Survey: Less than half of Portlanders say city 'pretty seriously off on the wrong track'

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — A survey conducted earlier this summer found that nearly half of Portland survey respondents believe the city is “pretty seriously off on the wrong track" — but officials said this is the first time the figure has been that low since May 2020.

For the survey conducted from July 17 to July 25, FM3 Research interviewed 664 locals who are likely to vote in May 2025. Portland Parks and Recreation released the results on Tuesday.

While 47% of respondents said the city is on the "wrong track," that figure has declined from the last in November 2023, when 61% of Portlanders believed the city is on the "wrong track." Survey results show February 2022 was when the highest number of respondents agreed the city was "pretty seriously off on the wrong track," at 78%.

Findings also show 39% of Portland residents said the city is "generally headed in the right direction" as of July 2024 — an increase from the 26% of survey respondents who agreed with the sentiment in November 2023. About 14% of voters said they didn't know.

The latest survey primarily focuses on whether respondents would support an increase of Portland’s Parks Levy.

The current levy, approved in November 2020, establishes a property tax of $0.80 for every $1000 of assessed value — garnering about $47 million annually over five years to “maintain neighborhood parks appropriately, improve access and safety, provide equitable recreation programs, and proactively care for its natural areas and urban forest.”

But with the levy expiring next year, officials are hoping voters will back a similar tax next spring.

“We’re committed to providing decision-makers with robust information about what’s important to Portlanders,” Deputy City Administrator Sonia Schmanski said in a statement. “This research helps our elected officials develop investment strategies that reflect community values.”

About 64% of respondents stated they would vote in favor of a $1.60 levy, after learning further information about the funding.

When asked if they would approve a $1.80 “Portland Vibrant Communities levy” that also covers the arts, thus replacing the Arts Tax, about 61% of people said “yes.”

Additionally, nearly 80% of respondents asserted city parks are very or extremely important to their quality of life. Another 77% of voters said they are at least somewhat satisfied with the services PP&R offers.