Metro’s system of parks, trails, natural areas and historic cemeteries is the result of more than a quarter century of commitment, action and investment by the region.
It exists because of voter support for three bond measures and two levies.
Spending from the 2006 natural areas bond measure is winding down, and voters in November 2019 approved a new $475 million bond measure to continue investments to protect land, improve parks and natural areas and support community projects. Work continues to further develop and implement the six program areas in the 2019 bond measure.
In late 2020, the Natural Areas and Capital Program Performance Oversight Committee wrapped up its duties on the 2006 natural areas bond measure. To continue the critical work of community oversight of Metro’s work, the Metro Council appointed a new committee that provides an independent review of the 2019 parks and nature bond measure and the capital program in the levy renewal.
The Metro Council placed a high priority on creating a committee that reflected the diversity of greater Portland as well as formal expertise and expertise from lived experiences.
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.