Metro’s system of parks, trails, natural areas and historic cemeteries is the result of a more than a quarter century of commitment, action and investment by the region.
It exists because of voter support for two bond measures and two levies.
Spending from the 2006 natural areas bond measure is winding down, though some money remains to protect more land and support locally significant projects. Conversations are underway now about the possibility of continued investments to protect land, improve parks and natural areas and support community projects.
The final year of funding from the original levy expired in June 2018, and money from the levy renewal kicked in the following month. Continued funding from the levy renewal builds upon the successes in the first levy. More sites will be restored to provide healthy habitat. New nature parks will welcome visitors. And popular parks will continue to see improvements with new facilities and more programming.
The Natural Areas and Capital Program Performance Oversight Committee continues to provide an independent review of the 2006 natural areas bond measure and, starting July 1, 2018, also provides oversight of the capital program in the levy renewal.
The work continues. Stay tuned for next year’s annual report to track how your tax dollars are spent to improve parks and nature throughout the region.
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