What happened: Voters in Portland, Ore. overwhelmingly approved a gas tax renewal question on the May 21 ballot with 72 percent support. The local 10 cents-per-gallon motor fuel tax was originally approved in 2016 with 52 percent of the vote and renewed again in 2020 with 77 percent support.
Why it matters: The local gas tax will generate $70.5 million for Portland transportation infrastructure over the next four years, with revenue split evenly between paving projects, traffic safety projects, and community street services. The tax, which comes up for renewal again in 2024, makes up a third of the city’s transportation funding. Even with the measure’s approval, city officials warn there could be a budget shortfall due to declining parking revenue and the impact of inflation on the flat fuel tax.
What comes next: Follow ARTBA-TIAC for ballot measure updates after the November election.