The Natural Areas and Capital Performance Oversight Committee keeps Metro accountable and transparent in its use of capital funds from the $475 million 2019 nature bond and the parks and natural areas levy, which raises about $19 million a year. Voters overwhelmingly approved both measures. The committee will provide transparent oversight of the 2019 bond measure by reviewing implementation to ensure consistency with its requirements and principles so taxpayer funds are used responsibly.
The bond measure supports projects that protect clean water, healthy habitat and access to nature. Any project funded by the bond must fulfill three criteria: advancing racial equity, climate resilience and community engagement. The measure was developed through engagement with a wide range of community members.
The 2019 parks and nature bond measure supports these programs:
- Protect and restore land, $155 million
- Local parks and nature projects, $92 million
- Nature in Neighborhoods capital grants, $40 million
- Metro parks improvements, $98 million
- Walking and biking trails, $40 million
- Large-scale community visions, $50 million
Meet the committee