Oregon votes on environmental values

The 2016 elections showed once again that Oregonians strongly value healthy, safe and sustainable lives. We’re willing to put our money where our values are and invest in our environment for today and into the future.

Voters in Oregon showed that they were aligned with OEC in support of four ballot measures (see details below). supporters. Now that elections are over and the 2017 legislative session is coming up fast, OEC staff are humbled and grateful to work on behalf of Oregonians across the state to build innovative, collaborative and equitable environmental solutions.

Across the State

 66.5% YES: Outdoor School for All. Oregon students across the state will have the opportunity to participate in outdoor education with a week-long outdoor school program. Allowing every student the time and place to really connect with the land, water and wildlife is a value that Oregonians can stand behind.

In Portland

61% YES: “Affordable Homes:” Portland can now bring $258.4 million to bear on addressing our housing crisis. The City of Portland’s 20-year general bond will be applied to build or preserve rental units for low-income households. Safe and stable housing is an essential “environment” for health and well-being. What’s more, affordable housing options will help ensure that lower-income residents have better access to school and work as well as accessible transit, which will result in less driving leading to cleaner air and safer streets.

In the Portland Metro Region 

73.5% YES The Protect Our Natural Areas ballot measure renews Metro’s current parks and natural areas levy. Portland voters spoke up loudly in favor of preserving and protecting air, water and wildlife in 17,000 acres of parks, trails, and natural areas—and to make those areas accessible to residents through improved public access, educational programming, and grant programs that focus on historically disenfranchised communities.

YES Tualatin Soil and Water Conservation District Levy: Tualatin’s soil and water conservation district, the only district in the Portland metro area without a stable tax base, will now have a levy funding the district’s core programs: protecting clean and plentiful water and habitats, increasing soil health and controlling erosion and invasive weeds, and promoting forest health and urban conservation.