Mt. Tabor Volunteers The Nature Conservancy's Mt. Tabor volunteer event on September 30, 2017, in Portland, Oregon. © Tim Jewett

Stories in Oregon

Portland Votes Yes for Parks and Nature

Metro ballot measure will protect water, improve access and create parks.

Thank You!

Voters overwhelmingly supported funding for parks and nature in the Portland Metro area. Thank you for using your voices to vote yes on Measure 26-203 and help protect our water, fight climate change and provide equitable access to nature—all without raising taxes.  

The votes are in and nature wins in the Portland Metro Area! Voters took a stand for nature in the November 2019 election by passing Measure 26-203, a $475 million bond focused on improving city parks and greenspaces with an emphasis on climate resiliency and access to nature for all, regardless of zip code or income level. The Nature Conservancy was proud to help shape and support this measure as it represents a bold vision for nature and people in and around Portland. Without raising taxes, measure 26-203 will:

Protect Our Water

By preserving these critical resources, this measure would ensure our water—from the Willamette, Clackamas and Tualatin rivers, to important headwaters and local streams and wetlands—is healthy and accessible to all.

Address Climate Change

Funds from this measure are specifically allocated to projects that reduce the impacts of climate change in our region. Protecting key areas builds climate resiliency by safeguarding our water and protecting fish and wildlife habitat.

Provide Access to Nature

This measure will increase access to the outdoors in historically underserved areas. By purchasing land for preservation and restoration in parts of our region that currently have few public parks or green spaces, Metro will be able to protect key natural areas and create opportunities for families to have safe, fun experiences outdoors—regardless of zip code or income.

Quote: Kathleen Brennan-Hunter

The science is clear—we need nature. This measure will deliver equitable access to nature, while providing critical natural infrastructure and benefits like enhancing urban life and supporting public health.

Deputy Director, The Nature Conservancy in Oregon