Description: The Children’s Levy currently generates approximately $21 million annually which is invested in community-based programming for children and families in early childhood, child abuse prevention/intervention, foster care, after-school and mentoring, and hunger relief.  Programs are funded through a competitive process and monitored for performance over time. The Levy also collaborates with a range of partners and other funders in a variety of ways and provides training and technical assistance to grantees. An Allocation Committee oversees Levy funding decisions.

The Levy was created by city voters in 2002 and renewed in 2008, 2013, and Spring 2018. The Levy reaches over 8,000 children and their families annually; in addition, Levy-funded hunger relief services provide food to over 11,000 children and 9,167 parents/caregivers annually.

Committee advises designated bureau staff on a limited term.

Total seats available: Three

Term length: Two year

Volunteer position description: The Levy is overseen by a five-member Allocation Committee that meets publicly in City Hall to make funding decisions. It is composed of one Portland City Commissioner, one Multnomah County Commissioner,  two citizens appointed by the City, and one, by the County. Those interested in the citizen appointments should contact the City of Portland Mayor’s Office and the Multnomah County Chair’s office regarding their appointment process.

Bureau host: Mayor Wheeler's Office

Contact: Mary Gay Broderick, 503-823-2947

Website: www.portlandchildrenslevy.org