"If the measure had failed, the City Council could have been forced to cut half of PP&R's general fund support in the budget that takes effect on July 1, 2026. That would have prompted the closure of parks and community centers across the city, possibly including the Multnomah Arts Center in Southwest Portland, which hosts numerous art classes, performances, and cultural events."
""Portland Parks and Recreation represent the very heart and soul of our city, and it's gratifying to know our community supports access to the arts and arts education, as well as our park spaces," said Susan Wickstrom, president of the Multnomah Arts Center Association board of directors. "Art centers cultivate beauty, peace and joy, which are qualities that elevate our entire community in so many ways. Huge thanks to the voters who said yes to our parks and yes to the arts.""
"The passage was also cheered by Council President Elana Pirtle-Guiney, who represents District 2 that cover most of North and Northeast Portland. "Portlanders know that our parks system is essential to our quality of life and to Portland's future," Pirtle-Guiney said. "From swim lessons and summer camps to walking trails and neighborhood greenspaces, this levy ensures every Portlander can access our incredible parks and open spaces.""
Measure 26-260 passed with 54.60% yes to 45.40% no by late Nov. 4, with a few mail-in ballots still to be counted. The levy preserves Portland Parks & Recreation operating funds and prevents a potential cut of half PP&R's general fund support in the budget effective July 1, 2026. Those cuts would have prompted closures of parks and community centers citywide, possibly including the Multnomah Arts Center. Community leaders emphasized the levy’s role in maintaining access to parks, arts education, swim lessons, camps, trails and neighborhood greenspaces. The margin of support was notably lower than the 2020 levy’s 63.94% approval.
Read at Oregon ArtsWatch * Arts & Culture News
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