Portland Parks System Development Charge — Update

Ruling in Portland Parks SDC lawsuit recognizes City’s error, but gives unprecedented privilege to City; appeal likely

Portland’s controversial Parks funding plan took a hit as a Multnomah County Circuit Court judge ruled on May 18, 2016 that the City of Portland did not properly address and account for the new costs it imposed on new homes and jobs with its recently adopted Parks System Development Charge (SDC) structure. The ruling came as a result of a challenge put forward by a coalition of business organizations in Portland, following City Council’s 3-2 vote in May 2015 to adopt significantly higher fees for Parks development.