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Thank you for voting YES and turning out your networks to vote YES on these two Intertwine Alliance-endorsed ballot measures in the May 2024 election.
YES for THPRD Parks - PASSED!
Supporting the Tualatin Hills Park & Recreation District levy is critical for preserving existing park and service levels and improving safety and maintenance in parks, natural areas and trails.
Tualatin Hills Park & Recreation District is facing a $16 million budget shortfall, representing 21% of the district's annual budget. A five-year levy of $0.50 per $1,000 in assessed value is critical to maintain THPRD assets and services. If passed, the levy will increase taxes on the average home in the district by about $152.12 per year, or $12.68 per month.
The proposed levy will allow THPRD to:
Ensure weekly garbage collection at parks. Without a levy, service would be reduced to monthly or twice a month at some parks.
Ensure public restrooms stay open and clean. Without a levy, several outdoor public restrooms would be closed, and others would experience reduced cleaning service from multiple times a week to once a week or less.
Ensure afterschool and preschool programming continues. Without levy support, THPRD’s afterschool programs and preschool programs would end.
Maintain existing maintenance service and recreation programming levels. The levy would fund nearly 50 full-time positions and 235 part-time positions that perform park, trail and natural area maintenance and lead recreation classes and programs such as art, sports, and aquatics.
Keep pools and splash pads open. Without a levy, the district would have to close some facilities, including three swimming pools and two splash pads.
To learn more visit: https://www.thprd.org/district-information/localoptionlevy.
YES for Flood Safety - PASSED!
Systems to protect against flooding along the Columbia River are 100 years old and don’t meet federal standards. A flood event would have catastrophic consequences for the ecosystems and those living in the floodplain. Measure 26-243 makes needed improvements to those systems, as well as investments in green nature-based flood strategies.
The 100+ year old Columbia River Levee System, which runs from Portland to Troutdale and encompasses more than 12,000 acres, is at risk of failure. Historic flood management was too often done without regard for nature and environmental health. It harmed our environment and has resulted in catastrophic failures across our country.
Measure 26-243 reflects a commitment to do better. Funding for the measure will support floodplain reconnection and natural flood storage strategies. It will protect more than 2,000 acres of natural areas within the levee system’s boundaries. And the District managing this work is required to incorporate environmental justice into all aspects of its operations.
The proposed $150 million bond measure will help secure $100 million in federal funds and $50 million in state funds. It will cost the typical home in Portland about $26. It’s the right thing for our community and our environment. Please join us in voting yes on 26-243!
Recent Advocacy Work
State
2024 Oregon State legislative session
2023 Oregon State legislative session
Regional
METRO: Nov 2022, Supported the campaign to pass the Parks & Nature 5-Year Operating Levy Renewal
Result: Passed with 72 percent of the vote. The levy raises approximately $19.6 million per year to protect water quality, restore habitat, and provide safe and welcoming public access to nature.
METRO: Nov 2019, Helped run the campaign to pass the Parks & Nature Bond
Result: Passed, bringing in $475 million to protect clean water, restore fish and wildlife habitat, and provide opportunities for people to connect with nature close to home.
County
MULTNOMAH COUNTY: Oct 2023, Testimony before the Board of Commissioners in support of a nature park to be developed in the Tualatin Mountains
Result: Unanimous YES vote of commission
Local
CITY OF PORTLAND: Nov 2023, Testimony to City Council in favor of a Bureau of Natural Resources to be part of city restructuring
Result: Amendment failed to advance, but The Intertwine Alliance continues conversations with the City of Portland about how to best meet natural resources needs as the city structure evolves.
CITY OF PORTLAND: Oct 2023, Testimony to Planning Commission opposing the draft Housing Regulatory Relief Package that would suspend Green Roof and Bird-Safe Glazing Requirements until 2029
Result: Package was amended to:
- Reject a suspension of the bird-safe glazing requirement, while requesting staff continue researching a temporary compromise.
- Amend the eco-roof suspension to apply only when the roof area is dedicated to solar panels in lieu of an eco-roof.
CITY OF PORTLAND: August 2023, Testimony to City Council in support of a strong Floodplain Resilience Plan
CITY OF LAKE OSWEGO: May 2023, Testimony to City Council in favor of work started to increase ADA access to parks and nature, and in support of access to Steven Meadows
CITY OF TUALATIN: Nov 2022, Supported the campaign to pass a new Parks & Nature Bond
Result: Passed with strong voter support, bringing in $25,000,000 to finance capital costs related to trails, natural areas, sports fields, parks, and river access; and is expected to include a new east-west trail corridor and public access point on the Tualatin River, new and improved sports fields, and parks improvements citywide.
CITY OF HAPPY VALLEY: Nov 2022, Supported the campaign to renew the Parks & Recreation 5-year Operating Levy
Result: Passed with strong voter support, the funding helps maintain over 100 acres of neighborhood parks, trails and natural areas across the City and provides equitable recreation programs for residents.