Parks Levy Oversight Committee (PLOC) Meeting January 2026

Year 5, Meeting 3 - VIRTUAL ONLY

Agenda

Attending

Oversight Committee Members –

• Jacob Van Baalen
• Josh Norton, not in attendance (meeting materials shared)
• Mary Ruble
• Silas Sanderson
• Tim Williams

Youth Liaison – Samantha Harder, not in attendance (meeting materials shared)

Parks Board Liaison – Andre Buenacosa

PP&R and City Staff –

• Sonia Schmanski | Interim PP&R Director
• Sarah Huggins | Sustainable Future Program Manager
• Kellie Torres | External Affairs & Partnerships Manager
• Claudio Campuzano | Finance, Property & Technology Manager
• Bob Del Gizzi | Financial Planning & Analysis Manager
• Claire Flynn | Parks Levy Coordinator

Members of the Public –

• None

Claire Flynn, Levy Coordinator, welcomed participants and lead the group through an icebreaker.

Year 5 Financials to Date

Sarah Huggins, Sustainable Future Program Manager, shared an overview of finances for FY 2025-26 to the latest accounting period. In general, spending is on track and the 2020 Parks Levy is still on track to land, at the end of its fifth and final year, with a minimal balance. Some budget adjustments will be made in the spring technical adjustment to allow for ramp-up to summer 2026 programming (hiring, training, etc.). A large change since the last meeting was that levy tax revenues came in – the bureau anticipates some additional revenue trickling in, but most tax receipts are now in for this fiscal year.

Claudio Campuzano, Financial, Property and Technology Manager, added that taxes coming in are lower than historically due to property tax compression and that contributed to passing the 2025 Parks Levy at a higher rate.

• Mary Ruble asked what was included in the Miscellaneous category under revenue.
  • Claudio clarified that is the interest on investments, or interest on balance.
  • Bob Del Gizzi, Financial Planning & Analysis Manager, added that, in FY 2025-26, PP&R expects an additional million from interest under the Miscellaneous category.

The PLOC had no further questions.

FY 2026-27 Budget

Claudio gave an overview of high-level citywide budget context, which included guidance to develop three General Fund (GF) budget scenarios (current service level, reduction of 3% GF, and reduction of 10% GF) of PP&R's $80 million of GF discretionary. Additionally, cost increases to internal services of 9% per year is impacting the PP&R budget. Claudio also shared a broad timeline of budget submittals and decision points.

Sarah added that the 2025 Parks Levy rate that voters adopted did not include additional contingency or buffer around shrinking General Fund or General Fund reductions, and that updated internal services costs are also new information since the 2025 Parks Levy was referred and passed. Sarah also outlined the 2025 Parks Levy intention for FY 2026-27 (Year 1), which included sustaining service levels, adding $2 million for capital projects, and the hiring of one FTE position to focus on partnership program development.

• Mary clarified that if General Fund dollars are reduced, the percentage of support that the Parks Levy provides increases – and PP&R may not be able to achieve all of the goals committed to in the 2025 Parks Levy. PP&R staff confirmed.
• Mary also asked how much General Fund budget is allocated toward capital maintenance, in addition to the $2 million allocated with the 2025 Parks Levy.
  • Claudio shared $5 million GF is allocated annually to capital maintenance.
  • Mary asked if that $5 million would also be subject to decreases and Claudio noted that it would potentially be.
  • Sarah noted that the operating budget does not include capital or enterprise (Portland International Raceway, Golf) budgets.
  • Mary asked if cuts would be taken from those programs outside of the operating budget. Claudio shared that as enterprise funds they typically have not taken cuts,  but golf rates increased and there was a golf fund transfer to PP&R GF last fiscal year.

Amanda Manjarrez, Policy Strategies & System Improvement Manager, shared an overview of PP&R's Healthy Parks, Healthy Portland framework and how outcomes are being applied to budget decisions, a timeline to PP&R budget development, and where Parks Levy commitments align with budget development categories. She reviewed tiered criteria for 1) non-negotiable budget items, 2) critical budget items , and 3) important budget items. Amanda opened the discussion from PLOC feedback on the three tiers for budget criteria and implementation. She also reviewed a proposed values framework to utilize in prioritizing potential budget packages once the criteria has been applied, and asked for feedback.

