So, check this out… to provide clarity on Portland's fiscal outlook, I have compiled a detailed list of all new taxes, fees, levies, and rate increases scheduled for 2026 and 2027.

The combined financial impact for YOU is significant. And if you’re not paying attention. You should be… b/c this is getting out of hand. 

These annual increases will have a notable impact on a typical single-family household.

Arts Tax increase ($35 → $50/person) +$15–$30/yr (single/joint)

New Parks Levy ($1.40 per $1,000 assessed value) +$310/yr

New 'Transportation Utility Fee' street fee (Jan 2027)+$144/yr

Water rate hike +8.1% (Jul 2026) +$64/yr

Sewer/stormwater +5.15% (Jul 2026) +$59/yr

PGE electricity +5% (Apr 2026) +$96/yr

NW Natural gas +4.7% + more hikes +$72/yr

Conservative total (before income taxes & parking) ~$775–$1,200+/yr

This estimate excludes the recent increase in downtown parking meter rates from $2.20 to $3.60 per hour, a 63 percent rise implemented last July with limited public notice. Event parking rates also increased by 25 percent, and permit fees rose by approximately 8 percent.

For dual-income households earning over approximately $205,000, there is already a 1 percent Metro SHS tax and a 1.5 percent Preschool for All tax, resulting in a combined 2.5 percent local income tax before Oregon’s 9.9 percent state rate is applied.

In 2027, the Preschool for All tax rate will increase to 2.3 percent, and to 3.8 percent for joint incomes exceeding $400,000. For a $75,000 amount above the threshold, this increase alone results in an additional $600 per year. 

Portland-area households are subject to local income taxes that are uncommon in other cities. 

The Parks Levy applies to all homeowners, and the Transportation Utility Fee affects every household, including renters, since landlords are likely to pass on the cost. Utility rate increases apply to all residents, with no income-based exemptions.

A comparison with Seattle and San Francisco shows that Seattle has higher base property taxes but no city income tax, and its utility rate increases are similar or slightly lower. San Francisco has raised water and sewer rates but does not impose a local income tax. 

In contrast, Portland residents face levies, fees, income taxes, and utility increases all within the same year. This prompts consideration of the benefits residents receive in return.

City officials may note that the Parks Levy replaces a previous levy, resulting in an increase of 'only' $132 per year. They may also describe the Transportation Utility Fee as 'just $12 a month' and the Arts Tax increase as 'only $15.' 

While each increase may seem modest individually, their combined effect creates a substantial new financial burden for households.

I do not question the need for park funding. However, implementing multiple increases at once may create affordability challenges for residents.

All politics is local. Make note, bc unlike a lot of you…im not getting an annual increase of 5% in my salary nor is anything else getting cheaper. 

We need to audit and decide what exactly are our nice to haves and our wants, b/c we can’t do both if you ask me.

I know everyone is tired of 'Portland is in a doom loop' posts but I actually sat down and tallied every new tax, fee, levy, and rate hike hitting us in 2026 and 2027. The total is genuinely insane.

New annual costs hitting a typical single-family household

Arts Tax increase ($35 → $50/person) +$15–$30/yr (single/joint)

New Parks Levy ($1.40 per $1,000 assessed value) +$310/yr

New 'Transportation Utility Fee' street fee (Jan 2027)+$144/yr

Water rate hike +8.1% (Jul 2026) +$64/yr

Sewer/stormwater +5.15% (Jul 2026) +$59/yr

PGE electricity +5% (Apr 2026) +$96/yr

NW Natural gas +4.7% + more hikes +$72/yr

Conservative total (before income taxes & parking) ~$775–$1,200+/yr

That's before the downtown parking meters jumping from $2.20 → $3.60/hr (a 63% increase that happened last July with basically zero coverage), event parking going up 25%, and permit fees rising another ~8%.

And if you're a dual-income household earning over ~$205K? You're already paying 1% Metro SHS tax plus 1.5% Preschool for All on top of that: a 2.5% combined local income tax hit before Oregon's 9.9% state rate even enters the picture.

Then in 2027, the Preschool for All rate jumps to 2.3% (and up to 3.8% above $400K joint). On a $75K slice above the threshold, that PFA increase alone adds roughly $600/yr more. Portland-area households are stacking local income taxes that peer cities simply don't have. The Parks Levy alone hits every homeowner. The TUF street fee hfits every household... renters included, because landlords will absolutely pass it through. The utility hikes hit everyone. There is no bracket. There is no opt-out..

I compared us to Seattle and SF. Seattle has higher base property taxes but no city income tax and their utility hikes are similar or slightly lower. SF passed big water/sewer hikes too but has no local income tax either. Portland has ALL of it simultaneously. The levies, the fees, the income taxes, the utility hikes...all in the same 12-month window. For what in return?

The city will tell you the Parks Levy replaces an expiring one so it's 'only' $132/yr extra. They'll tell you the TUF is 'just $12/month.' The city and county tell you the Arts Tax increase is 'only $15.' Every single one sounds reasonable in isolation. Add them up and you're looking at a grand minimum for a regular household just trying to keep the lights on.

I'm not saying don't fund parks. I'm saying maybe don't do everything at once and then act confused when people can't afford to stay.

edit: +$15–$30/yr (single/joint) for arts tax

Across from the Hollywood Trader Joe’s, a new food cart pod/bar project called The Callback has been under construction since last year and is finally getting close to opening.

The project is taking over the old attorney office property with the surprisingly huge lot tucked behind it. The renovated house will become a cocktail bar/taproom, while the parking lot is being transformed into a courtyard with up to 9 food carts.

The owners say they’re intentionally designing it to not feel like “a parking lot with food carts attached to a bar.” The space will include:

1. Semi-enclosed climate-controlled patio
2. Indoor bar + basement event space
3. Trivia, bingo, movies, and community events
4. Diverse food cart lineup (no duplicate cuisines)
5. Vendor-friendly infrastructure (natural gas, storage, underground utilities, etc.)
6. Family-friendly setup but still bar-oriented enough for adults hanging out solo

They’re also lowering the main level to street grade to maximize usable space and improve accessibility.

The location honestly feels pretty strategic considering everything happening in Hollywood right now:

1. Hollywood Hub apartments under construction
2. Hollywood Q opening nearby
3. Hollywood Film District plans
4. MAX station a few minutes away
5. Tons of existing apartment density already in the neighborhood

The owners describe it as a spot where families, couples, solo bar-goers, and neighborhood regulars can all coexist comfortably. They are hiring too.

Construction is expected to wrap at the end of June, with an August 1 opening target if there aren’t delays.

Honestly seems like a pretty big upgrade for that stretch of Hollywood.

What are the highlights or lowlights of this festival. Haven't been, but the lineup looks solid. Family Worship Center is f-ing awesome.

Any ProTips on this one?

Seems reasonable ...

Weekend Pass - Standard

$160

Available until Jun 14

Camp out and enjoy a weekend of music, art, and community. This ticket price expires June 14! Gates open Thursday 7/16/26 at 4pm, and checkout is Monday 7/20/26 at 11am. Tent camping is included with your Weekend Pass! Camp out and enjoy a weekend of music, art, and community. This ticket price expires June 14! Gates open Thursday 7/16/26 at 4pm, and checkout is Monday 7/20/26 at 11am. Tent camping is included with your Weekend Pass.

I don't get it. You list tickets...then you flake out? You don't answer requests or questions. What's the point? I don't get it... wake up hippie.