Metro considering November ballot measure to tweak Supportive Housing Services tax
PORTLAND, Ore. (KATU) — Metro is considering posing a question to voters in November to change the Supportive Housing Services (SHS) tax, which was approved by voters in 2020 and has since collected hundreds of millions in funds for homeless services.
The Chief Operating Officer of Metro is expected to present potential ballot measures to the Metro Council during its work session on July 9. Marissa Madrigal told the council on June 11 that she will likely propose changing the tax to allow counties to spend the revenue on affordable housing.
"I have a hard time seeing my recommendation not including some change to SHS to include it to be used for affordable housing," Madrigal said.
The SHS tax has exceeded expectations in terms of revenue. In its first fiscal year, it collected about $240 million, according to Metro. In Fiscal Year 2023, collections ballooned up to $336.6 million. The tax is expected to bring in a similar amount for FY2024.
https://m.katu.com/news/local/metro-considering-november-ballot-measure-to-tweak-supportive-housing-services-tax