• Mary commended the approach and noted it is a realistic way to look at cuts that need to be taken. She added that a question about cost-effectiveness might be another layer of analysis. For example, could money be save by updating existing infrastructure instead of building new facilities or structures.
• Jacob Van Baalen asked if there is a matrix underneath the analysis questions or a weighted system for each budget item for scoring, particularly when programs or items are aligned with the criteria questions.
  • Amanda clarified that organizing by priority helped focus conversations instead of looking at single budget line items. As PP&R enters the next phase, a weighted approach based on Bureau recommendation that is more conversational will inform budget decisions and trade-offs.
  • Jacob emphasized that a rubric will make the process replicable and hold decision makers accountable in what actions are taken.
• Mary recommended that high priorities be bolded and shared that the question of "Is it realistic, sustainable, and aligned with reasonable quality standards" is important particularly in the long term.
• Silas Sanderson asked if there are enough criteria questions to give enough answers/visibility to make a decision and compared the approach as an alternatives analysis, particularly where items are competing. He emphasized that having a defendable hierarchy within a value lens system lends itself to stronger comparisons and alignment. Silas also offered tools that show that process and Amanda said they would be great to have.
• Andre Buenacosa, Parks Board Liaison, emphasized that communication around decisions that have been made, and being proactive about messaging, is important particularly for future ballot measures.
• Tim Williams shared that the questions lead to a strong discussion but don't directly move the decision process along. He echoed that having a matrix underneath the questions would improve the decision-making outcomes.
  • Amanda noted that the hope is that the process will continue to be built out, including integration of performance metrics, and new iterations based on feedback.
  • Sonia Schmanski, PP&R Director, added that the process is very much being built and PP&R is figuring out how to use the questions in the decision making process. At this stage, the criteria is informing rather that determining the decisions, especially given the large number of real budget decisions that need to be made.

Amanda talked through next steps in the budget process including bureau submittal to the Mayor's final proposed budget to City Council.

• Sarah added that, in thinking of the values, the intent is that the budget framework is a fairly iterative process and there are opportunities to adjust and identify what is missing – with the ultimate goal being transparency about the values that are being applied.
• Mary asked how PP&R is ensuring that PP&R's proposals to City Council are in line with the priorities of Council.
  • Amanda noted that Tier 1 of the budget criteria includes Council directives.
  • Sonia added that using the expertise of program managers and aligning with prior policy direction and established bureau priorities allows PP&R to put forward reasonable packages for City Council to consider. She shared that her review as Director adds a layer of alignment with Council's stated priorities, formal or otherwise. How things are categorized and organized in the budget also lends to dialogue and well-informed decisions.

Claire Flynn, Levy Coordinator, shared that in previous years, the PLOC has written a letter to City Council during the budget process. The process and timeline this year is still to be determined but engaging and submitting a letter at some point is possible and PP&R will ensure follow up with the PLOC on options.

The PLOC had no additional questions.

2025 Parks Levy Capital Maintenance and Fundraising Updates

Sarah shared that the 2025 Parks Levy included $0.03 for capital maintenance, which is forecasted at just under $1.8 million in FY 2026-27 but will average about $2 million per year over the life of the 2025 Parks Levy. That is in addition to about $5 million GF that PP&R gets annually for capital maintenance. Sarah reviewed the 2025 Parks Levy referral language that stated PP&R would give a project list by district to Councilors and make recommendations for projects. Most recently, PP&R met with the four Council districts to get further direction on process.

Direction included preparing a list for each Council district, including how projects are ranked and prioritized and equity considerations. The lists will focus on what projects are doable with the levy resources and individual project cost estimates of around $1M or less, cumulative lists of up to $4 million per District to select from. There is interest in a restroom focus initially to keep restrooms open and prevent closures, which links to a levy commitment of daily restroom cleaning and care. The goal is having the final project list included in the adopted budget later this spring for implementation next fiscal year.

