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
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
- Will prior community engagement and work to address homelessness leverage the development of the Local Implementation Plan (LIP)?
Washington County and the LIP Committee will reference existing plans and reports, as appropriate, to include:
- Leading With Race: Research Justice in Washington County (2018)
- A Road Home: Community Plan to Prevent and End Homelessness (2018)
- Washington County Affordable Housing Bond Local Implementation Strategy (2019)
- Community Health Improvement Plan (2017)
- Housing Justice in Washington County: Findings from Communities of Color (2019)
- Tri-County Equitable Housing Strategy to Expand Supportive Housing for People Experiencing Chronic Homelessness (2019)
- Governance, Costs, and Revenue Raising to Address and Prevent Homelessness in the Portland Tri-County Region (2019)
- 2020-2024 Consolidate Plan (2020)
- Improving Permanent Supportive Housing Service Delivery (2020)
4. 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 - January 2021: Washington County Board of Commissioners receive the LIP. A public comment period to be announced. Board 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.
Metro Regional Oversight Committee
Metro seeks a diverse group of regional professionals and community leaders to serve on the regional oversight committee .Following an open application period that ended 10/2/2020, Metro has provided each County with a list of applicants from their jurisdiction, with final appointments to be determined in the near future. Thank you to all who applied. For additional information on the Metro SHS Regional Oversight Committee, visit the Metro website at https://www.oregonmetro.gov/public-projects/supportive-housing-services/oversight-committee
