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 three bond measures and three levies.
The very last 2006 natural areas bond measure’s funds were spent this year, putting an end to a tax-payer investment that achieved far more than it was expected to. The $475 million 2019 parks and nature bond measure now fully holds the legacy of continuing investments to protect land, improve parks and natural areas and support community projects. All six of the 2019 bond measure’s program areas are operating at full speed.
Metro’s bond work is overseen by the Metro Council and the Natural Areas and Capital Program Performance Oversight Committee. The committee provides critical community oversight and ensures Metro fulfills the promises made to voters.
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.