Supportive Housing Services Levy
Overview
On May 19, 2020, voters approved Measure 26-210 to raise money for supportive housing services for people experiencing homelessness or at risk of experiencing homelessness.
The program is funded by a 1% tax on taxable income of of more than $125,000 for individuals and $200,000 for couples filing jointly, and a 1% tax on profits from businesses with gross receipts of more than $5 million. Tax collection revenues from this 10-year levy is projected by mid-year 2021.
The Metro Measure:
- Metro Ordinance No. 20-1445. For the purpose of seeking voter approval of a personal income tax and business profits tax for supportive housing services. https://www.oregonmetro.gov/sites/default/files/2020/02/24/metro-council-ordinance-20-1442-20200223.pdf (2/25/2020)
- Metro Resolution No. 20-5085. For the purpose of recognizing the Here Together framework for supportive housing services and directing the development of a workplan. https://www.oregonmetro.gov/sites/default/files/2020/02/24/metro-council-resolution-20-5085-20200223.pdf
Apply to Metro Regional Oversight Committee
Metro seeks a diverse group of regional professionals and community leaders to serve on the regional oversight committee.
Oversight committee applications accepted through Oct. 2, 2020. To apply, visit online at https://www.oregonmetro.gov/public-projects/supportive-housing-services/oversight-committee
Frequently Asked Questions
- Will county residents have the opportunity to help create the priorities for the supportive housing services funds?
Yes. The Washington County Local Implementation Plan (LIP) Committee requires robust community involvement as we develop our regional priorities. - How will the County decide where to invest service dollars?
The County’s LIP will include input from the community as we work to identify local priorities which must be aligned with the following core values:
- Lead with racial equity
- Create opportunity for those in need
- Create opportunity throughout the region
- Ensure long-term benefits and good use of public dollars
- How long will it take to begin providing services?
Washington County is leading a planning process to identify the gaps in resources to meet the needs of our homeless community members. Metro has set a goal for the implementation plans to be approved by Spring 2021, with the targeted dates as follows:
- August - November 2020: Stakeholder engagement to inform the Local Implementation Plan for accountability/oversight
- December 2020: Washington County Board of Commissioners review final LIP and approve submission to Metro Regional Oversight Committee
- January through Spring 2021: Metro approve the County's LIP and execute an Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA)
- Summer 2021: Tax collection revenues will be made available for implementing priorities identified in the LIP
Jurisdictional Partners
Washington County is working with Metro for implementation of the levy. To find out more about the Supportive Housing Services funds visit the website:
Metro Supportive Housing Services: Addressing Homelessness
