A recent audit report delivered a scathing report of mismanagement and high taxes.

Specific items they unearthed: Lawmakers and voters have enacted at least 20 major taxes that hit Portlanders since 2009. Local taxes on city businesses rose 82% from 2019 to 2023. People leaving Portland have higher incomes than new arrivals. About 40% of transportation assets are in bad shape.

Metro’s supportive housing services tax and Multnomah County’s Preschool for All tax, both assessed on high earners, lifted Portland into second place behind New York in terms of the top marginal tax rate. Portland’s is 13.9%, compared with 14.8% for New York. And: Portland’s homelessness rate is four times the U.S. average.

But fear not, the taxes are slated to go higher as both the Preschool for All income tax and Homeless services tax are slated to increase every few years. By 2027, Portlanders making over $125,000/year will pay a higher tax rate than New York millionaires.

Articles:

• https://www.wweek.com/news/city/2025/01/16/high-taxes-are-hurting-portland-job-growth-and-prodding-wealthy-people-to-leave-report-says/
• https://taxfoundation.org/research/all/state/portland-taxes/
• https://www.oregonlive.com/politics/2025/01/metro-president-releases-details-for-potential-ballot-measure-to-reform-extend-homeless-services-tax.html?outputType=amp
• https://www.oregonlive.com/education/2025/01/portland-school-board-votes-to-refer-183-billion-bond-measure-to-may-ballot.html?outputType=amp