• Mary asked if the list and projects are only for levy dollar or for the full capital maintenance allocation.
  • Sarah clarified that this is only for levy dollars. Sonia added that, in the upcoming fiscal year, the $5M GF for capital maintenance is already earmarked.
• Tim asked for clarification that the list is broken up by four districts and that the $2M gets broken into four.
  • Sarah clarified that how they split up the $2M is up to City Council.
  • Tim asked how many projects can be done for $500,000.
  • Sarah shared that $500,000 could accomplish a restroom repair or a smaller playground repair. The more projects that are bundled, the further the budget will go.
  • Tim shared that it seems like a lot of effort for a very small amount of money.
  • Sonia noted that City Council has expressed that as well and may lean towards fewer decisions.

Claire asked Mary to share with the group her question about fundraising and partnerships. Mary shared that she asked about what the expectation is for the new partnership work being done with the 2025 Parks Levy, what goals have been set, and what is realistic in terms of raising money in Portland in the current environment.

Kellie Torres, External Affairs & Partnerships Manager, shared optimism that PP&R can reach, and even exceed, the fundraising goal. The $600,000 goal came out of discussions during the referral process and is based on previous Summer Free For All fundraising prior to the 2020 Parks Levy. Realistically, its $3M over five years, especially since initial fundraising does not have the capacity support that the team previously had pre-2019 and relationships were not maintained between then and now. The program is in a capacity-building phase for partnerships, opportunities, and revenue generation. Kellie shared that she is working with the Portland Parks Foundation on revenue generating project goals that include capital projects, legacy benches, and public-private space activation.

• Mary asked if the team is looking mostly at corporate and foundation-type support or also looking to individuals, and how will that partner with the Portland Parks Foundation work.
• Kellie noted that the most immediate need is for media sponsorships for Summer Free For All marketing, including in-kind support. She anticipates that the fundraising will be corporation not individuals, as that wasn't done much in the past. Previously, PP&R did grants through corporate partners and Kellie anticipates larger donations will be from corporations.

There were no additional questions from the committee.

Updates

Claire reminded committee members that an email went out around the Key Performance Indicator (KPI) project with an opportunity to participate in additional discussions around specific performance measures. Sarah thanked PLOC members who participated in the discussions in December and noted that, in addition to the KPIs for the 2025 Parks Levy, additional tools such as the annual report will provide ways to communicate more performance measures.

Claire also reminded members of meetings scheduled the following week to collect PLOC feedback on committee role and function for the next 2025 PLOC – as well as the January 29^th Climate, Resilience, and Land Use Council Committee presentation of the Parks Levy annual report materials.

Sonia thanked the committee for the extra time they committed in recent months particularly with KPIs, feedback, and reporting.

Claire thanked members for attending, noted follow-up items would be forthcoming, and adjourned the meeting.

Meaningful Access Statement

It is the policy of the City of Portland that no person shall be excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination in any city program, service, or activity on the grounds of race, color, national origin, disability, or other protected class status. Adhering to Civil Rights Title VI and ADA Title II civil rights laws, the City of Portland ensures meaningful access to City programs, services, and activities by reasonably providing: translation and interpretation, modifications, accommodations, alternative formats, and auxiliary aids and services. To request these services, contact 503-823-2525, or for Relay Service or TTY, contact 711.

Traducción e Interpretación (Spanish)

Es política de la Ciudad de Portland que ninguna persona sea excluida de participación, se le nieguen los beneficios, o esté sujeta a discriminación en ningún programa, servicio o actividad de la ciudad por motivos de raza, color, nacionalidad, discapacidad u otra condición de clase protegida. En cumplimiento con los Derechos Civiles Título VI y con las leyes de derechos civiles del ADA Título II, la Ciudad de Portland asegura el acceso significativo a programas, servicios y actividades de la ciudad al brindar de manera razonable: traducción e interpretación, modificaciones, adaptaciones, formatos alternativos y ayudas y servicios auxiliares. Para solicitar estos servicios, llame al 503-823-2525, al TTY de la ciudad o al servicio para las personas con problemas auditivos: 711.

