We’ve compiled some information for the Portland Parks Levy testimony coming up on July 22 with a deadline to register on July 21 at 4 pm. NWTA supports bringing parks funding issues for the voters to decide and a yes vote by City Council members will put it on the ballot. Please view this information below, compiled by Portland Parks Foundation and City of Portland.
To register, go here: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_1liDKB38TsCccbZhaBN75A
Agenda Item Number: 616
TIME CERTAIN: 2:00 pm – Refer to the voters a five-year local option tax levy for the November 3, 2020 General Election to restore recreation programs and protect parks and natural areas (Resolution introduced by Mayor Wheeler) 90 minutes requested
More Information on Levy (From City of Portland)
https://www.portlandoregon.gov/auditor/article/763942
Here’s What you need to do for the Testimony (From City of Portland)
- Identify the agenda item(s) you want to testify on.
- Provide your name, email address, agenda item number(s), zip code and phone number.
- After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.
Ways to support getting the Levy on the Ballot (Portland Parks Foundation)
- You can help the levy effort in several ways: Ask the Portland City Council to refer the levy to the November ballot. The Portland City Council is scheduled to vote on a referral by July 22. Please send a letter to Portland City Council if you want to share your support.
- Testify: You can sign up to testify for the July 22, 2 pm hearing here. Deadline is 4 pm, July 21.
- Share this video with your networks. Three Portlanders share why investing in our parks is so critical now, and so important for the next generation.
Example of a ‘yes vote’ Letter (From Portland Parks Foundation)
To:
Mayor Ted Wheeler
Commissioner Jo Ann Hardesty
Commissioner Chloe Eudaly
Commissioner Amanda Fritz
From: [insert name]
Dear Portland City Council,
[Introduce self/organization and note connection to Parks]
We support the proposed Portland Parks & Recreation operational levy and urge you to refer it to the November ballot, so voters have the opportunity to invest in and prioritize their parks system.
Now more than ever, we need a healthy and stable parks and recreation system. We must take action to prevent continued closures and to keep our parks and natural areas clean and safe for all Portlanders.
The proposed levy would help to prevent deep and ongoing reductions to park and recreation programs, moving Portland Parks & Recreation toward a more equitable and sustainable financial future.
[Organization Name] ‘s mission is supported by Portland Parks & Recreation by [insert relationship with PP&R].
PP&R has prioritized Portlanders’ access to parks, nature, community centers, and recreation programs—but operational costs consistently outpace the fees PP&R must charge to continue serving the community. This levy would end PP&R’s dependence on these fees.
COVID-19 has only made the need more urgent, as PP&R has been forced to close community centers and pools, cancel recreation programs and camps, and reduce essential programs for families with lower incomes. This proposed levy is essential to re-opening community centers and public pools by summer 2021, or if COVID-19’s impact extends into next summer, design equitable, safe, and accessible alternative recreation activities for all Portlanders.
This levy can be the beginning of a new era for our parks and recreation system, one that is more equitable and more financially sustainable, and where costs are no longer a barrier.
[ADD IN PERSONAL/ORGANIZATIONAL REASONS FOR SUPPORTING THE REFERRAL]
Please vote yes to refer this levy to the November ballot.
Thank you for your time.