June 21, 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Maria Sipin
Councilor Mitch Green’s Office Debunks Myths on Tax Migration, Defends Preschool for All Program
Portland, OR – A detailed report released today by the office of Portland City Councilor Mitch Green dismantles the narrative that Oregon’s taxes—particularly Multnomah County’s Preschool for All (PFA) tax—are driving high-income residents away. The study, titled "Multnomah County Fiscal Migration Analysis for Preschool for All," dissects claims that the PFA tax is a primary driver of migration, revealing instead that migration is largely unrelated to the tax and that the number of taxpayers funding PFA is growing annually.
Key Findings of the Report:
- Portland taxes are average: Portland's tax burden is around 16th highest among 51 large US cities, lower than Los Angeles but higher (though much more progressive) than Seattle.
- No Evidence of Mass Wealth Flight: Most residents leaving Multnomah County move to adjacent counties or states with similar tax burdens.
- Migration Largely Unaffected by PFA: Most of those who left the County were not subject to the PFA tax, undermining claims that the tax drives migration.
- Growing Taxpayer Base: The number of households paying the PFA tax has increased each year since implementation.
The report comes amid coordinated efforts by opponents of Preschool for All to weaken or eliminate the program. "These attacks rely on misleading data, ignoring the program’s proven benefits and overwhelming public support," said Green. "The data is clear: the PFA tax is not causing an exodus. What we're seeing is a vocal minority of ultra-wealthy individuals prioritizing marginal tax savings over the wellbeing of our children and communities."
Councilor Green also expressed astonishment that state and local officials would seek to cut universal programs to reduce taxes on top income-earners just one week before Donald Trump will attempt to pass his Big Beautiful Bill. "At a time when the federal government is gutting social programs to fund tax cuts for billionaires, we cannot capitulate to anti-tax fearmongering. It seems to me that the worst possible time to shy away from building a strong social safety net based upon local progressive taxation is when the federal government is doing fascism."
Undermining Democracy and Voter Will
The ballot initiative campaign for universal preschool focused on Multnomah County's dire early-education needs, and the high cost of childcare in Portland (currently the fourth highest in the U.S.). The program was designed to fill gaps in a badly underfunded preschool system and eventually expand to providing universal access by 2030. The measure passed in 2020 with 64% voter approval, a clear mandate for universal preschool.
"Oregon's wealthy elite are trying to undermine the will of Multnomah County voters, who demanded universal preschool. They're citing factually inaccurate data to justify stealing opportunities from our children. This isn't just cruel – it's anti-democratic," said Olivia Katbi, co-chair of Portland Democratic Socialists of America, a group that played a key role in pushing for PFA.
Councilor Green urges policymakers to reject efforts to weaken PFA and calls for expanding progressive revenue tools to support working families. "We must not let the interests of a few wealthy individuals override the will of voters and compromise our children’s future," Green concluded. "PFA is a model for the nation. We will defend it."
Preschool for All Launching in Portland Parks
Portland Parks Preschool is now a Preschool for All Provider for the 2025-2026 school year for children ages three and four as part of the County’s effort to scale up. Registration ended in April with families selected using the County’s lottery system. In Portland's District 4, Southwest Community Center is a host site for PFA.
Access the Full Report
Dean, Erik. 2025. Multnomah County Fiscal Migration Analysis for Preschool for All. Portland, OR: Office of Councilor Mitch Green.
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