Affordable Housing Bond Measure - 26-179

Ballot Title Caption: Bonds to fund affordable housing

On June 30, 2016, the Portland City Council passed Resolution No. 37220, referring a measure to Portland voters on the November 8, 2016 General Election ballot. 

Resolution (passed by City Council) 

Ballot Title (via City Attorney)

Explanatory Statement (via Commissioner Dan Saltzman) 

Notice of Measure Election to County (via City Elections)

Status

6/30/16 - Resolution filed with City Elections Officer, seven-day ballot title challenge period begins. An elector may file a petition for review of the ballot title with the Multnomah County Circuit Court no later than 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 12, 2016

7/14/16 - No challenges received to ballot title

8/5/16 - Elections Office files notice of measure election and explanatory statement with Multnomah County Elections Office. Awaiting measure number

8/8/16 - Multnomah County Elections Office assigns measure number 26-179

11/8/16 - General election date; measure approved by voters

11/29/16 - Official results delivered 

BALLOT TITLE

CAPTION

 Bonds to fund affordable housing.

QUESTION

Shall Portland issue bonds, fund affordable housing for low income families, seniors, veterans, people with disabilities; require public oversight?

If the bonds are approved, they will be payable from taxes on property or property ownership that are not subject to the limits of sections 11 and 11b, Article XI of the Oregon Constitution.

SUMMARY

Measure would authorize $258,400,000 in general obligation bonds for affordable housing for low income households.

Bonds will be used to build new housing, purchase, rehabilitate existing housing to maintain affordability, prevent displacement, allow residents to remain in their homes. 

Housing will contain a mix of unit sizes. Some units will be accessible for low-income people with disabilities, seniors. Housing may include space to provide products and services for residents.

Affordable means rents restricted by designated household size and income level for the dwelling. Low income means a household making 60% or less of median family income; lower income thresholds for some units; flexibility for existing residents and hardship. In 2016, 60% of median family income for a family of four is $43,980 per year.

A five-member independent oversight committee will review bond expenditures; provide annual reports.

Tax rate for this measure is estimated to be $0.4208 per $1,000 of assessed value. Bonds may be issued in multiple series. Annual audits required. Administrative costs cannot exceed seven percent.    

Tax on Recreational Marijuana Sales Measure -26-180

Ballot Title Caption: Establish tax on recreational marijuana sales; dedicate purposes for funds

On June 22nd, 2016, the Portland City Council passed Resolution No. 37217, referring a measure to Portland voters on the November 8, 2016 General Election Ballot.  

Resolution

Ballot Title

Status

6/23/16 - Resolution filed with City Elections Officer; seven-day ballot title challenge period begins. An elector may file a petition for review of the ballot title in the Multnomah County Circuit Court no later than 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 5th, 2016

7/6/16 - No challenges received to ballot title 

8/12/16 - Elections Office files notice of measure election and explanatory statement with Multnomah County Elections Office. Multnomah County Elections Office assigns measure number 26-180

11/8/16 - General election date; measure approved by voters

11/29/16 - Official results delivered 

BALLOT TITLE

CAPTION

Establish tax on recreational marijuana sales; dedicate purposes for funds

QUESTION

Shall Portland establish 3% tax on recreational marijuana sales; fund drug, alcohol treatment; public safety; support neighborhood small businesses?

SUMMARY

Measure establishes a tax of three percent on recreational marijuana sales within the City of Portland. Measure is expected to raise $3 million per year.  Sales of marijuana to medical marijuana cardholders shall not be taxed. The 2015 Legislature reduced the state tax on recreational marijuana sales from 25% to 17% effective January 1, 2017, and allowed local jurisdictions to ask for voter approval of a 3% local tax. Net proceeds from the tax will be dedicated to drug and alcohol education and treatment programs, services that increase access to these programs, and rehabilitation services; public safety investments, such as police DUII training and enforcement, firefighter paramedics, street infrastructure that improves safety; support for neighborhood small businesses, especially women-owned and minority-owned businesses; and providing economic opportunity and education to communities disproportionately impacted by cannabis prohibition. Requires independent City Budget Office oversight, annual public reporting, annual City Council vote on allocations, periodic audits on use of funds.