What You Need To Know
Portland has seen its fair share of smart, managed growth, making our city a magnet for thriving families and new enterprises. In May, Portland residents will go to the polls to consider the creation of a self-contained leisure zone to allow businesses to sell alcoholic beverages only within a designated area within our city.
VOTE On May 7, 2022
Here’s The Vision
As our population has grown, so has our need for leisure, entertainment and outdoor space to call our own.
Our population has increased by 35% in the last decade.
We’ve enhanced public buildings, but we still lack an area that captures our culture and brings neighbors, families and businesses together.
Here’s how we'd get there
We aim to develop an underutilized area that would include an active green space with spots for vendors, food and activities. A new city ordinance will allow businesses to tastefully sell adult beverages during specific hours.
To get there, we need to allow for alcohol sales in the contained district.
It will be:
- A master-planned district with guidelines and standards
- A project that will respect nearby residential properties
- A walkable area that promotes health and wellness
- A place to shop, dine and celebrate locally-owned businesses
It won’t be:
- A place for pool halls or dive bars
- A place for loud or obnoxious noise
- A place for late night hangouts
- A place for criminal activity or mischief
Location
Here’s where it would happen
The new development would be built in Old Town and include a green space and other areas that can accommodate shops, pet parks or small music venues.
It would create a place that welcomes families to bring their pets, browse shops, enjoy local eats, or have a nice mixed drink, glass of wine or craft brew.
Benefits
Here are the Financial Components
Low Risk Investment
Historic downtowns and higher density new developments outperform every other type of development in terms of return on investment in general maintenance.
Increased Revenue
Historic downtown redevelopments are proven to be economic catalysts. Examples like Bastrop and Pflugerville show an increase in commercial property tax and sales tax revenues, reducing the tax burden on citizens.
Closing the Fiscal Gap
Added revenue from the development would be a big step forward to reducing cost to taxpayers.
Increased Appraisal Value
This area has some of the lowest appraisal values in the entire city. It brings in less revenue and is supported by revenues from other parts of town.
VOTE
On May 7, 2022
With state legislation already in place just for Portland, voters will decide whether to allow businesses within this new, self-contained zone to open establishments like boutique wineries or craft breweries.
Additional Details, Locations & Information
SB 1216LED Map CreationCity Ordinance 2257Voting InformationSample BallotFAQ