Solicitud de traducción o interpretación de PP&R

Biên Dịch và Thông Dịch (Vietnamese)

Chính sách của Thành Phố Portland là không ai bị loại khỏi, bị từ chối phúc lợi, hoặc bị phân biệt đối xử trong bất kỳ chương trình, dịch vụ hay hoạt động nào của thành phố dựa trên chủng tộc, màu da, nguồn gốc quốc gia, khuyết tật, hoặc tình trạng khác được pháp luật bảo vệ. Tuân theo Đạo Luật Dân Quyền (Civil Rights) Khoản VI và Đạo Luật ADA Khoản II, Thành Phố Portland đảm bảo sự tiếp cận hiệu quả đối với các chương trình, dịch vụ và hoạt động của thành phố bằng cách cung cấp một cách hợp lý: dịch vụ biên dịch và thông dịch, biện pháp điều chỉnh, sửa đổi, hình thức thay thế, và thiết bị và dịch vụ phụ trợ.Để yêu cầu các dịch vụ này, hãy liên hệ 503-503-823-2525, Dịch Vụ Chuyển Tiếp: 711.

Yêu Cầu Dịch Vụ Biên Dịch Hoặc Thông Dịch Liên Quan Đển PP&R

口笔译服务 (Simplified Chinese)

波特兰市的政策规定，任何人不得因种族、肤色、国籍、残疾或其他受保护的身份状态而被禁止参与任何城市计划、服务或活动或享有任何城市计划、服务或活动的福利，也不得被歧视。根据《民权法》第六章和 ADA第二章"民权法"的规定，波特兰市须确保市民能够平等参与城市计划、服务和活动，为此要根据需要提供以下各项：口笔译服务、方案修改、住宿、替代格式、辅助工具和服务。如需申请这些服务，请致电 503-823-2525，转接服务：711。

要求 PP&R笔译或口译

Устный и письменный перевод (Russian)

Политика администрации Портленда запрещает отстранять от участия в городских программах и мероприятиях, отказывать в обслуживании и льготах или иным образом подвергать дискриминации на основании расы, цвета кожи, национальности, инвалидности или иного защищенного статуса. В соответствии с разделом VI Закона о гражданских правах и разделом II Закона о правах американских граждан с ограниченными возможностями администрация Портленда заботится о полноценном доступе жителей к городским программам, услугам и мероприятиям. При необходимости доступны устный и письменный перевод, адаптивные меры, специальные устройства, материалы в альтернативном формате и иные вспомогательные средства и услуги. Для заказа этих услуг свяжитесь с нами. Телефон: 503-823-2525; служба коммутируемых сообщений: 711.

Запрос на письменный или устный перевод информации о PP&R

Turjumaad iyo Fasiraad (Somali)

Waxaa kucad siyasada Mgalaada Portland in qofna loodiidi karin kaqaybgalka, loodiidi karin gunooyinka, ama aan latakoori karin wax kamid ah barnaamijyada magalaada, adeegga, ama shaqo sababo laxariira isirkiisam midabkiisa, wadankiisa, naafonimadiisa, ama xaalad kale oo sharcigu difaacaayo. Ayadoo raacaysa Sharciga Xaquuqda Madaniga ah ee Title VI iyo ADA Title II ee sharciyada xaquuqda madaniga ah, Magaalada Portland waxay xaqiijinaysaa barnaamijyo lawada heli karo oo macno leh ayna bixiso magaaladu, adeegyo, iyo shaqooyin ayadoo si sax ah ubixinaysa: turjumaad iyo soojeedin, isbadalo, adeegyo caawimaad ah, noocyo kaladuwan, iyo caawimaado iyo adeegyo dheeri ah. Si aad ucodsato adeegyadaan, wac 503-823-2525, Adeegga Caawimada: 711.

