In their final meeting of the year, the Metro Council on Tuesday unanimously agreed to refer a five-year local option levy to voters in May, asking for help to restore the region's natural areas, improve water quality and fish habitat, maintain parks, and provide people with more opportunities to experience nature.
The proposed levy of 9.6 cents per $1,000 of assessed value would cost the owner of a home with an assessed value of $200,000 about $20 a year and would raise approximately $10 million annually.
"At the heart of Metro's vision for the future is the commitment we made that as we grew, we would continue to make a place for nature. Not just 'out there' but right here where we live," said Metro Councilor Barbara Roberts. "Our voters have helped us fulfill that vision by passing measures to protect these special places. Today we are asking them to help care for them and build on that investment."
Voters twice have approved bond measures to purchase and protect some of the region's most significant undeveloped land. Money approved by the region's voters for acquisition cannot be used for operating expenses.
Because of the voter-approved bond measures, today Metro owns or manages more than 16,000 acres, including more than 100 miles of stream and river frontage, wetlands, prairies, forests and other sites. Metro now is the largest owner of public parks and natural area lands in the Portland metropolitan region.
While some areas are not formally open to visitors, Metro's parks and natural areas are visited by more than 1.3 million people each year for outdoor experiences like hiking, walking, picnicking, weddings and special events.
"The Council's action takes an important first step in our region's ability to continue to maintain the public's investment in these important natural areas now and for the future," said Metro Council President Tom Hughes. "We will work together with our local partners to implement this measure in a way that benefits not only our natural areas, but also people from the entire region."
Starting last spring the Metro Council conducted public opinion research and online surveys and consulted an independent advisory panel about the idea of a levy for natural area restoration and park maintenance. This fall Metro staff and elected officials met with more than 100 individuals, community groups and local government officials and gathered input from more than 5,000 people via Opt In, Metro's online public participation tool.
The local option levy would pay for projects that:
- improve and protect water quality for salmon and native fish
- remove invasive weeds that threaten the health of our natural areas
- replace aging restrooms, picnic shelters, play areas and other facilities at existing parks
- expand opportunities for people to learn about nature
- provide more opportunities to use Metro parks and natural areas