demand 75% more. What will they want next time?
    1. 5. Portland Taxpayers Are Already Crushed
    Families are bleeding money from inflation and rising costs, while city services worsen every day.
    1. 6. Rewards Fiscal Irresponsibility
    This lets politicians avoid tough budget choices by just grabbing more from homeowners instead of cutting wasteful spending.
    1. 7. No Accountability for Results
    Portland’s track record on managing tax money is terrible. Why throw more money at a system that doesn’t work? Portland has a massive general fund budget but claims it can’t afford basic park maintenance without soaking taxpayers again. This is government greed, pure and simple. Don’t reward politicians who hold essential services hostage for more of your money. VOTE NO on Measure 26-260. For daily tax news/updates follow us at OregonWatchdog.com"


Media editorials

See also: 2025 ballot measure media endorsements

Support

The following media editorial boards published an editorial supporting the ballot measure:

  • Williamette Week Staff: "Some 86% of Portland Parks & Recreation assets are in poor or very bad condition, the bureau reported in September 2024. Some of that decay is due to budgetary sloppiness, yes, but hardly all of it. There’s a macroeconomic phenomenon that remains beyond the city’s control: inflation. Parks require lots of people and supplies to stay green and inviting, and virtually all of the costs of these have gone up. Every Portlander is making hard decisions about how to stretch a dollar. And the measure now on the ballot presents a test of our collective priorities. There are many perils to making policy via ballot measure. One is that some parts of government get fat while others are left to beg for their lives. But another is the temptation to hamstring our future as a way to punish the failures of the past. You would be right to have a beef with the leaders who placed Portland in this mess. Don’t take it out on the trees. Vote yes."


Opposition

Ballotpedia did not locate media editorial boards in opposition to the ballot measure.


Background

Measure 26-213

See also: Portland, Oregon, Measure 26-213, Recreation and Parks Levy (November 2020)

In November 2020, Portland voters decided Measure 26-213. The measure created a property tax levy of $80.00 per $100,000 in assessed value. The measure issued the levy for five years, to begin in 2021 and expire in 2026. Voters approved the measure, with 64% voting yes.

The Mayor of Portland at the time, Ted Wheeler, supported the measure. He stated, "Commissioner Fish brought me here to help build a sustainable and equitable parks and recreation system for all Portlanders. We’re now at a decision point to invest in our parks and our people. ... As things stand today, Portland Parks & Recreation has been hit especially hard [by COVID-19], and we know that recreation activities, special events and more have been canceled since March."[3]

Three Portland City Commissioners also supported the measure. One, in contrast, opposed the measure. Jo Ann Hardesty stated that she opposed the measure even though she supports Portland parks. She said, "I will not be bullied into supporting a half-baked plan that does not fully fund our parks operations and will still make you dependent on the general fund."[3]

Path to the ballot

See also: Laws governing local ballot measures in Oregon

On July 16, 2025, the Portland City Council approved resolution number 37710 in a vote of 11-0, with one member absent.[4] The resolution placed the measure on the November 4, 2025 ballot for voters to decide.

How to cast a vote

See also: Voting in Oregon

See below to learn more about current voter registration rules, identification requirements, and poll times in Oregon.

How to vote in Oregon


External links

See also

Footnotes

  1. ↑ Portlanders for Parks, "Homepage," accessed October 22, 2025
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 Multonomah County, "Multnomah County Voter's Pamphlet," accessed October 23, 2025
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 OPB, "Portland City Council sends tax levy to November ballot, would fund parks system," accessed October 23, 2025
  4. ↑ Portland.gov, "Refer to the voters a five-year local option tax levy for the November 4, 2025 election to maintain safe parks, nature, affordable recreation through 5-year levy," accessed October 23, 2025
  5. ↑ Oregon Secretary of State, “Voting in Oregon,” accessed March 18, 2026
  6. ↑ Deschutes County Oregon, “Voting in Oregon FAQ,” accessed March 18, 2026
  7. ↑ Oregon Laws, "Or. Rev. Stat. § 246.270," accessed March 18, 2026
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 8.3 Oregon Secretary of State, "Oregon Online Voter Registration," accessed March 18, 2026
  9. ↑ Oregon Secretary of State, "Oregon Motor Voter Act FAQ," accessed March 18, 2026
  10. ↑ Oregon Secretary of State, "Oregon Voter Registration Card," accessed March 18, 2026
  11. ↑ Under federal law, the national mail voter registration application (a version of which is in use in all states with voter registration systems) requires applicants to indicate that they are U.S. citizens in order to complete an application to vote in state or federal elections, but does not require voters to provide documentary proof of citizenship. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, the application "may require only the minimum amount of information necessary to prevent duplicate voter registrations and permit State officials both to determine the eligibility of the applicant to vote and to administer the voting process."
  12. ↑ Florida's law takes effect on January 1, 2027
  13. ↑ Congress, "H.R.3295 - Help America Vote Act of 2002," accessed September 30, 2025
  14. ↑ Oregon Secretary of State, "Oregon Voter Registration Card," accessed March 18, 2026
  15. ↑ Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.
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