Письмовий і усний переклад (Ukrainian)

Згідно з політикою міста Портленд, жодну особу не можна позбавляти права на участь, відмовляти їй у матеріальній допомозі або піддавати її дискримінації в будь-якій програмі, службі чи діяльності міста на підставі раси, кольору шкіри, етнічного походження, інвалідності або іншого статусу захищених класів. Дотримуючись законів про права громадян, а саме розділу VI Прав громадян і розділу ІІ Закону про права американських громадян з обмеженими можливостями, місто Портленд забезпечує значний доступ до програм, служб і заходів міста, надаючи такі послуги: письмовий і усний переклад, модифікування, адаптування, альтернативні формати, додаткову допомогу й інше. Запитати ці послуги можна, скориставшись контактними даними: 503-823-2525, служба комутаційних повідомлень: 711.

Traducere și interpretariat (Romanian)

Este politica orașului Portland ca nicio persoană să nu fie exclusă din programe, servicii sau activități ale orașului, să nu i se refuze acestea și să nu facă obiectul unor discriminări pe bază de rasă, culoare, naționalitate, dizabilități sau alte situații vizând categorii protejate. Respectând legile privind drepturile civile „Civil Rights" (Drepturile Civile), articolul VI, și „ADA" (Americans with Disabilities Act - Legea privind americanii cu dizabilități), articolul II, orașul Portland asigură acces adecvat la programe, servicii și activități ale orașului oferind, în mod rezonabil: servicii de traducere și interpretariat, modificări, cazare, formate diferite, ajutoare și servicii auxiliare. Pentru a solicita aceste servicii, contactați 503-823-2525, Serviciu de retransmitere: 711.

अनुवादनतथाव्याख्या (Nepali)

पोर्टल्यान्डकोशहरकोनीतिहोकिकुनैपनिव्यक्तिलाईजाति,रङ,राष्ट्रियमूल,असक्षमतावाअन्यसंरक्षितवर्गीकरणस्थितिकोआधारमाकुनैपनिशहरकाकार्यक्रम,सेवावाक्रियाकलापमासहभागीहुनभेदभावगरिने,वञ्चितगरिने,लाभहरूप्रदानगर्नबाटअस्वीकारगरिनेछैन।नागरिकअधिकारशीर्षक VIर ADAशीर्षक IIनागरिकअधिकारकोकानूनहरूकोपालनागर्दै,पोर्टल्यान्डकोशहरलेशहरकाकार्यक्रमहरू,सेवाहरूरक्रियाकलापहरूमाबराबरपहुँचनिश्चयगर्नकोलागिनिम्नप्रदानगर्दछ:अनुवादनरव्याख्या,परिमार्जन,आवास,वैकल्पिकढाँचाहरूरसहायकसामग्रीरसेवाहरू।यीसेवाहरूअनुरोधगर्नकोलागि 503-823-2525,रिलेसेवा: 711मासम्पर्कगर्नुहोस्।

Chiaku me Awewen Kapas (Chuukese)

Mi annuk non ewe City of Portland pwe esap wor emon esap etiwa an epwe fiti, esap angei feiochun, are epwe kuna iteingau non meinisin an ew tetenimw kewe mokutukut, aninnis, are mwich nongonong won i chon ia, enuan, chon menni muu, weiresin inis, are pwan ew tapin aramas mi auchea are pisekisek. Fan itan an fiti Civil Rights Title VI me ADA Title II annuken pungun manau, ewe City of Portland mi ennetata pwe epwe wor etiwaoch ngeni an ewe tetenimw mokutukut, aninnis, me mwichren an aworaochu: chiaku me awewen kapas, ekkesiwin, etufich, sokonon napanap, me pwan ekkoch minen awewe me aninnis. Ika ka mochen ekkei pekin aninnis, kokori 503-823-2525, Fon Fan Itan Ekkewe mi wor Ar Osukosukan Manau: 711.